And from SONY none-the-less.... I MUST be crazy!

For those of you that don't know, I was a BIG fan of HD-DVD. I still think that it had superior features over Blu-Ray but couldn't hold up against the Sony marketing (and I'll admit, Blu-Ray sounds cooler)... Anyway, that isn't the topic here.

I still have my HD-DVD player and my collection is growing there, but now I'll be able to spend the big bucks on Blu-Ray movies too.

Oh, and no... I did NOT get a PS3.

I almost grabbed the PS3, but I really can't upgrade my Pioneer Elite receiver right now, so I needed analog inputs. After quite a bit of research lately, I grabbed a Sony BDP-S550, which is Sony's newest (released) Blu-Ray player. It decodes every kind of audio, and can spit the audio out 7.1 analog jacks to my Pioneer Elite receiver for my first exposure to HD audio. I can't wait! Unfortunately, I'll have to wait. My wife says that it is my Christmas present... Maybe a trial run, of course I'll need a movie to try, which I have none.... Santa is going to bring me a couple from what I hear.

So I am excited, and yet at the same time I am wondering why I bought it now instead of waiting a little longer. Oh, I also signed up for the Sony Credit Card which gives me $150 credited back, so it makes this really good player well under $300 after tax and shipped to my door.

I'm excited...

Congrats, Nick! Sounds like you got what you were looking for in that player. Too bad you gotta wait for Christmas!

Oh, hey... I guess I will need an HDMI switch of some sort two so that I can have my HD-DVD and Blu-Ray connected up to my projector since it only has 1 HDMI port. Without HDMI for video, neither of my players will do anything above 480p via component video... Argh!


Does anyone know of a good, low cost, HDMI switch? I'd like an automatic switch, but not sure how much more those cost...

I know monoprice offers a good switch that many people are happy with, although I think it is not automatic, but requires IR input to switch, although that's better than manually having to push a button down...

I was looking at those based off of a search I did on the Axiom forums. I don't mind pushing a button or hitting a switch, I just know that it will drive my wife nuts... I hear that the auto-switchers don't always work with all components since some devices never fully turn off the HDMI port, so the switcher never knows when to stop sending that signal and move to the other...

Very nice Nick, I'm sure you will be more than happy with that model, and wait until you hear the new sound formats!

That is awesome Nick. I won't a player so bad, and that one looks great! I also want the new Panny 3000 projector, arggg.

I'm looking to see what items I can sell off, hint hint, ooops, lol

Congratulations on the player. I can't wait to hear what you think of it.

And yeah, here's hoping the average price of Blu-ray titles goes down sooner rather than later. It would be one thing if they were all limited editions with cool packaging.

How come you couldn't get a PS3?

Regarding the HDMI switch, go to Monoprice. I have the 5 port one. I programmed it into my Harmony 688 so that my Pio 45TX can handle my PS3 and HD Tivo.

Nick I got an automatic 3 port HDMI switcher from Radio Shack for $69, kinda ugly, but it works great. I retired our Toshiba A2 to the bedroom and am using our Denon 2910 along with the PS3 in the big TV room ... the PS3 works substantially easier and faster for HD movies than the A2.

Congrats on the new player!

Congrats on the new Blu-Ray player.

It isn't that I "couldn't" get a PS3, I just wanted the analog audio outputs, and this player is supposed to decode all of the HD audio formats and can send them out the 7.1 analog jacks, which is what I need. The PS3 is HDMI only.

As for the HDMI switch, do you know if all of the remote controlled switchers can be used with a universal remote like the Harmony?

