upscaled dvd or blu-ray

[dogbreath]

hi all
having just bought a panasonic th42-800 i have been blown away by the quality that i get from dvds upscaled to 1080p..i am tempted to go for a panny blu-ray player..but if i do..can the picture quality actually be any better than what i already have? any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Alsone]

Should have watched the Gadget Show last Night (although I personally don't always agree with all their findings).

They had an upscaling DVD player vs a Blu Ray player using Dark Night (film), identical TV's and identical interconnects set up side by side to each other.

Even on your own tv screen (which didn't pick up the difference's very well) in some shots you could see the superior colours and sharpness of the Blu Ray.

Their conclusion was worth the money.

 

[Alsone]

Should also add, I bought a Panny BD35 for £215 lsat week (Amazon) and although the only Blu Ray discs I've got are the free one that came with the player and Kung Fu Panda which someone gave me, I have to say I think its worth it.

On the free disc (National Treasure 2 - Book of Secrets), some scenes look like DVD, others are noticibly sharper. Some of the trailers though look amazingly sharp - Pirates of the Caribbean (unsure which one), Chronicles of Narnia (Prince Caspian) are two of the trailers I remember looking amazingly sharp.

After watching National Treasure, I wasn't totally convinced as were only some scenes improved so I put on House of Flying Daggers DVD (everyone knows this to have possibly the best picture quality of any DVD out there). I've also upscaled this before on a Denon 1940 and been blown away. I have to say, after watching National Treasure, I was amazed how average H of F D looked. Even unsharp in places.

So in conclusion I'd say, yes it is worth it. Sometimes it appears more subtle than you might expect (maybe its so hyped we're all just expecting something it can't deliver), sometimes you can notice better sharpness. However, if you watch Blu Ray back to back with DVD, then you'll really appreciate how much better it really is.

Personally I won' be buying more discs until I can get some bargains but in the meantime, I have to say yes it is worth it.

 

[dogbreath]

i just went to 5 on demand and watched the clip..and they seem to be convinced it is better..and having read your answer..i think its time to go shopping for the bd35. thanks for your help..much appreciated.

 

[Gerrardasnails]

dogbreath:i just went to 5 on demand and watched the clip..and they seem to be convinced it is better..and having read your answer..i think its time to go shopping for the bd35. thanks for your help..much appreciated.

Seriously, it is an obvious improvement and if you have a surround system, the sound is much much better.

 

[bigblue235]

You seem to have made your mind up, but I just thought I'd add another vote for Blu-Ray

Many nay-sayers use poor quality examples of Blu-Ray to claim there's not much difference in picture quality, but with a good disc there's a very noticeable difference.

Sound quality is much improved too.

Go for it!

 

[Anonymous]

Blockbuster are doing the sony bdp-350 with 6 free blu rays for £199

BARGIN!!!!!!!

 

[Anonymous]

Personaly, I think you notice the difference more the bigger the screen you have. Using a projector with a screen of 80" then for me it's no contest, Blu-ray it is.

As for upscaling demo's, I wouldn't use house of flying daggers, looks awful on my system, I would use any starwars film (even the old one's), I robot, there may be more but stopped upscaling a while ago now with DVD's. HD from now on.

 

[Anonymous]

ImIm guessing that deal is in store gareth as its not showing on their web site??

 

[laserman16]

Gander:ImIm guessing that deal is in store gareth as its not showing on their web site??As far as I know it is just instore,picked mine up yesterday with no problems.

 

[northantsbloke34]

pani bd35 now £191 on amazon

 

[Cofnchtr]

Hi,

Would put my vote in the bluray camp for sure.

Gadget Show demo was Iron Man though not Dark Knight.

Wasn't very technical - they didn't tell you anything about which players they were using so it could have been a cheapo DVD vs. a Pioneer at £1000. The difference is noticeable and worth the extra outlay in my opinion.

Cheers,

Cofnchtr.

 

[professorhat]

Cofnchtr:Gadget Show demo was Iron Man though not Dark Knight ... Wasn't very technical
The Gadget Show... Not very technical... Outrageous!