Do you want the flexibility to play other formats, such as upconverting DVD-V, DVD-A, SACD, and CD? If so, OPPO makes the best inexpensive (relatively speaking) universal player called the DV-980H at $169 direct, or if they have any left of the DV-983H, that one is a bit more expensive. OPPO is coming out with a new universal player that includes Blu Ray capability, which comes with a new and excellent upconverter and scaler by Anchor Bay Technologies. This model will be called the OPPO BDP-83. The specs of this are as follows: Complete Media Support: Blu-ray Disc - The high definition Blu-ray Disc format provides pristine video and audio quality for your home entertainment. BonusVIEW - BD "Profile 1.1" enables "picture-in-picture" and secondary audio features for viewing director or actor commentary while the main movie is playing. BD-Live - The BDP-83 support BD "Profile 2.0" and contains all necessary hardware - audio/video decoder, Ethernet port, and 1GB of internal storage - for BD-Live. DVD Up-Conversion - The BDP-83 uses the same VRS by Anchor Bay (DVDO) de-interlacing and scaling technology as in our award-winning DV-983H DVD player. The up-converted picture quality bridges the visual gap from your current DVD library to Blu-ray discs. SACD - The BDP-83 plays Super Audio CD (SACD) and supports both stereo and multi-channel high resolution audio programs. Users can select whether to output the DSD (Direct Stream Digital) signal in its native format or convert it into PCM. Additional Media Formats - Additional disc and file formats, such as audio CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD, AVCHD, MKV, and other audio/video/picture files on recorded discs or USB drives can be played back on the BDP-83. Unparalleled Video Quality: VRS by Anchor Bay - The BDP-83 incorporates Anchor Bay's award-winning Video Reference Series (VRS) technology, and delivers a picture that is cleaner, smoother, true-to-life and free of artifacts. Full HD 1080p Output - The BDP-83 features user selectable video output resolutions, including 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and up to 1080p 50 or 60Hz. True 24p Video - Many Blu-ray Discs are recorded at 24 frames per second, the same frame rate as the original movie's theatrical release. The BDP-83 can faithfully redeliver the original frames using 1080p 24Hz output (compatible display required) for smoother motion and a flicker-free, film-like home theater experience. It can also restore the original 24 frames per second progressive-scan video from well-authored DVDs and output as 1080p 24Hz. Source Direct Mode - For users who wish to use an external video processor, high-end audio/video receiver or display, the BDP-83 offers a "Source Direct" mode. The original audio/video content on the discs is sent out with no additional processing or alternation. Multiple Zoom Modes - The BDP-83 supports multiple levels of aspect ratio control and image zooming, including a vertical stretch mode for customers with a 2.35:1 CIH (Constant Image Height) display system. HDMI - HDMI is an all digital interface for the cleanest possible connection. It delivers high-quality digital video and audio through a single cable. The BDP-83 features an HDMI v1.3 output with 30-bit and 36-bit Deep Color support. High Fidelity Audio: Dolby® TrueHD - Dolby TrueHD delivers lossless studio master quality audio designed specifically for high definition entertainment. The BDP-83 supports bit-stream output of Dolby TrueHD via its HDMI 1.3 output. It can also internally decode Dolby TrueHD into LPCM and output via HDMI or the 7.1ch analog audio output terminals. Other varieties of Dolby Digital audio formats are also supported. DTS®-HD - DTS-HD delivers up to 7.1 channels of surround sound and audio that is indistinguishable from (DTS-HD High Resolution) or identical to (DTS-HD Master Audio) the original studio master. The BDP-83 supports bit-stream output and internal decoding of DTS-HD High Resolution and DTS-HD Master Audio. Other varieties of DTS audio formats are also supported. 7.1-Channel Analog Output - Individual analog 7.1-channel surround outputs are ideal to connect to a 7.1-channel or 5.1-channel surround sound system. The BDP-83 delivers an incredible sound stage and an immersive surround experience. Dedicated Stereo Output - The BDP-83 features a dedicated 2-channel analog output with specially optimized Digital-to-Analog Converters and output driving stage. Digital Optical and Coaxial Outputs - For simple and easy connection to more traditional A/V receivers, the BDP-83 features both optical and coaxial outputs for digital audio. Ultimate Convenience: Dual USB Ports - Two USB 2.0 high speed ports are provided, one on the front panel and one on the back. Users can enjoy high definition video, high resolution photos and music directly from their USB drives. PAL/NTSC Conversion - The BDP-83 supports NTSC and PAL systems for both disc playback and video output. It can also convert content of one system for output in another. (Subject to DVD and BD region restrictions) Back-lit Remote Control - The BDP-83 comes with a fully back-lit remote control for ease of use in dark home theaters. With its ergonomic button layout and clear labeling, operating the Blu-ray Disc player is easier than ever. Universal Power Supply - The BDP-83 features a wide range world power supply that is compatible with the AC power of all regions. No worries about damaging the player due to incorrect power voltage. External IR - For integration into home theater control systems, the BDP-83 provides external IR remote IN and OUT ports. RS232 Control (optional) - For custom installation, the RS232 control option can be special ordered at an additional cost. HDMI CEC - HDMI Consumer Electronics Control simplifies the home theater by allowing a single remote control to operate multiple devices. Preliminary Specifications (Subject to Change) Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice. Disc Types* BD-Video, DVD-Video, AVCHD, SACD, CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW, DVD±R DL, BD-R/RE BD Profile BD-ROM Version 2 Profile 2 (also compatible with Profile 1 Version 1.0 and 1.1) Internal Storage 1GB (Actual available storage varies due to system usage) Output Analog Audio: 7.1ch or 5.1ch, stereo Digital Audio: Coaxial, Optical HDMI Audio: Stereo, up to 7.1ch high-resolution PCM, up to 5.1ch DSD, bitstream or LPCM conversion of Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio. Analog Video: Composite, Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr, 480i/480p, 720p/1080i available for non-restricted content only) Digital Video: HDMI with HDCP (NTSC: 480i/480p/720p/1080i/1080p/1080p24, PAL 576i/576p/720p/1080i/1080p/1080p24) Video Characteristics Composite Video Amplitude: 1.0Vp-p (75Ã) Component Video: Y: 1.0Vp-p (75Ã), Pb/Pr: 0.7Vp-p (75Ã) Audio Characteristics** Frequency: 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.4dB) Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >110dB Total Harmonic Distortion: General Specification Power Supply: ~ 100V - 240V, 50/60Hz AC Power Consumption: 35W (0.5W Standby) Dimensions: 430mm x 336mm x 77mm, 16-7/8 x 13-1/4 x 3 inches Mass: 5.1kg / 11.2 lbs Operating Temperature 5°C - 35°C 41°F - 95°F Operating Humidity 15% - 75% No condensation