Hey, someone over at a Blu-Ray forum was saying the following about the whole "nothing more than 480p over component" thing. Does anyone know if this is true? I did a google search and good 'ol Alan came up near the top and he states that you must have HDMI for full 1080p, but the article doesn't specify if 720p via HD-DVD or Blu-Ray over component works. If it is just upconverted DVD video that won't work, then it isn't a problem. If it limits HD-DVD or Blu-Ray video, then that IS a problem... Here is what they said:
--------------------------
BD should be fine. Protected usually means SD can't be upconverted over component. But, HD content will be output up to 1080i.
--------------------------

So I'm doing some early morning searching and decided to also look at this from the Toshiba HD-A2 side of things. I visited that "really big, but many times obnoxious" home theater web forum and looked in the HD-A2 thread. I found this about video output capabilities:

component = SD@480p , HD@480p/720p/1080i
hdmi = SD@480p/720p/1080i , HD@480p/720p/1080i

So as long as I pick the better SD DVD upconverter between the HD-A2 and the BDP-S550, and give that one the HDMI, I will be good for with my 720p Sanyo Z3 projector... Unless someone says otherwise... Then there will be no need for an HDMI switch...

I think you're missing a 1080p in there.

I do not have a BR player, but it is my understanding that the only difference in terms of video between component cables and HDMI is that HDMI can do 1080p. Component can transmit signals of 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. HDMI can do 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. Obviously for the full BR experience you'll want that 1080p signal.

Oh yeah, congrats on the BR player! I'm hoping that Santa will leave one under the tree for me too this year. I've been good....mostly.

Yeah, but my projector only does 720p, so until I upgrade I don't need to worry about that....

component = SD@480p , HD@480p/720p/1080i
hdmi = SD@480p/720p/1080i/1080p , HD@480p/720p/1080i/1080p

I just bought a new Panasonic DMP BD-55 blu-ray player, 7.1, all audio formats(both internal and bitstream) and latest 2.0 profile.($399.00). I couldn't be happier.

For the record, the component output WILL pass 1080i, but you will obviously need an HDMI connection to get full 1080p AND pass the surround sound(bitstream ) format thru one of the latest pre-pro/avr's IF you wish to have that one cable connection. One of the features that this player has(I am not sure about the other co's) is it allows you to split the audio/video thru the HDMI cable so you can still send the 1080i video signal thru to a non-HDMI HD TV(via component) but still access the bitstream audio thru a compatible AVR/Pre-pro.

If one doesn't have access to any of the above, the player will pass thru all the surround sound formats(including tru-hd, dts master etc.) via the 7.1 analog outputs.

The Panny BD-55 was the other player I was looking it. It was really close, but pretty much just came down to the $150 credit from Sony...

Congrats on the Player, I was in the same boat and after researching I decided to go with the Samsung BD - P1500.

OK, I get it. That makes sense. For me, I just used the optical out on the PS3 and ran it into the 45TX.

As long as the HDMI switch as an IR remote, you can have the Harmony learn it if it isn't already in the database. Last time I checked, some of the multiport HDMI switches were $30 or less on monoprice. You can't beat that.

Nick,

Congrats on the purchase! Now you can keep adding to your collection of HD movies.

Out of curiosity, does your Pio receiver have optical audio inputs?

Jason

Yup. Here is a linky to Pioneer's site:
Pioneer Elite VSX-54TX

7.1 Analog In!

Are you sure? The Sony website only mentions it having a DolbyHD built in decoder, while saying it does DTS via bitstream output over HDMI.
I too am in the same boat, not looking to upgrade receivers quite yet, so getting all the HD audio via 7.1 analogue is quite important.

Yeah, the Sony site isn't the best for details. Here is what it says under the "Specifications" tab for the BDP-S550:
Audio Features
* Dolby® : Yes & Dolby® TrueHD bitstream out over HDMI™ (V1.3)
* Dolby® Digital plus Decoding : Yes
* Dolby® TrueHD Decoding : Yes
* dts® Decoding : Yes
* dts® Output : Yes
* dts®-HD Decoding : Yes
* LPCM : Yes (multi channel decoder): Yes (HDMI™ bitstream out)
* Dolby® True HD bitstream output : Yes
* dts® HD bitstream output : Yes

However, on page 66 of the user manual (at least the .PDF from their web site), it shows the following:

Nick,

Like you were saying, pick the player that you want to do the upconverting and use HDMI with that one, up to 720p. Then use component out on your other player. Both will get 720p HD.

-Hutz.

Well, it showed up today, but I can't even look at the pretty box (let alone try to open it since I am not "supposed" to) since I am going to our local high school's state football playoff game in 5 minutes.

