Sony DVP-NC85H/S HDMI/CD Progressive Scan 5-Disc DVD Changer, Silver
Must Have For 1080P DLPs
The picture this player displays on my new 72\\" Toshiba DLP set is truly \\"near HD\\" via the HDMI output. <br /> <br />I was so glad Sony finally came out with a 5 disc changer with HDMI output.  When I got my new TV, I hooked up my cheap Toshiba progressive scan DVD player from the bedroom via component video, instead of my non-progressive scan 5 disc Pioneer changer I had with the old TV.  I did this to maximize PQ on my new TV, willing to sacrifice the convenience of a changer, and not willing to buy another DVD player to get HDMI upconversion without multi-disc capability, and Sony's mega changer would have been overkill for me. <br /> <br />I was a little disappointed at how DVDs looked with this initial setup.  The picture was dull with noticeable mpeg artifacts.  Not so with this player.  Picture is crisp and sharp, and depending on the DVD itself, hardly any noticeable mpeg artifacts.  Good quality DVDs like Star Wars, King Kong (2005), and Terminator 2 rival the HD movies I record with my cable co.'s DVR.  I'm no videophile, but am finicky on picture quality, and this player truly makes a difference on my HD TV.  With the idiocy of the 2 competing HD DVD formats, I won't be upgrading to HD DVD for a long time with this upconverting player. <br /> <br />I even believe this player is outputting 1080P to my TV!  Per the manual, the progressive button on the front panel lights up when outputting a progressive signal.  I have the player set to 1080i, and my TV confirms it's receiving a 1080 \\"i\\" signal from the HDMI port, but this light is on during DVD playback...hmm.  Since my TV is native 1080P DLP display, maybe over the HDMI connection, the TV and player negotiate a progressive signal vs. interlaced?? <br /> <br />Other good points, plays about any kind of recordable DVD, such as my home movies, and is a good small size to easily fit in my A/V center.  Cons, the build quality of the disc carousel feels a little cheap.  The trays holding discs don't feel deep enough, making me paranoid that I'll jam a disc not placed perfectly in the individual tray.  The remote also feels a little cheesey, the buttons are small, and doesn't have a backlight.  Small imperfections preventing me from giving this player 5 stars.  But for the money (under $150!), it's a steal if you want a really good DVD player for your new HDTV.