DVD Player vs. PC for Upconvertion???

[5_against_1]

Here's my PC setup: C2D E6850, GeForce 8800GTS 640MB, and a BenQ FP241W monitor.

I have never been "impressed" by the quality of DVDs on my computer (especially black levels), so I thought that a standalone DVD player like the Oppo DV-981HD (which has excellent review for upconverting) would do a better job. But then, I read in a few places that PCs are much better upconverters that stand-alone DVD players for DVDs. So I'd like to know if I'm doing something wrong or what when I watch a DVD on my machine or would you suggest that I do get the Oppo player.

Thank you,

 

[Sta!nless]

Are you watching the DVD's on your pc? Or are you watching DVD's with your pc hooked up to your TV?

If your PC is hooked up to your TV how do you have it hooked up? Component or DVI to HDMI is probably your best bet to achieve the best picture.

If your using your LCD monitor, how do black levels look on that with any type of picture?

It might have something to do with your software too? I'm not really sure, I'm just trying to help you out. Might depend on the DVD drive your using too.

Good question BTW.

 

[w1retap]

PC's have much more capable upconversion methods than a standalone unit does. You can tweak every setting you want on the PC to get it looking great. In the graphics drivers settings you can set custom color profiles for video playback. You can also use different software to playback DVD's and load custom plugins such as FFDshow that will allow you to fine tune everything like sharpness, edge enhancement, gamma, deblocking, etc.

 

[5_against_1]

Thank you...

I use my computer monitor to watch DVDs. What are the best softwares for DVD playback and tuning? I use PowerDVD, which doesn't seem to have tons of options. I'm also gonna look through my videocard control panel to see what I could do to improve image quality.

Thank you,

 

[Jay_2]

I have a $100 philips DVD upscaler and I have to be honest and say for the money its fantastic. The PC is better, but not enough to warrent all the messing around.