What got me nervous was when the box didn't say DTS-HD Master Audio, but instead said DTS-HD Advanced Digital Out... But, no need to worry, that just means that it has DTS-HD Master Audio output! YEAH!

Hi Nicboul

I am very interested in this unit. Two questions: does this unit up-convert standard DVD's to 1080i / 720p over component? And, 2nd, how well does it do it?

I too have need to stay in the analoge world for now. I have an older Rotel pre-processor with no HDMI, big bucks to upgrade that, so being able to access the updated audio formats via 5.1 is very attactive to me. Also, I have a 1080i / 720p front projector with now HDMI cable running to it.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

I played the last "Pirates of the Caribbean" regular DVD and the
up-convert to 1080i on my Samsung L52A650 was stunning.

That's definitely high praise. I can honestly say I've yet to watch a DVD upconverted that I'd call anything close to stunning (but I guess I shouldn't expect greatness from my choice of the PS3 or Denon 3808 doing the upconversion work)

Jason

I have an older Samsung that also up-converts and the BD55
seemed to have much better definition and color.

Maybe some day I'll get a "real" Bluray player and be able to compare it to the PS3's up-conversion abilities (which are definitely nothing to brag about).

I am currently using my HD-A20 player as a dvd player and upconverting player (it does an outstanding job). I am waiting until black friday to see what kind of blu-ray deals I can find.

But then again, PS3 is the fastest loading BD player out there! I just wish it were more quite and had IR.

That's what put me off buying one. I decided on the Sammy BD P1500. I may still get a PS3, just to play games

Jason besides the PS3 that we use for BR, I also have a Denon 2910, Oppo 980H and a Toshiba A2 HD-DVD, to me the PS3 upconverts just as well as any of the other players and is a ton more easier to use than the A2 ... compared to the soon to be replaced little beer fridge in the TV room the PS3 is as quiet as a mouse.

Interesting to know Rick. Maybe I'm not missing as much as I thought on the up-conversion.

By the way, regarding noise levels and the PS3, it was only the earliest models that were noisy. I know because I had one of the initial 60GB models (that used a different chip for hardware based emulation of PS2 games). This model literally sounded like a hairdryer running in my media closet. Not only was it that loud, it was at least that hot. It was so hot it caused my DVR's protection circuits to kick in and shut everything down. I ended up selling that version on eBay for $500 and replaced it with a 40GB version from Wal-Mart for $299 + a free $100 gift card with purchase. Best trade I've made in a long time!

At this point, it is very very quiet, and I've also added IR capabilities as well. (though admittedly, paying $100 to add IR when it should be a basic feature is annoying)

Jason

Yea, ours is the new 80GB so maybe that's why it doesn't make the noise or gets hot and I don't know that it would much of a benefit if you're looking for a better upconverting player, at least monetarily wise anyway.

Compared to the H/K 635, every electrical component in our house (including the stove) runs cool.

Edit: This was supposed to include a quote on Hutzal's post on good upconversion results with his HD-A20 but I must have accidentally deleted some of it.

In any case, I agreed. When it comes to upconversion, my Toshiba HD player ((I think it is even the same HD-A20, memory blurred on decongestants today)) is Outstanding!! I can't really say that for my PS3.

For a movie that I expect to have nice visuals, I take the time to wait while Toshiba takes forever to fire up as the difference is very, very noticeable. If it's yet another urban centered chick flick that my wife rented, I slip into the quicker booting PS3.

YEAH! I finally got to open my Blu-Ray player today! Of course, I won't be able to try it out quite yet. We are at my in-laws, and then heading to my parents tonight, so it MIGHT be a late night viewing, but I feel pretty determined to watch something tonight! It will just be on my in-law's 40" HD LCD, but that is better than nothing. I can't wait to see (and hear) something at home with my 104" HD screen and my Axioms!

I don't know how you waited so long. Enjoy the new toy!

Glad to hear Santa didn't take it back! Enjoy!

Now I need to decide what to watch later tonight. So many good movies, but I also want my first "big time" Blu-Ray experience to be full HD Audio and on my big screen, so it is a bit of a "mixed bag" right now.

