Panny L300U projector and Zenith 318...a good match?

[slateef]

anyone have this combination of display device and dvd player?

is this a good combination? basically, is it worth it (buying the 318, that is)?

any advice would be appreciated!

[NorthJersey]

I guess you're asking because your projector doesn't have DVI or HDMI, correct ?

If you're looking for the 318 that upconverts over component you're going to have to look on ebay, for one with the original firmware, since the current firmware takes away that option. Anything with a firmware/build from March 04 or earlier should do

[maolen]

no need to look on ebay. just buy the 318 anywhere and update its firmware if it's a newer one. old and new firmwares are available so you can update with whatever you want.

[slateef]

thanks for the replies...

so does anyone have this combination?? any feedback?

[Chris Gerhard]

I have the DVB318 and Panasonic PT-L500U and I am happy with the combination. I don't think you can do any better for the price if you want an upscaling DVD player to use with a component connection. I only find the combination acceptable at 1080i and with anamorphic DVDs. The DVB318 is subpar at all other resolutions and with non-anamorphic DVDs.

Chris

[slateef]

thanks chris...that shouldn't be too much of a problem since virtually all newer dvds are anamorphic, right? have there been any recent dvds (in the last couple years) that HAVEN'T been anamorphic? (i'm referring to major releases, not documentaries, sports videos, etc).

[Chris Gerhard]

[QUOTE=slateef]thanks chris...that shouldn't be too much of a problem since virtually all newer dvds are anamorphic, right? have there been any recent dvds (in the last couple years) that HAVEN'T been anamorphic? (i'm referring to major releases, not documentaries, sports videos, etc).[/QUOTE]

Almost all widescreen programming is anamorphic on DVD now but of course all programming made for a 4:3 TV screen is not and those DVDs aren't acceptable to me with the DVD318. The DVB318 thread here has some discussion about how people watch full screen DVDs with the player. Many made for TV movies and most TV series are formatted for 4:3.

Chris

[slateef]

thanks chris.

my projector, the L300U, is 960 x 540...so in order to make things scale correctly, the optimal setting on the dvd output would be 1040i anyway, is that right?

[Shift]

Ok,, so if I get the new firmware on the dvd player 318 that does not upconvert from component, how do I get the old firmware to make the component that will upconvert. Do you just download to a CDr disk from the zenith site and flash the rom w/ the old firmware update?? If so, may I get a link to get the old firmware update? Thanks

[scotty144]

I have the Zenith's cousin the LG mode for my 300l. I bought it on a lark as I came from a HTPC background just to see how it would fare. Conclusion...bye-bye HTPC...probably one of the best upgrades ever for my 300...worth every penny.

[slateef]

shift: here you go...
http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/experttips/michaeltlv/lg_dv7832_firmware.html

scotty144: now that's what i wanted to hear! i'm currently using the panny rp62 with my L300U, its the one with dcdi, bascially the same chipset as the rp56 and the denon 1600, two of the top rated dvd players in past shootouts. do you think the zenith 318 is a step above even those? and on a sidenote, when upconverting to 1080i, can some dvds look WORSE cause it brings out each and every artifact and flaw in the transfer?

[scotty144]

I have yet to view a dvd that didn't look better upconverted to 1080i...Like I had said before, I was using my HTPC upconverting to 1080i with ffdshow and I thought the results were quite good. The LG seems sharper without all the hassle of the HTPC. You will need to re-flash the player to up-convert over component but it is an easy fix. I remember reading that the 300 favours composite over VGA so that may also help. Anyways, like I said...it is a great upgrade. Plus, if you buy from CC or BB and you don't find an improvement just return it.

[slateef]

scotty, thanks for your replies...

one last question, have you had any problems with the sound not synching with the video? some have reported this problem....have you noticed any audio gliches or sync issues?

[scotty144]

Slateef, I haven't had any issues with audio sync. the only issue I have had with the player is it freezing with certain discs when the player is set to 'Auto play' Other than that it has been a joy.

[slateef]

do you leave it in auto play and then if it does freeze just switch to another mode? how commonly does it freeze?

[scotty144]

I do leave it in auto play and if I remember correctly it has only froze on one disc...not sure of which one though?

[slateef]

thanks alot scotty, you've been very helpful!