Hybrid
02-12-2007, 02:01 AM
*Please ignore the ratings that say Graphics, Sound, Replay Value, Value. Those are only for games.
I will be reviewing the Microsoft HD DVD player. Please note, I am not comparing this player to other HD DVD players since I have NO experience with them at all.
Picture Quality: A huge leap from DVD (480p Resolution). Everything is much crisper and sharper. You can really tell a difference, no doubt about that. I do notice however, the colors are kind of-how do I call it. Not as accurate? They seem to be washed out a little, very little. That does not stop me. I can barley tell they are. I am using component cables. I heard many peoples remarks saying using the VGA cables, colors are VERY washed out. I give the Picture quality a 4/5
Build Quality: The machine itself is pretty simple and elegant. Not too much complicated buttons for the casual movie watcher. This thing won't break that easily. I give the build quality a 4.5/5
Sound: Up to 7.1 digital surround sound. I watched King Kong in 5.1 and it was pretty amazing. I wished more movies were 7.1 because I have a 7.1 sound system. There is no compressed sounds, meaning muffling. Everything is crisp. I give the sound a 5/5
Worried about noise? Don't worry, this thing is quiet! It's not like you're playing a game on it. I can never tell the thing is running unless I put my ear to the HD DVD player itself. It's pure silent. That's a 5/5 in my book
Things I wished could be better: 1080p! You can't get a 1080p signal from a 1080p HD DVD disc without connecting it via VGA or HDMI. The 360 HD DVD player only supports component or VGA. The max you can get out of component is 1080i. The max you can get out of VGA is 1080p but the colors may be washed out.
HDMI, I wish there was this port. You would get real 1080p and superior sound.
Up conversion. It only up converts with a connection from VGA. Max of 1080p. Over component, it's standard 480p. I guess it's a legal issue.
Value: It came with King Kong and a Universal Remote which is about $40-$50. I guess they wanted to get started right away which is good. This player is good for the casual movie watcher. I suggest the Toshiba XA2 HD DVD player for the more serious movie lover.
In summary, this player is very good for the price. The picture and sound are great. It's durable and quiet. Overall, I rate this player an 8/10
**Disclaimer. You need a Xbox 360 console for this thing to work :D
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000FNKQCE.01._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_V51458950_.jpg
Picture provided by Amazon.com
I will be reviewing the Microsoft HD DVD player. Please note, I am not comparing this player to other HD DVD players since I have NO experience with them at all.
Picture Quality: A huge leap from DVD (480p Resolution). Everything is much crisper and sharper. You can really tell a difference, no doubt about that. I do notice however, the colors are kind of-how do I call it. Not as accurate? They seem to be washed out a little, very little. That does not stop me. I can barley tell they are. I am using component cables. I heard many peoples remarks saying using the VGA cables, colors are VERY washed out. I give the Picture quality a 4/5
Build Quality: The machine itself is pretty simple and elegant. Not too much complicated buttons for the casual movie watcher. This thing won't break that easily. I give the build quality a 4.5/5
Sound: Up to 7.1 digital surround sound. I watched King Kong in 5.1 and it was pretty amazing. I wished more movies were 7.1 because I have a 7.1 sound system. There is no compressed sounds, meaning muffling. Everything is crisp. I give the sound a 5/5
Worried about noise? Don't worry, this thing is quiet! It's not like you're playing a game on it. I can never tell the thing is running unless I put my ear to the HD DVD player itself. It's pure silent. That's a 5/5 in my book
Things I wished could be better: 1080p! You can't get a 1080p signal from a 1080p HD DVD disc without connecting it via VGA or HDMI. The 360 HD DVD player only supports component or VGA. The max you can get out of component is 1080i. The max you can get out of VGA is 1080p but the colors may be washed out.
HDMI, I wish there was this port. You would get real 1080p and superior sound.
Up conversion. It only up converts with a connection from VGA. Max of 1080p. Over component, it's standard 480p. I guess it's a legal issue.
Value: It came with King Kong and a Universal Remote which is about $40-$50. I guess they wanted to get started right away which is good. This player is good for the casual movie watcher. I suggest the Toshiba XA2 HD DVD player for the more serious movie lover.
In summary, this player is very good for the price. The picture and sound are great. It's durable and quiet. Overall, I rate this player an 8/10
**Disclaimer. You need a Xbox 360 console for this thing to work :D
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000FNKQCE.01._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_V51458950_.jpg
Picture provided by Amazon.com