Don't Give Up Yet!
Dewy9 said:
Same here. I have an HDTV and when my brother brings over his PS3 to watch a movie, I really can't tell the difference between that and one of my movies which have been upconverted. Personally, it doesn't live up to the hype.
Before you write-off Blu-ray forever, several things might be at play here (no offense intended if you've already considered these):
- First, what Blu-ray were you watching (some have botched transfers with excessive DNR which removes detail)?
- Are you watching in a darkened room or are there lights on which could wash out the screen and limit your perception of contrast, cause reflections or in any way interfere with properly viewing the picture?
- How big is your HDTV (more than 42")?
- How far are you sitting from the TV (a minimum viewing angle of 30 degrees is best* - 42" screen = 5.7 feet)?
- Is your HDTV properly calibrated or are you using factory settings (have you tried using Digital Video Essentials' Blu-ray calibration disc)?
- What is your HDTV's contrast ratio (more than 1000:1)?
- What is the resolution of your HDTV (a non-standard resolution like 1366x768 or native 1080p)?
- What resolution was the PS3 set to (same as TV)?
- Were you using HDMI, Component, S-Video or Composite inputs (HDMI is best)?
- Was the PS3 set to YPbPr or RGB (YPbPr is best for Blu-ray)?
* Maximum SMPTE recommended viewing distance: It results in a more immersive experience, and also lessens eye strain caused by watching a smaller image in a dark room.
The PS3 upconverts standard DVD very well and it is one of the best Blu-ray players out there, I own one and use it in conjunction with a 720p front projector. On an 8 ft. wide screen, at only 1280x720 the difference is VERY noticeable, I assure you. At that size, in a completely dark room, with proper black masking, curtains surrounding the image and proper seating, it is very similar to being in a cinema. But even on my small 32" cheap Costco off-brand 1080p LCD in my bedroom, you can see the difference. It's there, it's real and it isn't hype.
Check out any of the screenshot comparisons at AVSForum or simply check out this review of the KOTCS Blu-ray which has full-res screenshot comparisons between DVD and Blu-ray:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews42/indiana_jones_kingdom_crystal_skull_blu-ray.htm
Hope this helps.