NeoDigits' High-Definition DVD Player with VGA and 1080i/p Output for $199

February 24, 2006 by DIY For Life Inc

One product that has us particularly interested right now is the NeuNeo HD DVD player (HVD2085) by NeoDigits.com. Why? Because unlike your current DVD player with component or HDMI output, this player supports HDTV modes up to 1080i/p (1900x1080) or 1280x1024 via HDMI & VGA, and it doesn't just scale your DVD video, it performs smart interpolation - terrific details and a sharp image without jagged edges!

Projector enthusiasts, take note! The best part of this DVD player is that it has VGA output, so you don't need any special converters to adapt HD component output to your LCD's VGA input! The fewer times you convert the signal, the better - so this is ideal!

The DVD player featured here (model HVD2805) provides signal up-conversion in such a way that your video image looks even more detailed than the original DVD resolution. This handy and very inexpensive ($199) device can convert DVD resolution from its native 720x480 up to 1080i/p HDTV (1920x1080) via component output, or up to 1280x1024 SXGA via the built-in VGA or HDMI outputs. It also has an RCA composite output, but we don't think you'll be using that ever again!

We tested our HVD2085 player on a Sony Wega CRT in 720p mode, and also on a Phillips 50" Plasma in 720p and 1080i mode (the plasma screen natively supports 720 resolution), and the image was absolutely fantastic as compared to a much more expensive Denon DVD player. Both players were attached using Monster Cable gold plated component (RCA) cabling. The edges of our video image with the HVD2085 were sharper, and the image had a more natural color decoding so that day scenes felt sunnier, and night and action scenes had better contrast levels so that we could see more detail (especially the textures in animated scenes of Star Wars: Episode III). When we tested the same DVD using software decoders, the images were okay, but the colors seemed yellow after watching the HVD box - I prefer the HVD's color decoding.

Top: Star Wars Episode III on the HVD2085, 1280x1024 VGA output. Notice the detail of the hologram, the helmet, and the shoulder guard in this image compared to the lower image.
Bottom: Star Wars Episode III using PowerDVD software decoding, 1280x1024 VGA output. The image doesn't show the color differences very well, but the software image in reality appears slightly yellow in comparison. The differences between these images aren't dramatic at this scale, but when viewed on a 120" diagonal screen, it does indeed make a big difference.

If you are a home theater enthusiast, then we highly recommend purchasing this DVD player. It is one of the only true HDTV players on the market that can go up to 1080i/p, one of the only players with VGA output, and all for under $200!

If you do purchase one, please access their site via this link - it is the same price to you, but helps the NeoDigits.com company know that we helped them spread the word on this sweet DVD player!

© 2006 DIY For Life Inc