Wow! You really had a big shopping day! I never left the house yesterday, but I do most of my shopping online. I did order a new computer from HP, with a 25% off coupon. You will love your new monitor. I have a 24" and am getting ready to upgrade to a 27". The bigger screens are wonderful, especially when you want to look at two sites, side-by-side. It's hard to imagine a 32" TV for $229! Be ready for Black Friday and Cyber Monday--I'm sure you will get a comparable deal.

Last year the then-Oceanic/Time/Warner cable box could be controlled for volume by its remote. Before we arrived this month, new owner Spectrum (Charter) rewired with "digital" cable. They provided a new box and matching remote for the BR box, but left the old box and its remote in the LR. When we couldn't get that remote to control for volume, Spectrum provided a new remote, but not a new cable box. Nope. Still couldn't change volume. Today we will unhook the LR HD-DVR cable box and take it and the new-style remote into the Spectrum office. We are dropping the DVR service. We will get a non-DVR cable box -- and, I hope, a remote that will control volume. (Yeah, sure.) I foresee that we will have to re-do ALL of this if/when we replace the current TV. (sigh) artemis and Bob -- Most of our guests are like you. They are here to enjoy the island, not sit and watch "Days of Our Lives" (or whatever soaps exist today). We rent both via VRBO and an agency. (We can bump their bookings.) I see other people's ads that stress the GIANT TV setups; evidently a larger daily requirement than I'd have thought. You can see our condo and our competition -- 1BR 2Bath Ocean View at Maui Kamaole in South Kihei. I want to get the TV situation settled before calling a photographer for new photos of the condo. (We are the "Many Happy Returns" ad.) raee -- We are getting programming as part of the deal. At one time we had to pay extra for HD; not now. chloecat -- What is an Amazon Prime Box, please? I think we need cable just to get reception here; no OTA signal, and we are prohibited from installing a dish.

Hi, M. Thanks for the suggestion. I discovered that the Sony plays DVDs, but the VHS side doesn't work. That's okay, as I'd already decided to get a new DVD player. As for my VHS tapes, I converted most of them to DVD myself, using a Panasonic DVD recorder (DMR-EZ37V). I did this some years ago, and have no idea if the unit still works. But I'll try it. If not, I guess I'll take the remaining tapes to Sam's Club. But I'm back with more questions. Once concerns space around the TV. I just discovered that the manual recommends at least 4 inches of space on all sides. My 32" set is set in a corner armoire. It has about 4" of space on top and about the same on the bottom, but very little space on the sides--less than 1/4". The good part is that most of the back of the armoire is cut away, and because it's in a corner, not flush with a wall, there's a lot of air circulation that way. Do you think this is okay? I'll post a picture. The other thing is the new DVD player. I was interested in a couple of Samsungs, but I know I'd find it irritating that they have no light to indicate the power is on. Then I looked at some other models from other manufacturers, but most, including the Samsungs, have streaming capability. This seems like overkill to me because, as you can see, I've installed a Fire Stick on the TV. I also don't need 3D. I could get one of these models anyway, but I'd rather not pay for features I don't need. I can pay a lot less for a non-Blu-Ray DVD player. I seriously doubt any of my DVDs are Blu-Ray. Other than being able to play Blu-Ray discs, is there any advantage to getting a Blu-Ray player? Thank you for taking the time to read!