datagirl7

I did a search, but most of the threads are at least a couple months old, so I wondered if OPPO is still most likely the best choice for dvd upscaling with HDMI output? Are there any others I should seriously consider?

Thanks!

dg7 (whose dvd player just committed suicide)

Sdallnct

(cough...cough) - standard recommendation....Toshiba HD-A3

Very, very nice up converting DVD player. Less then Oppo (can usually be found for $150, but often less), and as a bonus plays HD DVD very nicely....

I now have TWO!

(The Oppo would be my recommendation if you need region free, play divx, and all the other formats the A3 will not).

Spiky

The best would be the Denon 5810 or 3830. They have the Realta T2 chip. Everything else has Faroudja, Reon, or crap.

datagirl7

Thanks! I'll look into those. Glad I asked. Oppo seemed really recommended before. Glad to know of othe rchoices. DivX and region free aren't important to me.

mzupeman2

Well then I also suggest you go for that HD-DVD player that was recommended. Good price, and it plays HD. Can't go wrong.

JACOB

the ps3 also does a great job with upconversion.

Jacob

Sdallnct

Yes...the PS3 does do a good job of up conversion (I've had one for 14months and can vouch for the improvement when the FW upgrade included up conversion).

But I don't recommend it for an everyday player. It might be just me, but I cannot stand that it cannot be easily, totally integrated into my system. Meaning it will not work with my Harmony remote (and yea, I know the work around, but that work around still will not power the unit on and off).

I have the PS3 in my media room. But when my up converting DVD player started acting up, I bought a Toshiba HD-A3 to use as my everyday player. Integrates beautifully with my Harmony, and works seamlessly for wife and kids.

Sure if you want the media center and games, it is a great value. But if you don't need/want those, then the Toshiba is a better value IMHO.

datagirl7

Still didn't get one and with the recent developments, I don't think I want an HD-DVD one. So I'd love to get a Blu-ray player that did good upconverting with HDMI. Any ideas?

Raul3

PS3 if you want BR.

cultshock

I agree. I recently picked up a 2nd A3 for the bedroom TV for 90 bucks. Who cares if HD DVD is about done, I seriously doubt if I could buy a better upconverting player for the same price, and the fact that it can also play HD DVDs is just a bonus. From what I've seen so far, I think the A3 does a great job in upconverting standard DVDs. If you can get one for under $100 (very likely at this point), I'd recommend getting one just for the upconverting.

TheV

Do both the 980 and 981 upconvert PAL and the other regions? What is the difference exactly between the 980 and 981? Better resolution?

datagirl7

Thanks I just ordered the A3.

retihsuhnt

Would I be as happy with an HD-A30 as I would with the above-recommended HD-A3?

mick0016

I own both the Oppo 970-HD and the Toshiba HD-A3. If playing DIVX and region free aren't important, go with the A3. The only negative on the A3 is the 30 second wait time when you put in a disc. If you can live with that minor nit pick, definitely pick one up for $80 while they are still in the stores.

dhmac

If you want 1080p output, you'll be even happier.

retihsuhnt

Thanks for the prompt responses.

On Monday night I was fortunate enough to find a "new" HD-A30 at my local Best Buy for $130 and last night I was fortunate enough to find a "new" HD-A35 at my local Frys for $150.

Best Buy was willing to sell me their HD-A35 display model for $135, I decided best to stick with a "new" item and this way I qualify for the rebate.

I figured if I was looking at the HD-A30 for future 1080p abilities, why not spend the extra $20 for a little something more.

And the best part was that the HD-A35 came with Transformers as one of the two (2) movies included in the box. While 300 wasnt a bad movie, it just wasnt a movie that I would have bought for my library.

Now all I need is a 1080p HDTV and I'm set.

SUPERMANROB

Yes ihave the A35 and it's a great machine. Does great with upconverting also