On Blu-Ray we've got Kung Fu Panda, Iron Man, Dark Knight, I-Robot, Naria 1 & 2, and one other that I am forgetting right now. They all are supposed to have great video and audio, so I can't just pick whatever is supposed to be as good as the others. I know that my father-in-law wants to watch Dark Knight, but it is one that I specifically want to watch at home...

Decisions, decisions....

Go for the one you're forgetting.

Make it a skidoosh night.

I was able to pick up a Sony BDP-S550 for $249.00 at Fry's this morning, I believe it was a one day sale in So. Calif. I'm going to gift it to my wife's brother next time we get up to his place.

One upside of the early versions is that they output SACD, but at some point Sony cut that out. Not a big deal for SACD adopters, but nice for the late adopters like me. There are some other chip changes as you mention, and from what I read it seems like the older version are a bit beefier in terms of its cell processor - maybe that is why it is so darn hot? Sony seems to be cutting certain features as they balance cost concerns with market research. Not sure if any of those "other" changes makes a difference but I am looking forward to upgrading to SACD when I get a new HDMI AVR. But it can pump some heat and the fan is audible - for anyone looking to buy and old unit.
And I was truly impressed with the upconversion ability of the PS3. Compared to Blu-ray I think it does an admirable job on DVDs. On the whole, it really is a swiss army knife in an industry of single function units. My two cents...or less.

So, what was my first Blu-Ray movie that I watched last night????

None! The guys got outvoted by the girls and they watched Mama Mia on SD DVD... Holy cow is that a chick flick! I proceded to make my way out of the room and jumped on my laptop and watched some YouTube and Hulu stuff for a while before going to bed.

I did get the S550 hooked up and "tweaked" the receiver settings at my in-laws so that it would at least sound reasonable on his little speakers that are so poorly configured. I am putting the movie choice to a vote of the guys tonight and we'll see what wins out.

Good Lord Nick, grab hold of your. . . remote. . . and make them view something at least worthy of the new purchase. Batman isn’t too bad for chicks, hell Narnia is pretty estrogen intensive but at least worthy of a play in BD. Where do you live, someone from this forum will swing buy and fix the glitch - i.e., swap out your BD for a $59 Sony DVD special.

I live near Des Moines, Iowa, but my in-laws live in a little town called East Dubuque, Illinois. (Most northwestern tip of the state.)

We are on track for something tonight. Looks like it will either be Iron Man or Dark Knight... Now, off to see my parents for about an hour and then back over here for the rest of the evening.

Both will make for a fantastic movie night. Enjoy!

Yeah, make it a double-feature to cleanse it of Mamma Mia! The Movie.

I actually like ABBA, but the clips I saw of that movie clobbered my heart in the nuts.

Made it through Dark Knight. The problem was that with so many young nephews and a "brand new" niece in the same house, we hardly had the volume up, which really took away from the film. Plus we didn't start very early, so it just got over at 1:00 am but I have to finish up some things and then we all need to be up at 7:30 am. Another short night, but a good first run with the Blu-Ray player... Although, I have a gripe that it takes a LONG time to actually start the movie playing. My HD-DVD would take a little while to power on, but once on the load times were short. With Blu-Ray it seems like power on doesn't take long, but Dark Knight, for example, took about a full minute to actually load.

Oh well.

Hi Nick - yes, that remains a problem with many BR players. Originally, the PS3 was one of the fastest loading players available, but I've noticed that with the newest movies (Hulk and Dark Knight are two good examples), load times are getting longer, not shorter. On newer discs, I suspect they're taking advantage of better players available today and are again increasing the amount of info that needs to be loaded before it can begin playing.

Jason

Some newer disks are coming out with "new" copywrite protection that gives some BR players fits. I no very little about this and only paid little attention to it. Only reason I know anything is because after having trouble with the X-files movie the other night (five minuts or so to load), I did a search at AVS and this topic came up.

I wonder if it truly is the copy protection, anyone have AnyDVDHD that could report on a backed up(copy protection removed) disc's upload time vs a copy protected disc's time?