How important is that DVI Dish HDTV connection on the back

[scottchez]

The two new Dish HDTV receviers all come with a DVI jack.

All the new HDTVs come with only ONE DVI port.

There are now 3 new DVD players with a DVI output claiming to do a better upconvert tin 720p or 1080i

Question:

I am looking at a new DVD player to go with my new Dish 811 or 921.

Should I buy a DVD with the DVI and use its connection and use componet video for the Dish, or will the Dish receiver work better with DVI.

THe new DVD players with DVI ports do not the 720/1080 convert on the componet jacks on on the DVI out put.

% Samsung and the Bravo D1 DVD players

[Ken_F]

Scott,

Hopefully, we will get affordable DVI switches in the near future.

The importance of DVI depends in good part on the display you get. DVI is more important for newer DLP, LCD, and LCOS digital displays than it is for traditional CRT televisions. Traditional CRT televisions generally see only minimal improvement from DVI, if any at all, because they don't have an all digital path to display.

If you do get a digital display (like new Panny LCD, Samsung DLP, or Toshiba LCOS), then I would get the 811 or 921 with DVI, and then perhaps hold off for a second-generation DVI DVD player. By the time second-generation DVI players are available, we should have more affordable DVI switching device options.

[sampatterson]

The DVI is important. I have a Momitsu 880 DVD player that outputs 720p and 1080i via component (or DVI), the picture is much better than my top-of-the-line Toshiba reference DVD player.

[John Kotches]

Gefen showed a $199 2:1 DVI switcher at CEDIA that is lower than I've seen in price so far for any other switcher.

Personally, I think a digital display should be driven by a digital input for maximum PQ.

Regards,

[AllieVi]

The same problem existed when TV's first started using composite inputs years ago. Eventually, TV's began to offer several connections. It surprises me that TV manufacturers that are providing DVI inputs didn't learn from their own experience and provide multiple DVI inputs from the start. The first one that does will, no doubt, have certain bragging rights.

I'm still on the high definition sidelines, but when I take the plunge it will be for a set that offers several DVI connections.