best way to see dvd's

[Sunnyspring]

hi
I just got a plasma hitachi 42pma400e and i have a dolby sorround amplifier Onkyo. I would like to know what' s the best way to see dvd's. Is it better a standalone dvd player or the computer if i get a good sound(one with opt out) and video card?
If the standalone dvd player is the best can u suggest me one? I was thinking to the Pioneer Dv 2650 but i gotta test svcd in the shop yet.
I have a playstation 2 but i don't think it's the best way to watch dvd.
What's the better wire connection? s-video or scart?
Should i use better audio wares for the dolby 5.1 than normal ones to have better audio definition?
Thanks a lot for all the replyes!!

[bugster]

If you are in the UK, go here. There is a US version of this forum too, though I forget the URL at the moment.

[hothandiman]

Wow, nice system! Like you said, there are options. For convience sake, a stand alone player might be best. Considering your high-end system, I would look for a high-end DVD player--but not just a DVD player, a multi-format player: Plays DVD's, audio DVD's, SACD, VCD, SVCD, etc. Do some searches on this site. Check out the DVD Players link to the left. Also, Audio/Video & Home Theater magazines are a good source. There are some players now that have a DVI connection, so if your plasma has this, you may consider this too. You could consider a DVD recorder like the Panasonic DMR E80 (about $500 online), as this will record, but it will not have as extensive multi-format capability. The computer route is an option as well-especially if your computer will be in close proximity to your home theater set up. For a video card, check out the capture card link to the left. I would consider a high-end card with HDTV capability. This will give you the high-quality connections to your Oniko. Also, it will record in HDTV!!! Cool! Be sure to look at the cards that are hardware based. They are more expensive, but they put less strain on your computer resources. I think you will be looking at $250-$500. For an audio card, look at the sound blaster audigy platinum pro (about $200 I think). An awesome sound card with an external interface module. It even has a remote control! If you do go the computer route, be sure the system is up to the task. Pentium 4 at 3 gig, at least 500 meg of ram, and dual HDD's totaling at least 250 gig of storeage (if you record video to the HDD, you need LOTS of space). Going this route, your pc would truely become a media center and I would locate it with the rest of your system. You would most likely want a broadband connection to download MP3, etc to listen too. Also, wireless keyboard and mouse to control the system from the easy chair! Good luck with your system. Hope to hear back about what you decide.

Edit: These recommendations were made assuming ATSC/NTSC, if in Europe with PAL, there are different considerations--especially the video card.

[Hardcoreruss]

Go with some high quality leads get yourself an ixos scart and some high quality interconnects by the same name or qed.

Or if you really want to push the boat out get yourself some nordost's

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3054752376&category=3276

[twinches]

If you are in the UK, go here. There is a US version of this forum too, though I forget the URL at the moment.

This is the US website http://www.avsforum.com/

I would go there for all of your Audio / Video and connection questions.

[Sunnyspring]

thanks a lot for your quick replies!! I'll print them to read them better.
I just wanna say i'm in Italy,Pal system but i don't think it's a problem 'cause plasma is just a monitor and support both ntsc & pal. I still need to buy the computer and it will be near the plasma:i'll use it as monitor. And yep i'll get broadband: i'll get ADSL connection. I'm interested in svcd and dvd-r (i'm gonna get dvd-r dvd burner)
Thanks again : u've been very usefull