Toshiba SD-5000 1080i Upconverting DivX Certified DVD Player

TOSHIBA SD-5000 1080i Upconverting DVD Player. Video Upconversion displays a pure digital signal at 720p or 1080i, matching the resolution of the HD display and thus eliminating signal degrading A/D D/A conversion. HDMI is a convenient, single cable connection. This cable transfers uncompressed digital video and multi channel audio to home theater components and high definition televisions. Multiformat playback capability now includes DVD minus/plus R, DVD minus/plus RW, VCD, SVCD, DivX, CD R, CD RW, MP3 and WMA playback for flexible playback options. HD JPEG provides the ability to view megapixel images in their enhanced resolution when using HDMI and an HD display device. New Super Slim/ 40mm chassis height is combined with a high gloss black acrylic panel with attractive silver accents and a bright front display to complement the latest TV designs.

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
I tried this model out with my Sony HDTV using the HDMI connection. Watched a recent movie with quite a few dark scenes and was surprised at how bad the picture was. It almost looked like a cartoon. At one point the playback slowed, became very blocky and froze! It was so bad I had to stop the movie and try the disk in our Sony Playstation 2. The picture from the PS2 showing the same scenes was fantastic and it doesn't do up-conversion of course. On the positive side the Dolby and DTS sound from the Toshiba was great. I returned the Toshiba and purchased the Sony DVPNS75H and now am very pleased. The picture quality on the Sony is far superior - much brighter and sharper.