What to know about high def dvd players?

Question

We recently got a 60" hdtv. Now I want to get an hddvd player. I've noticed that a lot of dvd players say up conversion. Does that mean they play high def dvds or just upconvert anything you play. Anything I should know about would be greatly appreciated

Answer 1

There is a difference between an upconverted DVD and a high def DVD.

Upconverted DVD player plays standard definition DVDs (480p) and upscales it to 720p or 1080i.  This is what we call pseudo-HD or some call it marketing hype.  It's really a waste of money.  480p is known as enhanced defintion or EDTV.  It's not high definition, which is 720p, 1080i or 1080p.  

A high definition DVD player plays DVDs recorded in 1080p, which come in two flavors: BluRay and HD-DVD.  Each flavor requires it's own proprietary player meaning you have to buy a BluRay player to play a BluRay disc.  Since the movie was originally recorded in high def and it is being transmitted to your TV in high def, then it's true high def.

If you have a progressive DVD player, you will still be amazed by the picture.  But, it will be breathtaking connecting a high definition DVD player to your TV at full HD resolution.

Answer 2

yes , up-convert only converts regular DVDs to near HD quality and do not play HD DVDs , so you will need to get a HDdvd player to play HD DVDs , their about 300.00 dollars.

Answer 3

hd dvd players play hd dvds, and some DO upscale reg dvds...my suggestion to you is to get a bd/hd dvd combo player..have the best of both worlds!

Answer 4

Up-converting DVD players take Standard Def DVD's and magnify the image into a 720 or 1080 signal.

Look for the Toshiba HD-AC3 player. It is about $201 on line, it is a true HD-DVD player and it up-converts standard DVD's as well.