I had mine done, in fact I was the first person to have it done, it took about 12 days from when I dropped it off at FedEx (I used Teacs bulk shipping offer so it cost a total of $580 something). They sent me the shipping paperwork FedEx O/N, and second day shipping both ways. Teac was great, FedEx was FedEx. They dropped the unit on my doorstep and left with out so much as ringing the doorbell. Ironically, this time of year we get a lot of gypsys in Florida, and two of them came to my door casing the place and pointed out the box. They must have had no idea the value of it or I suspect they would have just left with it!
FedEx had dropped the box, possibly more than once, as both the outer and inner boxes were ripped and the Styrofoam was destroyed inside. The outer box seemed to actually have stretched and the inner box had room to move around a little inside when I got it back. Fortunately for me, the original shipping cartons and packing are pretty hefty, and my player seems perfect, I was completely unable to ID any visible damage and the player works perfectly.
I called Teac and explained my concerns should I need to mail the unit again and they are sending me a new carton and packing. I must admit, I expected them to charge me, and was quite impressed they did this with no coaxing on my part. I told them of the damage to the box, and my fear if I ever had to re-mail this unit. They told me theyd send me a new carton and packing, but it was on back order and would take some time. I have not yet received it, but did receive mailed confirmation it will be on its way
very nice move Teac!
OK, onto the guts of the matter
I was particularly eager to get the DVI output as I use a Samsung DLP, and it just seems logical to put a digital feed to a digital display
.. thus avoiding D-A and the subsequent A-D conversion. I must admit I havent yet compared the DVI to analog outs (I will get off my butt and try to do it today and post a follow up later), I am able to see a significant improvement in the video. The images are sharper, especially when paused or playing slo-mo. In fact, when paused, the images are unbelievably clear to the point of almost looking photographic with almost no hint of motion distortion (for lack of a better term) except if paused during extremely active scenes. Even then it is minimal. This is clearly improved over the original video out (analogs)
. Again I need to hook both up later today and A-B them for the updated video board for you (and me as Ive been meaning to do this since I got it back a few weeks ago!)
That is my initial impression, is it worth it? In my mind it is. I suspect with digital displays, the DVI will always yield a better picture, analog displays may do better either way depending in the display device. Ill hook both connections to the TV later this morning and post a follow up, I only need to go to work for a short time and will do this later this morning as Ill have the house and HT to myself, well, the dogs and cats will share
.
Until later,
Ken
