Progressive Scan DVD/HDTV
Dear Gary, Let me first tell you how much I enjoy your magazine. While in Las Vegas for CES 2000 I picked up a free promotional copy, and now I’m hooked! My question is this: I currently own a JVC DVD player that I’m running with S-video output to my Toshiba HD (ready)TV (the 50-inch model). When playing widescreen DVDs, I experience a large amount of noise and artifacts. I was curious if switching to a progressive scan DVD player (such as the new Toshiba models) would cure this problem, or do I just need to face the facts and buy a 16:9 ratio TV?
John Snyder
Video Equipment Review Editor Gary Merson Comments:
A progressive DVD player will greatly reduce the artifacts and associated distractions when viewing film-based material. Read my review on the Panasonic DVD Player in a previous Issue 36 for more guidance. One additional note: your particular set will allow you to see 4:3 or letterboxed movies in 480p undistorted. You cannot view anamorphic widescreen DVDs with your set (undistorted) either in 480i or 480p. For a complete list of what format each brand of TV allows you to view in 480p (progressive player ) DVDs, see Inside HDTV in this issue; or you can receive my list of TV sets by free e-mail subscription at www.hdtv insider.com.
You can E-mail Widescreen Review @ mailto:editorgary@widescreenreview.com