HD-XA2 or PS3?

That's the question. I already own a HD-A2 player and my HD-DVD discs look amazing but I have read on many different websites that with the HD-XA2's upconverting capabilities that it might be the best player on the market. I've been thinking about trying to win one or eBay but I can't afford to get it and a PS3 at the same time. How good is the PS3 at upconverting? All I have read is that it doesn't do as good a job as any of the HD-DVD players. I want my SD discs to look as best as possible.

Of course, having gone with HD-DVD it's harder to even watch DVD's now. High Definition feels like it will be the course of the future for home entertainment. I want a Blu Ray player. Plus I'd have gaming capabilities (though I don't play very many games, there are a few I'd be interested in every year).

Anyway, this is my current dillema. As for my setup, I have an Olevia 27" 1080i/720p HDTV. I will soon (probably around July) be getting a 1080p Set (not sure of what brand to choose) in the 40" to 46" range.

was this post lost in some timewarp?

you have heard that HD DVD lost "the war" right? Out of those two choices, the answer is a PS3.

Then I would wait for the next gen BD players coming this summer/fall.

Why? Are they expected to be better at Upconversion of SD DVD's in addition to being Blu Ray players?

I doubt that but the new players will have the latest bd profiles and other features that have been lacking on the early machines.

the PS3 is very good at upconverting, arguably better than your current A2. the benefit you will get from being Blu-ray-capable far outweighs the slight upconverting advantage of the XA2.

If you were upgrading to a very large (60"+) screen, or you are particularly sensitive to combing, I'd say get the XA2. It's the best DVD player I've owned - even better than the couple of Faroudja players I had before over the years.

Get the PS3.

The PS3 is already profile 2.0, the Denon line is 1.0 and will play Bonus View content.


And yeah....why buy a new HD player???

I've compared a SD disc on both the PS3 and A3...they are so damn close. Least in my set up, not sure there is a clear "winner".

If your main interest is just dvd upconversion get the HD-XA2.

However, the PS3 is really good upconverting dvds. I don't know if at your TV size you'll see a difference between the HD-XA2 and the PS3.
I have an HD-XA1 and a PS3, I've compared them in my 92' screen with a Panny projector and the XA1 looks a little bit better. I watch most of my dvds in that player. However but I'm lazy and don't want to wait, the XA1 is really slow loading movies, I just use the PS3.

Thanks Guys! I think I'll just go ahead and get a PS3 since I will still have a pretty strong upconverter and can then buy Blu Ray discs and PS3 video games.

If you can find an XA2 for around $200, I'd do it, depending on your HD DVD collection size.

I have about 50.

Sounds like you've made the right choice!!! My PS3 is great for upconversion.