2 Newbie questions

[David Mamet]

Originally Posted by Jaynru

I am thinking about upgrading to a blu ray player. not sure which model I favor as I have done little research. I have read a few things that make me uneasy about purachasing a blu ray. I also have a 5.1 Sony System with optical audio cables hooked up.

My current TV is a Sony 57 inch widescreen projection style TV. Approximately 3 years old. I have HD cable via Direct TV and the picture is phenominal, even for a projection style TV. Watching TV in HD has a better picture than my regular DVD. I also have a 5.1 Sony System with optical audio cables hooked up.

1) My tv only is 1080i. How much am I missing without having the ability to watch Blu ray discs in 1080p vs 1080i? Is it worth me making the upgrade and not having 1080p yet?

2) I do not have a HDMI input on my tv set. I currently use a HDMI wire from my DVD player that converts to the input (DVI)? I can't remember what it is called, but it is white and looks like a typical computer moniter jack. Would that wire allow the 1080 upconvert for regular DVD's? Would I be better off using monster cables or svideo?

Thanks for your time and help. I truly appreciate it.

I have a 720p plasma and it looks fine compared to the 1080p. There is minimal difference and it really depends on the movie. You don't sound like the type of person that would care as much if the colors are spot on compared to minimally off (otherwise you would have a nicer tv). As far as the cable goes, you will probably be losing a little something, but I promise you will not be disappointed with the picture quality and sound coming from a BD, even with a 720p tv and a DVI cable.