Question:
Dear Big Picture Big Sound,
I have two Mitsubishi projection TVs (vs-60111 and ws-55411). There are no hdmi hookups on the back panel. I would like to invest in a blueray [sic] player but I do not know if it is worth it. I would like to know if it is a good idea to hook up the blue ray with the DTV hookups that are on my TVs. Is there DTV outputs on a Blueray???
Will I notice an improvement in the picture over a regular upscaling dvd player? I know the best would be to get new TVs but that is not an option at this time. Is there any other options out there that I can check out. I found an item on Ebay (GEFEN component to HDMI converter) - it cost 200.00. I would like not to have to pay an extra 200.00 on top of the price of a blueray and get the same picture quility if I don't buy it..
Thank you for any ideas that you have on this topic.
-Michael B.
Answer:
Hello, Michael,
We get this question or one like it pretty often. Older analog HDTVs can produce excellent image quality, but they do lack digital inputs (DVI or HDMI). But this doesn't mean you can't reap the improved picture and sound quality benefits of Blu-ray Disc.
In addition to HDMI, virtually all Blu-ray Disc players include component video outputs which support 1080i and 720p HDTV output resolutions. Connecting a Blu-ray Disc player to your Mitsubishi RPTVs with this method will produce an image that is noticeably superior to DVD, plus you can take advantage of the improved surround sound formats available on Blu-ray if you have a receiver with HDMI audio support or multi-channel analog audio inputs.
The so-called "DTV" inputs on your Mitsubishi TVs are simply RGB+HV analog inputs, similar to the VGA format on computers but with five RCA connectors instead of one 15-pin connector. They also accept a standard 1080i or 720p component input (they are dual purpose inputs) so you'll be fine using those for your Blu-ray Disc player.
The GEFEN box you describe wouldn't really help because it will not add a digital input to your TV. Also an upconverting DVD player will not be useful for you since they only upconvert over HDMI outputs. You can use any Blu-ray Disc player as a DVD player and it will send a 480i or 480p signal out to your TV for the TV itself to upconvert the signal to your TV's native resolution.
Hope that helps.
-Chris
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