Blu-ray over upscaled DVD?

Question

Fanboys, check your answers at the door. I'm only really interested in well reasoned opinions here.

We recently went HD, replacing our old tube monster with a nice Samsung LN46A650. We're using a nice upscaling Toshiba DVD connected to our receiver over HDMI, which in turn is connected to the TV by HDMI. The receiver does decode all the HD lossless audio formats internally.

Don't recommend a PS3. I'm not buying one. It's loud, and we don't need or want another game system. We're quite happy with our Wii. :)

The player I'm considering is the new Sony BDP-S350. I know, it's not a Profile 2.0 player yet, but with a firmware update and a USB stick added to the back, it meets the conditions for Profile 2.0 (local storage+network+profile 1.1) it will be a 2.0 player. It's retailing for $399, though I can get one for $349.

Thoughts on taking the BR plunge? We're not replacing all our DVDs, just a selection, over time. Am I likely to be utterly amazed with the difference?

Answer 1

"Am I likely to be utterly amazed with the difference?"

Do you have standard and HD version of a network channel like CBS, ABC, NBC?

If so - toggle between them.  Your TV will automatically up-scale the standard def signal so you are seeing a similar picture to what your Toshiba will do.

Are you amazed at this difference?

The up-scaled image is like reading a newspaper with a magnifying glass. There is only so much it can to to take the 1940's standard def video and blow it up.

Yes - I think you will be pleased with the improved quality of your movies with a BluRay player.

Answer 2

Yes, it will definitely look much better.  If you notice and  prefer the picture quality of HD movie broadcasts (HBO HD) to watching an upconverted DVD, then you will definitely appreciate Blu Ray.  A high quality Blu Ray transfer will look near perfect.  It really is the best way to show off the true potential of your HDTV.   I have a 60" Pioneer Kuro plasma and no upconverted DVD comes close to the picture quality I get when watching a Blu Ray movie.  You are comparing 480 lines of resolution (DVD) versus 1080 lines (Blu Ray).  No fancy amount of upconversion can make up for all that additional picture data.

A key issue is seating distance.  With a 46" HDTV, you might not be able to appreciate the enhanced picture quality of Blu Ray if you are sitting more than 12 feet away.

Answer 3

Well to get a feel for the difference you can drop by an electronics retailer to see BR on a similar TV just for reference.  I say that because the difference between upscale DVD and real high def is quite subjective and to each his/her own whether or not it's worth it.  To me there is a distinct difference with the video and audio so yes it's worth it.  You could buy the player you mentioned and try it out, and if you're not happy take it back.

Or you could play the waiting game like many people and get a better deal later this year or early 09 since prices will continue to fall.

Answer 4

Your tv of choice is capable of 120 hz refresh.  I have tested the exact tv and player the other day.  Everyone in the store was impressed.  We watched Open Season on blu ray.  It looked like animals running around in the TV.  The quality was outstanding.  Regular DVD... not soo much.  still looked good, but unless you acutally see the difference, you have no idea.

I am also interested in the higher end audio formats.  You will only get those through Blu Ray.

Blu ray won the format war.  Kinda sucks for me, since I have the HD dvd.  But, i will have a blu ray in a couple of weeks.

Answer 5

It will look good. If you can swing do it. Im waiting till the players and movies come down more. My picture looks good with my upconvert oppo player. Make sure your TV is calibrated for best picture. This helps. Good luck.