Atypical Q: Want Advice on Non-Prog DVD w/grt Vid


I have a slightly different situation than most other threads I've seen. I don't need a progressive scan DVD because my 50" Hitachi Ultravision rear projection is about 6 years old and only has s-video inputs. Even tho it says that it can display 1000 lines of horizontal res, my understanding is that I'm stuck with interlaced due to the s-vid only inputs. With the Hitachi going strong, I won't trade it in for a few more years. W/several formats floating around out there and prices coming down all the time, I don't see the value in paying the big bucks for a high end progressive DVD at the moment if I can only use interlaced outputs anyway.

I'm thinking that I need a player with great interlaced video quality. My HT audio will be sent to my Theta Casanova HT processor so I'm only interested in the transport abilities of the player from an audio standpoint. Here's my HT setup: Theta Casanova and B&K 7250 5 channel amp. I have Revel Ultima Studios in front, Ultima Voice center channel, and Ultima Embrace surrounds. --I have to say that the Studios sound so sweet with SF Power 3's and the SF Line 3 in 2 channel. :)

With all the focus and advice on progressive players out there, I'm having a hard time figuring out what non-prog DVD player to get. Any suggestions on a good player to fit the bill for me? Thanks much for your insight.
jagz
Jagz- you may want to consider the CAL CL20 which has great video and audio and S video & composite video out only, or also a Pioneer Elite DV05 which has no progressive scan but has component video out, as well as S and composite. The CAL will not be cheap but would be better on the audio end (altho the Pioneer is not too shabby); the DV05 should be $3-400. The value of the DV05 is that you could add an external doubler, if any will accept component in and output to S-video.
My understanding is that the Panny RP56&91 are GREAT PS but not very good interlaced. The Pioneer DV05/09 and Sony 7000/7700 used are good ideas. I saw a good article somewhere about PS and interlaced output of various players ... I'll see if I can find it again.
Jagz,

Check out "Secrets progressive shootout" at hometheaterhifi.com While I realize you are not interested in a progressive player, in their reviews of these players they rate the interlaced output. Some people use the interlaced output to feed to a scaler. For this application they need the best possible interlaced output available. If I remember correctly, they ranked the Sony ES9000 interlaced output as one of the best current players.

All of that being said, my opinion is that I don't think it will matter to you on your 6 year old 50" Hitachi. I would get a throw-away player($200 - $250) now, which will still look better than laser, and opt for higher scale player when you upgrade your display. You can then move the cheap dvd to the bedroom or den.

Good luck,

Mike P.