Review of the LG Cui-X2: Smartphone That Packs a Punch, but Does Need to Be Expensive

ALL Blu-ray players, which include the PS3, upscale DVDs to 1080p. However, the quality of the result varies. While NONE will upscale and match the sharpness of a Blu-ray version of the same movie (Although technically the result of upscaling is an HD image you can not obtain extra detail by upscaling DVDs), some players (e.g. Oppo BDP-83 do a significantly better job than others (e.g. PS3). It depends on the video processor in the player ... and like in HDTVs, some are better than others. The difference between Blu-ray and well upscaled DVD are subtle at best on a small, lower resolution HD display (e.g. 720p 30" HDTV), but become more pronounced on larger displays (e.g. 1080p 100" projector screen). So ... DVDs are not going to look as good as Blu-ray, but for many types of movies/programs there is some question whether paying a premium for Blu-ray is worth it for the relatively small increase in image quality. Many people feel it is not , and either do not bother with Blu-ray at all, or reserve it for movies they feel deserve the highest possible image quality. That said, image quality is more than just resolution. In fact, resolution is only the 4th most important determinant after dynamic range/contrast, colour accuracy and colour saturation. none of which are (significantly) improved in Blu-ray vs DVD (Blu-ray does use a different "color space", with a somewhat broader gamut of colour). In addition, catalog Blu-ray movies are often produced from remastered HD versions of the original print, which can mean a better image than that on the DVD from an older print. Finally, sound on Blu-ray can also be superior to that on a DVD (although improvement may only be appreciated on a good surround audio system). Bottom line: video and audio quality from a DVD -- even at it's best -- will not be as good as Blu-ray. The degree of difference varies with the movie and the equipment used. Whether it's worth paying extra for the improvement is a personal choice.

1. Help me pick a home audio receiver. 5.1, HDMI, not expensive?

I am with grumpy, buy a high end receiver from a few years ago. No HDMI, but you can run HDMI straight from blu ray to TV. Get a blu ray with multi channel analog outputs, and connect to receiver's multi channel analog inputs to get the new HD DD and DTS sound. That's what I am doing. I've got an older Yamaha, it was 2k US dollars when it came out. Blu ray and HDMI were just a dream in some dude's head at that time. I could get a new HDMI receiver that will decode DTS HD etc, for 500 bucks, but the parts in that thing wo not touch what I've got. My receiver has the better amp, power supply, bigger caps, better sound and true 100 watts to each channel, not the cheater specs of a 500 receiver. You can tell by the weight, I make a big groaning sound when I have to move it, it's like a slab of lead. I do not feel like dropping 1.5 or 2k on a new HDMI receiver. Now with the new HDMI 1.4 spec out for blu ray 3D forget about it, just more money. I will spend that money on a new flat panel. I helped my friend do the same thing, he built a nice SS system slowly as his wallet allowed. I started him off with a Sony ES receiver from a few years ago that was 1200 new, now 350. I showed him all kinds of good brand speakers used on ebay, we went back and forth on a few brands because there are a lot. Then a deal on Monitor audio showed up, grabbed the front three, rears will come later. he likes my SVS sub (internet only) so he might end up getting one too. So bottom line, it's good to hear that you are going to build it and do it right. You do not have to be rich, just patient if it takes a 6 months or 2 years whatever, it's worth it. Nothing I've purchased, even the used gear has ever failed me. Buy quality, and in most cases you will buy once. If something is outdated or dies you can replace just that one thing or in some cases work around it somehow. People that have those all in one systems when DVD was the only game in town are now not so happy since most can not integrate their new blu ray into the surround sound. Anyway check out the older high end Yamaha, Onkyo, Sony ES, I came really close to getting a used NAD receiver, but the deal on my Yamaha popped up and I grabbed it. Just make sure it has the multi-channel analog inputs. To mate to a blu ray player with matching outputs. If you go the HDMI way, you can get a nice receiver, but you are limited a bit since HDMI receivers have not been around a super long time

2. What Will Be Next Step After Blu Ray?

My suggestion is demo one and decide for yourself. Many people rave about Blu-ray and HD DVD, but personally I do not think they are worth the (current) high price premium. I have an HD DVD player and on my 110" screen and 720p projector the difference from upscaled DVD is barely noticeable. And video quality on Blu-ray and HD DVD is essentially identical, so it's not that HD DVD is not as good as Blu-ray. I suggest going to a store where they can connect a HD player to a TV as similar to yours as possible (at least same size and resolution). View a DVD and a HD disk (it's easiest with an HD DVD combo disks since they have HD on one side and normal DVD of the same movie on the other side) at the same distance as you will sit from the TV at home. If you decide the benefits are worthwhile, as to choosing HD DVD or Blu-ray I could give you all sorts of reasons why HD DVD is the more consumer friendly format, but the bottom line is most movies are only available on Blu-ray, so unless you want primarily a good upconverting DVD player that also plays HD DVDs ( in which case the HD-A3 is a great deal at about $120 with free HD DVD disks) you probably should buy Blu-ray. That said, Blu-ray is not ready for real time yet since there are still changes in hardware and software being implemented. It would be best to wait a few months at least before buying. And prices will likely be lower too. Hope this helps.

3. Is it worth it to buy old blu ray movies?

I've heard that the Blu-ray is amazing on all movies it's on, but I do not own one, so I am not a very reputable source. I would just rent some of the older movies on blu-ray. Judge for yourself whether they are better quality before you decide to buy.