high end progressive scan dvd player

mr_g3,

There are a couple things to consider in the case of the Simaudio Stellar and it's high price tag:

1) The Stellar was not just designed to be a flagship DVD player, but also a flagship CD player. For the person that wants a one-box solution, it is the best available, IMHO.

2) There are multiple versions and implementations of the Faroudja DCDi chipset. There is a VERY cheap one that is OEM'ed to the mass-market DVD companies, all the way to the VERY expensive top of the line "Stingray" version (which is implemented in the Stellar). So, if you plan on purchasing a DVD player with DCDi, make sure you ask the salesman which version is implemented in the player you are interested in.

Hope this helps.....Mike - Father & Son Audio

And for those who are interested, I've just found out that Pioneer will be releasing two new "Universal DVD" players under their "Elite" brand come fall. They will be named the DV-45 and the DV-47i (which will probably be nothing more than an updated version of the current DV-47A). Like the current DV-47A, the DV-45 and the DV-47i will also play DVDs, DVD-As, CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and SACDs. The "i" part of the revised DV-47 is an industry standardized format, allowing greater compatability with other four-pin IEEE 1394 input connections, such as high-bandwidth audio connectivity, when used with a compatible receiver, such as Pioneer's VSX-49TXi (which is also an Elite model, and it will be released sometime this coming fall). The DV-45 will have 10/54 video processing, and the more expensive DV-47i will have 12/108 video processing. But both players will offer 24/192 audio processing, bass management capabilities, and six channel analog audio outputs. The DV-45 will be priced at $700.00, and the DV-47i, $1,200.00. For those of you who could be interested in this player, more information about them can be found at Pioneer's website.

The link is "http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/Pioneer/CDR/CompanyOverview/PressDetails/0,1479,71351,00.html"

Regards..........

--Charles--

And if that link does not work, then click onto Pioneer's website, and then click under "Press Room". Under "Press Room", then look for June 15th. The link concerning the new DVD Players will show up then.

Thanks and Regards........

--Charles--

Although not the greatest straight DVD player, I recommend HTPC for anybody with front projection. I know that my HTPC completely blows away the 480p that I get off of my Philips Q50 progressive scan DVD player on even my rear projection HDTV. When I go to the DLP or CRT, it isn't even close.