I guess that I am one of the lucky ones, I have both the source and a couple of HD-DVD's (Phantom of the Opera and Serenity). My system is comprised of the following: G68ADV, DSP speakers, a Sony Ruby projector and a DVDO VP30. Here are my initial impressions : The picture is very good, however, I was left feeling somewhat disappointed, expecting a much bigger improvement (my screen size is 132", 16 X 9). I guess I have reached that point of diminishing returns or maybe the DVDO is not the best scaler for the Ruby. SD DVD's upscaled through the VP30 and played through the Ruby were very, very good. The Toshiba A1 with high def material probably gives you a 12-15% increase in sharpness (this is subjective, of course).

The Toshiba A1 player is very impressive, seems to be well-built and the sound and picture on SD DVD's is definitely first rate. Earlier this year I had picked up a Denon 3810 to check out the video using the player's HDMI output. The Toshiba is a much better player and costs less as well.

I am slightly concerned about the audio on Phantom. It sounds wonderful on the SD version played at 79 on the G68. When I put in the HD version, I have to up the volume to 89 to approach the same sound level. I don't know if this is an adjustment in some obscure menu or if this is just the level that Phantom was mastered. I have not watched Serenity yet, I plan to this evening, so I check to see what volume is needed for that disc. I post findings along the way.

Rudy

G68ADV, DSP5500's, DSP5500HC, DSP5000's, Sony Ruby, DVDO, VP-30