Will a progressive scan DVD player be of benefit?

[P-Dub]

From what I know, if I don't have a TV capable of receiving a progressive scan signal, a progressive scan DVD player is a waste of money.

However, with the prices coming down, should it be a consideration? I'm thinking about the cost of the Tosh 3750, which I've seen for C$350 and the Panasonic RV56 for around C$399. These are both progressive units, I'm wondering with the better video DAC's, would these units would provide a better picture?

I'm not in need of a new player, just curious and wanting to confirm that what I know still holds true.

[Andrew Pratt]

Paul I guess it depends on what other features you might or might not get. I would think that the 54mhz video chips in the progressive players *might* help the image a bit as seen in the Panasonic RV80 player (non progessive with the 54 chip) but generally if you're not going to get a progressive scan TV then I'd invest the money in some feature you can take advantage of. For example with the SACD Sony DVD players coming out soon in the $300 USD price point they would be a strong contender over a progessive player if you can't use the progressive output.

[Lex]

Paul, I am always of the opinion to move ahead with technology. Now, myself, I am decisively non-progressive with a non-progressive display. But someday, I will move forward. It just hasn't been the right opportunity to do so yet.

In short, you know you want an HDTV someday, right? Buy the player that will grow with you, so you don't have to rebuy provided you get a great player that lasts a long time-

Lex

[Andrew Pratt]

Lew while I generally agree with you if paul is buying a new TV that isn't progessive there's little chance that he'll get any use out of a progessive dvd player before a newer cheaper better model is available. TV's tend to last a lot longer then DVD players

[Lex]

Well, that's true enough, if he's not getting progressive.

Lex
Coming to you live at 1.4 gigahertz

[P-Dub]

Hmm, I was thinking about the Panasonic's 54Mhz chips. But in reality, I need to consider my immediate display and potential future display. My current display is a 27" set, and it's still going strong and the the best input is via S-Video. IF this set should decide to die within the next couple of years, I think at best I'd replace it with another direct view set. Probably something in the 36" size. I don't know if I'd go for a HDTV ready set, as those are still pricey, and the ultimate home of any direct view is in the bedroom. So another interlaced display is the most likely candidate to replace my existing set. Based on this scenario, I don't think a progressive scan player would be of any benefit to me now or even if I was to upgrade my player.

I think what may happen is that it will become a comon feature on DVD players, like DD out, DTS out, MP3, just so manufacturers can have a selling point. The general public won't really know the difference. Heck they'll be impressed with the clarity of any of the current interlaced DVD players.

[George Bellefontaine]

Paul,
I tend to agree with Andrew. Earlier this year I wanted to upgrade my dvd player and considered one of the new progressive scan players. But my Sony LCD projector (the 400) does not accept progressive, and it could be another two or three years before I repl;ace it, so I said the heck with progressive and went for the Sony 7700 dvd machine which was being phased out. It was a high end player and I have been quite happy with it and do not regret the purchase. Now I may change my mind if I end up changing projectors next year, but right now that is doubtful.




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