Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD

I think I would call Pioneer, distributor and/or place where you bought it. Something doesn't sound right.

No, regarding DD-HD and DTS-HD sound via the coax or optical digital out. HD sound will only transmit over the HDMI output.

well, that isn't entirely true. dig optical or coax has enough bandwidth for 2 channels of hd audio.

I tried to connect the player to the TV and see no difference. There might be a few problems why the regular DVD movies don't look so good.

1. I am testing out a DVD movie that was made about 13 years ago. "Twister" with Bill Paxton, Helen Hunt.

2. My TV does not put out 1080p. My TV I believe puts out only 720p or 1080i.

3. I am using stock HDMI cables that came with the player. I ordered Monster Cable and see if it will make a difference.

The blu-ray movies looks really good though. Than again, all blu-ray movies will always looks better than a regular DVD movies.

Actually, there is another number:

4. It is called a BLU-RAY player and NOT a DVD player. HA HA HA

I am thinking maybe all blu-ray players just don't do so well with regular DVD movies.

When I tested out my regular DVD player which has the same 1080p output with HDMI connection, my regular DVD player out performed the video quality against the blu-ray player. I am still using the same movie "Twister" with Bill Paxton, Helen Hunt.