Best dual format player

HDoofus · 07-05-2009, 12:11 PM

I have a Toshiba A20, which I love, and works great. Initially, my plan was to own only a few HD DVDs and primarily rent from Netflix. So much for that plan.

Now, I'm in the market for a BD/HDDVD dual format player so I can make the most of my display. Is there still a good player on the market that will not only play both formats, but also upconvert SD DVDs to 1080p, like my A20 does?

Many of the reviews on Amazon state that some of the models available now don't have these features, and some don't allow access to HDDVD menus & extras.

I would just buy a BD player in addition to my A20, but my display (42" Aquos) only has two HDMI inputs, which are both taken by the A20 and my satellite receiver.

Any help would be appreciated.

unotis · 07-05-2009, 12:22 PM

You could also get a HDMI switcher where you could plug 3 or 4 of your HDMI cables into the switcher and just run one HDMI to one of the HDMI inputs on the back of your TV.

That way you could have your HD DVD player and a Blu-Ray player both connected and even have room for any additional HDMI sources you might want to add later.

Oppo had a very nice one 3x1 switch available and there others available online just look and find the one you will like at the price you like.

Good luck!

**PFC5** · 07-05-2009, 01:01 PM

A switcher would be a good solution, but the Sat box could always use a component connection and will likely look just as good as an HDMI connection since you would get faster channel changes without the HDCP overhead of the HDMI connection too.

HD Goofnut · 07-05-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDoofus

I have a Toshiba A20, which I love, and works great. Initially, my plan was to own only a few HD DVDs and primarily rent from Netflix. So much for that plan.

Now, I'm in the market for a BD/HDDVD dual format player so I can make the most of my display. Is there still a good player on the market that will not only play both formats, but also upconvert SD DVDs to 1080p, like my A20 does?

Many of the reviews on Amazon state that some of the models available now don't have these features, and some don't allow access to HDDVD menus & extras.

I would just buy a BD player in addition to my A20, but my display (42" Aquos) only has two HDMI inputs, which are both taken by the A20 and my satellite receiver.

Any help would be appreciated.

I have the LG BH200 and with the latest firmware it is almost as fast as my PS3. I got mine as an open box item at Best Buy for $149 a couple months ago and other than being 1.1 profile only it is about the best combo player out there.

unotis · 07-05-2009, 05:39 PM

For just a little more then that he could have a brand new Panasonic BMP BD60K 2.2 profile Blu-Ray player for around $199.00 including shipping.

Then he would have all his bases covered.

HD Goofnut · 07-05-2009, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unotis

For just a little more then that he could have a brand new Panasonic BMP BD60K 2.2 profile Blu-Ray player for around $199.00 including shipping.

Then he would have all his bases covered.

What does 2.1 or 2.2 profile designate?

HDoofus · 07-05-2009, 06:08 PM

Great info, guys. Thanks a lot for the suggestions.

So, does the HDMI switcher degrade the signal at all?

And does going component as opposed to HDMI from the satellite receiver result in any noticeable quality loss?

Thanks again!

Loves2Watch · 07-05-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDoofus

Great info, guys. Thanks a lot for the suggestions.

So, does the HDMI switcher degrade the signal at all? They are not supposed to and the ones I have seen in action do not degrade the picture.

And does going component as opposed to HDMI from the satellite receiver result in any noticeable quality loss? No it shouldn't. In fact many say they prefer the picture quality of component over HDMI from their satellite boxes.

Thanks again!

Hope this helps.

HDoofus · 07-07-2009, 04:54 AM

Yes, it helps a lot. Thanks!

**PFC5** · 07-07-2009, 03:05 PM

Just remember that most displays now have separate picture settings memory for each input so if the change a device to a different input you will have to adjust the picture settings.

07-05-2009, 12:11 PM	#1
HDoofus High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 30	Best dual format player I have a Toshiba A20, which I love, and works great. Initially, my plan was to own only a few HD DVDs and primarily rent from Netflix. So much for that plan. Now, I'm in the market for a BD/HDDVD dual format player so I can make the most of my display. Is there still a good player on the market that will not only play both formats, but also upconvert SD DVDs to 1080p, like my A20 does? Many of the reviews on Amazon state that some of the models available now don't have these features, and some don't allow access to HDDVD menus & extras. I would just buy a BD player in addition to my A20, but my display (42" Aquos) only has two HDMI inputs, which are both taken by the A20 and my satellite receiver. Any help would be appreciated.

07-05-2009, 12:22 PM	#2
unotis UNOTIS Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: FLORIDA Age: 54 Posts: 3,347	You could also get a HDMI switcher where you could plug 3 or 4 of your HDMI cables into the switcher and just run one HDMI to one of the HDMI inputs on the back of your TV. That way you could have your HD DVD player and a Blu-Ray player both connected and even have room for any additional HDMI sources you might want to add later. Oppo had a very nice one 3x1 switch available and there others available online just look and find the one you will like at the price you like. Good luck! __________________ B&K Audio/Video Receiver 507 Harman/Kardon TC30 universal remote Martin Logan Odyssey speakers Martin Logan Center Channel speaker Velodyne DPS-12 Powered Subwoofer B&W rear speakers Toshiba XA1, XA2, A2 HD DVD players Sony PS3 40 GB Panasonic TH-42PZ700U 1080p plasma Panasonic 34" Tau CT-34WX50 widescreen HD-ready CRT Monster Power Center Motorola Dual Tuner DVR/ HDTV capable Officially PURPLE HD DVDs = 105 Blu-Ray Discs = 45 with 5 on the way

07-05-2009, 01:01 PM	#3
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,319	A switcher would be a good solution, but the Sat box could always use a component connection and will likely look just as good as an HDMI connection since you would get faster channel changes without the HDCP overhead of the HDMI connection too. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

07-05-2009, 05:39 PM	#5
unotis UNOTIS Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: FLORIDA Age: 54 Posts: 3,347	For just a little more then that he could have a brand new Panasonic BMP BD60K 2.2 profile Blu-Ray player for around $199.00 including shipping. Then he would have all his bases covered. __________________ B&K Audio/Video Receiver 507 Harman/Kardon TC30 universal remote Martin Logan Odyssey speakers Martin Logan Center Channel speaker Velodyne DPS-12 Powered Subwoofer B&W rear speakers Toshiba XA1, XA2, A2 HD DVD players Sony PS3 40 GB Panasonic TH-42PZ700U 1080p plasma Panasonic 34" Tau CT-34WX50 widescreen HD-ready CRT Monster Power Center Motorola Dual Tuner DVR/ HDTV capable Officially PURPLE HD DVDs = 105 Blu-Ray Discs = 45 with 5 on the way

07-05-2009, 06:08 PM	#7
HDoofus High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 30	^ Great info, guys. Thanks a lot for the suggestions. So, does the HDMI switcher degrade the signal at all? And does going component as opposed to HDMI from the satellite receiver result in any noticeable quality loss? Thanks again!

07-07-2009, 04:54 AM	#9
HDoofus High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 30	^ Yes, it helps a lot. Thanks!

07-07-2009, 03:05 PM	#10
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,319	Just remember that most displays now have separate picture settings memory for each input so if the change a device to a different input you will have to adjust the picture settings. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

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