Originally Posted by crion
Video Noise reduction circuits? Apart from the players not having identical audio jitter performances.

Maybe I'm misinformed but as I understand it the audio is fed out unaltered through both HDMI (where it gains jitter through association with video - hence the HD621 solution) or through Toslink/coax.

Unless the player has an internal DAC -> analog out, jitter etc control lies in the processor (and remember the HD621 is a processor).

Jitter control can be by buffering (the Meridian approach) or by rigid timer control (as per Esoteric with their external Rb controlled Masterclocks).

I have used both approaches here and both are effective. Like all processing, the effectiveness of jitter control depends on circuit design, good software and quality componentry.

So, I understand the claim that all players are much the same re audio & video out. And a similar situation holds for HDMI out. It is if there is internal processing of audio & video to give analog audio & component etc video where differences can arise.

As I see the present situation, the advances in Bluray player will be faster data access rather than any audio or video improvements at HDMI out.

As a side issue on video quality, last night we looked at a movie with guests on laserdisc. Now most laserdisc players were pretty bad with mediocre to poor video and in the light of current gear, unacceptable. BUT, we used a Pioneer HLDX9 fed via lowly s-video into an iScan BP50 PRO and the video quality was equal to the better upscaled SD TV broadcasts. The resolution, colours etc were far far better than expected and I was a bit apprehensive when the laserdisc movie "Remains of the Day" was chosen.

So my point is that given top processing, video can be great but given mediocre processing is can be unwatchable. So guys and gals, do not stint on a good video processor. BTW the VP50 PRO is streets ahead of the DVDO HD+ I used for years in this system. Video processing has really gone ahead in leaps and bounds in recent years.

Bottom line in my book therefore is to get any of Pioneer, Panasonic (what I have), Denon etc that takes your fancy but be prepared to spend on a decent processor. Of course all this applies just as equally to audio and video. Sussing all this out is what makes this hobby so fascinating :-)

John