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I Just Don't Get Video

At this years CES, I was able to catch the Faroudja demo, which some of you may have also seen.

I rarely watch television and dont get too excited about video, but I must say it looked AMAZING -- a scene from a recent (?) movie showing a high school drum corp competition or something.

Because I am clueless about video, I felt a bit like the audio neophyte that may like what he hears but just has no idea what he is listening to or where or how to attribute the quality or critique various aspects of the sound.

From what little I now understand, that demo used Faroudja's new DLP front projector ($12,500?) and a combination DVD player and video processor that I think is about another $10,000. Didnt ask about the screen but I imagine it costs more than a bedsheet as well.

Unfortunately, 12,500 is a bit more than I want to spend on the projector and my wife is lobbying for a 50" flat plasma screen at the foot of the bed.

Therefore, could someone please explain video processors and how they would impact my watching Time Warner Cable in HD in New York City?

Would a processor dramatically enhance the occasional DVD on my Sony 9000 ES?

Would it make sense to invest in a processor even if I went with a more ordinary and less expensive -- albeit HD - display device?

Or -- extra credit !! -- is there a bargain out there for last years model where I can get 90% of Faroudja's demo for < 50% of the price?

Thanks
cwlondon

Showing 4 responses by cwlondon

cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
I am familiar with avsforum, but apparently this topic is far too babyish to get anyones attention or interest.

Could someone answer my question from an Audiogoner's perspective?

If I do capitulate and go for the plasma -- the new 50" Fujitsu, for example -- can someone tell me what happens to Time Warner Cable in HD and the occasional DVD if I geek out with a processor?
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
Thank for the opinions so far.

Further to projectors, I already have a trusty Sony VPL 4000 Q 16:9 HDTV LCD which everyone raved about when it came out and at least used to be a bit of a cult item.

However, it is not terribly bright and the fan is a bit noisy even in a bigger room.

Will even the new cheapo projectors handily outperform the old benchmark Sony or should I just buy the plasma for the bedroom and use the projector in the living room while my wife watches the food channel or something?!

In any event, it sounds like Faroudja video processors arent exactly a high value item and wont be required for HDTV and DVD?
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
I've been thinking about this thread and another thought comes to mind:

THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS for a super high end device from one of the tweakiest manufacturers to make "vhs" "look much better" but seems out of place and/or redundant with other state of the art video gear?

I still don't get video?!?!
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
Dave

I take your point about obsessing over the gear and overpriced incremental improvements, but to me, this example is not an apples to apples comparison.

To complete the audio metaphor, this seems more like Faroudja marketing a state of the art, up to the minute latest generation, wildly expensive signal processing device that made cassette tapes sound quite good, but really didnt make clearly discernible improvements to high end analogue or a well recorded SACD.

What self respecting audiophile would buy that?! Remember DBX signal processing devices in the 70's? Readers of Stereo Review, not TAS bought them.

Or am I missing something? I still dont get video.
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