Blu ray and HD DVD player?

Can I use a Blu-Ray DVD player on a non-HD TV?

• My traditional DVD player is starting to wear out, so I figure it makes sense to buy a Blu-Ray DVD player; however, the current TV that I have works just fine, but it is not HD or plasma or LCD. Can I hook up a Blu-Ray player to a non-HD TV? Also, will my traditional, non-Blu Ray DVDs work on a Blu-Ray player, or do I have to upgrade all my movies to Blu-Ray DVDs?

• Answer:

  Yes, a Blu-ray player will work on a regular TV. But you have 3 choices to hook it up. The component video (red, green, blue), S-video cable, or analog video (yellow). But you won't be able to use a coax cable (like the one coming out of the wall). So be sure your Tv has one of the three. You will see a difference, but only a marginal difference. A flat screen TV with a resolution of 1080p is the only way to take advantage of Blu-ray. A Blu-ray player will play standard DVDs w/ no problem. Do not go out & replace all of your current discs on Blu-ray. I would suggest you buy only the new releases that you think are worth it. A Blu-ray disc is more expensive, so choose carefully. Decent used lcd tvs are becoming readily available. As people see that Blu-ray looks good on a high quality big screens, they pitch their smaller ones. A used 27" lcd with 720p can be had for $200 or so. G'luck.