HDMI. Is it worth the cost of a new dvd player?

[Timmy C]

I'm currently using the prog. scan output for my Arcam DV27A dvd player into a Domino 30H and was wondering how much of a improvment I'm likely to see using a newer player with HDMI. From what I've seen the DV27A is about as good as it gets with component without spending silly money but if an HDMI capable machine is going to be noticably better I might start saving my pennies!

Has anyone switched from component to HDMI and if so was it worth it?

[RTFM]

Hi Tim,

From my personal experience I have found HDMI to give a cleaner, more detailed image than component progressive or interlaced.

Cutting out the D to A and A to D conversion that has to be done with an analogue component feed certainly shows when projecting the Wide Screen Enhanced test patterns on AVIA.

Jeff

[Joe Fernand]

Timmy C

Going Digital can have benefits - though some folk find there are also side effects.

I'd be more inclined to consider adding an Serial Digital (SDI) Output board to your player (approx £350.00) and adding an SDI capable Video Processor between the Player and your Projectors HDMI Input - then call in the ISF boys and have the whole system configured and you'll easily outgun any DVD player on the market.

Best regards

Joe

[Timmy C]

That's something I hadn't considered. What kind of cost am I looking at for one of these video processors and can you recommend some models so I can do some research. As far as getting someone in to calibrate it properly is that a must with these sort of processors or would I still get worthwhile improvements as it is. I intend to get my system professionaly calibrated but not until I've finished changing bits and pieces and built a dedicated cinema room and that may not be for some time!

Cheers

[Joe Fernand]

Hello Timmy_C

A decent Video Processor with SDI Inputs can be had for around £1K - though if you want something that incorporates 10-bit processing then your looking at just over £1.5K.

Lumagen, DVDO and Crystalio are firm favourites - the Lumagen VisionHDP (with SDI) being the benchmark the others have to compete with.

Having one of these units Installed and Calibrated certainly ensures your getting the best performance out of your system - though its not mandatory and if you have the patience and a few set-up tools you can go a long way on set-up as a DIY project; then again without proper calibration tools your never going to fully see the benefit of features like an 11 point grey scale adjustment the Lumagen firmware offers you.

If you talk nicely to your dealer you will find they can often offer you a 'second visit' service - you wont pay the full Installation/Calibration fee if you need to get the ISF Technician (magician) back when you rearrange your room.

Best regards

Joe

PS We have a Special Offer on the ColorVision Spyder2PRO Studio for AVForums members - see ColorVision Spyder2PRO Studio special offer!

[Crustyloafer]

Originally Posted by Timmy C

Has anyone switched from component to HDMI and if so was it worth it?

I upgraded from the Arcam DV89 using component to the DV29 for HDMI and the improvement was huge. You may not find the change is quite as big as the deinterlacer is quite a bit better in your DV27A than it was in my DV89.