I have a 30 dollar DVD player I got 2 years ago, and a nice HD TV-- how different is an upconverting dvd?

Question

Is it worth getting an upconverting DVD player if I still use regular DVDs and not Blu Ray or HD DVDs? Do I need a special cable to attach the two? thanks!

Answer 1

I would have to disagree with the first poster.  The marketing geniuses want you to think that the difference is between standard cable and HD cable.  The reality is that most people cannot even tell the difference between regular DVD and upconverted DVD.

The difference is more like rabbit ears versus cable.  Slightly better, but hardly noticeable.  It is not worth spending additional money.

If you want to notice a difference, HD-DVD or BluRay is the way to go.  For upconverting DVD players, you need to use component or HDMI and an HDTV.

Answer 2

It will be like comparing a standard broadcast channel to a HD channel - on a large panel, the picture looks coarse and grainy.  An upconverting player provides a much better picture.

You can get upconverting standard DVD players which do a very good job.  A HD DVD or Blu Ray will be even better.  

You should use either component video or HDMI to connect the player to the set.  Both require special cables.