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DVD Upconvert: Quality Matters, Part II
By willbry | January 20, 2008
DVD Upconvert: Quality Matters, Part II
This is Part II of a two-part series examining the Video Scaler’s role in DVD Upconversion. In Part I of this series, we explored the role of the video scaler in DVD Upconverting and discussed some the qualities and characteristics of good and bad video scalers. In Part II below, we talk more about the good video scalers and view some examples.
The video scaler, as we have seen, is the actual hardware that the does the “heavy lifting” during the DVD Upconvert process; the video scaler is comprised of advanced, complex algorithms that determine how each pixel on the image of a DVD is upconverted to the higher resolution of your HDTV and, in doing so, takes the DVD from the native display resolution of 480i to your HDTV’s higher native resolution (720p, 1080i, 1080p). The video scaler is what separates a quality DVD upconvert viewing experience from a poor one. But what are the characteristics of a quality DVD Upconvert player?
As stated in prior articles on this blog, the closer the video signal gets to the native resolution of your HDTV before being received by your HDTV, the higher quality the image you see on your HDTV. This is because your HDTV does not have to do the DVD upconvert process; it is handled by your quality DVD upconvert player. Every HDTV does come equipped with a video upscaler, and every HDTV is natively capable of the DVD upconvert process. However, and almost without exception, the video scaler in your HDTV is very basic and of poor quality compared to a dedicated DVD upconvert player (such as the Oppo DV-981HD).
A quality DVD upconvert player (which has a quality video scaler) has, at a minimum, these characteristics:
- A Faroudja video processor* (the hands-down leader in video processor technology)
- An HDMI interface (absolutely required to keep the signal digital!)
- A top-rated manufacturer of quality video devices
Additional features (not required, but they help!):
- Positive reviews from current users (the more, the better)
- Multiple Playback Formats (i.e., audio, Divx, WMA, super audio, etc.)
- Audio output to stereo, 5.1 surround, or 7.1 surround (the more choices, the better- for when you upgrade the audio in your home theater)
- Warranty of 1+ year(s)
- Picture/image zoom
* The Faroudja video processor is without doubt the key to a quality DVD upconvert player.
If you are taking the plunge into either Blu-Ray or HD-DVD (and I’m still waiting until the war is over between them) and are considering quality DVD upconversion as part of your upgrade process, the following players are worth considering:
HDDVD: Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD Player
Blu-Ray: Panasonic DMP-BD10 - Blu-ray Disc player - upscaling
Remember - you get what you pay for and quality matters. If you can’t make up your mind between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD, the LG BH200 Combo Player plays both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD!
DVD Upconvert quality comes down to the quality of the video scaler. If you have a high resolution HDTV and a DVD collection, you need a DVD upconvert player that can provide you with a quality viewing experience. Your options for quality DVD Upconversion are:
- a dedicated, quality DVD upconvert player (such as the Oppo DV-981HD)*
- a Blu-Ray player with quality DVD upconvert (such as the Panasonic DMP-BD10)
- an HD-DVD player with quality DVD upconvert (such as the Toshiba HD-A2)
- a combination player with quality DVD upconvert (such as the LG BH200)
* The Oppo DV-981HD is my choice as I’m not yet ready to take the plunge into either HD-DVD or Blu-Ray (or both!).
Until next time, enjoy a higher quality viewing experience. . .
Topics: dvd upconvert |
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