BRAVO D2 DVI Enabled DVD Player

[jslombar]

Hi everybody,
I have a question. In the specs. It says that (Copy protected DVD playback limited to 480i, 576i, 480p on YPbPr).
1. Does the upsampling work on backups with macrovision removed?
2. Does the picture quality really look better?

I'd like to know because I'm thinking of purchasing one.

Thanks in advanced,
JSLOMBAR

[manono]

Hi-

If I were you, I'd wait for the D3 in a couple of months. It'll use a newer Sigma Designs chipset capable of playing HD (720p) encodes, and have higher bitrate capability (for .avi).

The D2 is an upgraded version of the D1, which I have. It's got a better remote and DVD-ROM, but uses the same 1st gen Sigma Designs chipset.

1. I don't know the answer to that question, as I use the DVI connection, which upscales everything nicely. It's usually said that there's not much point in using the component output, as it's not very good, although improved over that of the D1. By backups, do you mean DVD to DVD backups? Or .avi backups?

2. Yes! If you have a 720p or 1080i display, then the 1:1 pixel mapping makes a big difference with a DVI connection. My understanding is that there's less, but still some, improvement over component.

There's more information about it here (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=118#V.%20IncBravo%20D2%20DVI). They seem to imply that it will upscale non-copyright protected material over YPbPr. If you were talking about DVD to DVD backups, then you should be OK. I can't test, as I don't have a DVD burner.

And you've probably seen the big thread about it here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=406356). But those guys are mostly interested in the DVD playback. I can't tell if that's your interest also. Maybe somewhere in there is the answer to your first question.

[jslombar]

Thanks for your reply, manono.

I think I'll wait