Which player does BEST QUALITY PAL to NTSC Conversion?

[LisaB]

I recently got a HDTV, and I am looking for a good quality progressive-scan DVD that will play both PAL and NTSC, anamorphic or not. I was disappointed to learn that my HDTV doesn't properly handle PAL signals, so I must rely on PAL->NTSC in the DVD Player.

I have thoroughly tested 2 players so far: Pioneer DV-260 and Philips 726.

Both players have internal PAL->NTSC conversion, but neither was able to properly do anamorphic PAL without a slight distortion of aspect ratio. Furthermore, the Pioneer was noticeably choppy during scenes that had slow pans, and there was a flickering of horizontal lines. Keep in mind that the tests were done in progressive-scan mode, and connection to the HDTV was made using component inputs.

I've heard that the Philips 727 does anamorphic PAL perfectly, so I'll probably get one for the time being. The only problem with the 727 is that it has no built-in DTS decoder, which is why I am still considering other options.

Anyone have other suggestions?

[GabeB]

Have you looked at the Toshiba 4900? It might be what you are looking for.

https://www.videohelp.com/dvdplayers.php?DVDname=toshiba+4900&Search=Search&orderby=Name

[mariop]

I do not have an HDTV. I haven't won the lottery yet!

Just yesterday I was in crisis because I have a bunch of PAL DVDs and my sony player refused to recognize them. I have a standard 36" sony tv. In a post here someone suggested the Toshiba sd4900, which is on sale at bestbuy.com for under $100. The box specifically indicates it is progressive scan and anamorphic. It does PAL to NTSC without any hack. However there is a hack for multi-region. I recommend it. You can always take it back to bestbuy and tell them it doesn't play your home made DVDs. They have a "no questions asked" return policy within 30 days.

[manco]

I'm only using a 27" SDTV, but I just picked up a Toshiba SD-4900 and I'm very happy with it. I has played my Region 2 PAL DVDs without a problem. I've also been able to play PAL SVCD, VCD and XVCD on it without any issues.

The SD-4900 is replacing an ancient Apex 600A which refuses to load DVDs most of the time (and it never displayed the correct aspect ratio for PAL anyway). Before the Toshiba I tried a cheap AMW (Amphion) V101 from Circuit City. While the PAL aspect ratio was correct and the multi-region worked, the V101 stuttered on some high bitrate SVCDs. The Toshiba has no problem with the same discs.

[LisaB]

I just may give that Toshiba a try. But I notice it doesn't do MPEGISO, like the Philips will do....and I wonder if it does 3:2 pulldown like the Philips?

I didn't win the lottery either, but the deal at BestBuy on the 27" Advent HDTV is awesome....after tax and everything it was only $425, which is only $150 more than the standard definition TV I was considering...I've been very pleased with the purchase, and after adjusting the settings, the picture using a pro-scan dvd is amazing.

[Feuerwehr]

There are a number of players that do quite decent PAL to NTSC anamorphic conversion. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and if you ask 10 different people you will get 10 different recommendations.
Ironically, the cheaper players many times have simple region free hacks, and the more expensive brands usually don't. Sometimes the cheapo models do much better conversion than some of the expensive ones, but may have other long term reliability problems. I have had the opportunity to try about 10 different models with varying results
JVC and Malata as well as 2 or three other manufacturers produced models that utilized the Mediamatics chip. These utilize "hardware" conversion and in general do an outstanding job of PAL to NTSC conversion, even better than most outboard converters.
Players utilizing the Mediamatics chip are being phased out and you have to look around to find them. They may also not play the variety of video formats that newer chips can. That is not to say that there are not many other players that do a decent job of conversion. Do a browser search on "Region free DVD players" and you will find a number of vendors advertisings "region free" DVD players with PAL to NTSC conversion. You can search DVD PLAYERS for multi system models here at DVDR Help to get an idea as to what ratings are. A good source for info on "economy" Multi-System Players is the Nerd-out forum at http://www.nerd-out.com/forum/
Good luck!

[manco]

I just may give that Toshiba a try. But I notice it doesn't do MPEGISO, like the Philips will do....and I wonder if it does 3:2 pulldown like the Philips?

Toshiba's SD-4900 page

It does do 3:2 pulldown according to the specs, but I can't test it with my interlaced TV.

Digital Cinema Progressive : Recognizes 24-frame-per-second content on DVD discs. When activated, converts this to the progressive scan standard of 60 frames per second for display on HD-compatible televisions. This reduces motion artifacts and picture breakup

Digital Cinema Progressive (3:2 Pulldown)
benefit: Delivers the smoothest, most film-like images to any progressive scan television, such as an HD-compatible one, and ensures maximum resolution.

It definitely does not play MPEGISO. I tried it (even though it is not a listed feature) and it didn't work.

The Toshiba definitely has a more solid build quality and seems like it should last longer than some of the cheaper models (including the AMW V101 I tested).