I currently use an Arcam DV-78 as my source for both DVD & CD. Overall I am happy with it but find myself wondering if a DVD5 should be my next step. I have little doubt that I would see significantly improved sound and video, however, with the coming of HD and/or BluRay, is the DVD5 a bad investment?

DV78,FC2,Nait5,Harbeth C7

As an analogue video source (480i/480p) for DVD viewing, it is hard to beat. It is also very good when playing Compact Discs, and can play DVD-Audio discs (basic model plays two-channel and folded-down multi-channel MLP; unit fitted with Mch option plays full multi-channel MLP).

On the other hand, the n-Vi (for slightly more $) includes five channels of Class-T amplification, an AV processor/preamp, and additional digital inputs–this would allow you to add three channels (center + surrounds) to your existing NAIT5 (or replace it and the FLATCAP2 altogether for a total of five channels). It plays multichannel DVD-Audio discs as well, and features the same DVD drive and video engine as the DVD5.

BTW, we use a Panasonic TH-PX4250U here for testing, and both units work quite well with both the HDMI (via a DVI-to-HDMI cable) and component inputs.

Lastly, IMHO, I think that you'll find (if you go the surround route) that you'll actually watch more hi-def television (with a decent processor/preamp) than DVDs, as broadcast / cable / satellite hi-def programming has become quite good as of late.

quote:

Originally posted by Vaughn3D:
I currently use an Arcam DV-78 as my source for both DVD & CD. Overall I am happy with it but find myself wondering if a DVD5 should be my next step. I have little doubt that I would see significantly improved sound and video, however, with the coming of HD and/or BluRay, is the DVD5 a bad investment?

DV78,FC2,Nait5,Harbeth C7

Yes if compared to the Sony PS3.

quote:

Yes if compared to the Sony PS3.

Seems like someone wants to tell the world that he's got a PS3... Good for you, well done old chap.

I'm sure it's also much better value than my oven... which of course can only cook pies.

Let's hope you can find some nice games to fill up your spare time with.

Back on topic....
The question of the value of a DVD5 may be directly related to how many DVD titles you own.... if it's 6 then don't buy a DVD5.... if it's 6000 then surely 40p per disc invested in a DVD5 can be seen as good value.

I'd liken it to a turntable... pointless expense unless you have the records to play on it.... catch my drift?

As an n-Vi user I wouldn't buy a DVD5... but I won't pretend that it isn't better than the n-Vi at the jobs it does... just not enough to make me fork out for the required AV2 and NAP175 on top of the cost of the player

I have not had the pleasure of seeing a DVD5 in action but I do own an HD DVD player and a PS3 as well as an Arcam DV89 and while the HD DVD player and PS3 look great with hi def sources, I vastly prefer my Arcam DV89 for sd dvd playback.

In fact, the PS3 is an absolute horrid sd dvd player, lacking a film mode altogether (permanently stuck in video mode and as such, throws away resolution) and as such, cannot compete with even the cheapest $100 players in the market.

The HD DVD player is a very good sd dvd player with excellent upscaling BUT it is a PITA to use, given its looooooooooooooong boot up and read disc times, not to mention it's very noisy fan and the fact that it looks like an early 1980's VCR.

If you plan on investing in Blu-ray or HD DVD in the near future, I would suggest you stick with your DV78 as it is very good player for the money. If however you plan to stay away from Hi Def dvd for a number of years, the DVD5 sounds like a very good upgrade and a worthwhile investment providing you have a multitude of sd dvds to watch on it.

The PS3 needs a decent TV (1080p or at lest 1080i with HDMI connection) to work with.

Not sure how a 1080p TV helps the PS3 when it is stuck in video mode but here is some benchmark tests done on the PS3 to back up my claim:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=809778&highlight=benchmark

I will say that I love the PS3 as a blu-ray player though. It fires up instantly and is very easy to use.

Used my bro's PS3 at the weekend and to be honest the picture wasn't that stunning on 1080p/i.

Maybe it was the Samsung screen he was using...

Going to check out BR tonight on it.