----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
Robert,
You know I am all for your approach, but if you allow me, your comment of "my new scaler will
perform the same function (probably even better in most cases) with my old DVD players."
I would add "but with a couple of D/A and A/D conversions in between that will negatively affect the
improvement a scaler can do, and the mix could be worst", assuming your old DVD players use
component analog connections. Experimentation with all the connections and pieces are the only way
one can find out for sure.
A DVD with upconversion has the benefit of doing all that processing in the digital domain within
the unit; how could that rate with an assumed better performance of a scaler that starts from DVD
480i coming from analog is a toss.
However one important feature a scaler does bring in addition to the good performance and the
centralized switching/transcoding, is that it beautifies the image coming from ALL the components
that are connected to it, not just a DVD player, and it perfectly maps its output to the resolution
the display device likes to perform at its best.
For example, a DVD player with upconversion to only 1080i would not match perfectly the pixel grid
of a 720p display so the display needs to do additional "magic" that is when we enter in the
mysterious terrain; a scaler would do a better matching so the display just does the dummy part of
displaying, no need for deinterlacing nor scaling.
Another ingredient on this soup is what is the level of quality/investment of the overall existing
HD system. I would not expect that a consumer that looks for a $150 upconversion DVD player to view
on its $1200 CRT RPTV would be interested on a $2000 scaler. I would not expect that a HT hi-end
projector owner would compromise the quality of such display with a $69 upconversion DVD player.
The above goes along with the very wise comment Alan just said: "As far as what is "a good deal,"
that's entirely subjective and my opinion means nothing to another person with their own unique set
of budget constraints, tastes and priorities."
In general, I would not spend anything over $500 on a DVD player today, even if the Hi Def DVD gets
further postponed to end of 2006, I would rather wait to use that kind of money on a player; if
there is a need for an immediate purchase there are quite a few excellent upconversion DVD players
for much less, a couple of them can even HD upconvert over component analog connections (not just
HDMI), and at least one model ignores HDCP compliance, a feature that no scaler can do if they want
to continue their good name on Monday.
Please do not ask me which models are those, I rather not be linked to recommendations of products
designed to break the rules.
Best Regards,
Rodolfo La Maestra
-----Original Message-----
From: HDTV Magazine On Behalf Of
Dr Robert A Fowkes
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2005 7:11 PM
To: HDTV Magazine
Subject: Re: DVD with 1080 output
----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
At 05:11 PM 12/30/2005 -0500, you wrote:
>Has anyone had a chance to check out the DVD players that have a 1080
>output? The ones that takes standard DVD and converts the output to 1080. I
>would like to know if they really give you a better picture or is it all
>hype. I also would like some suggestions as to which ones would be a good
>deal and the cost.
Another approach would be to purchase an outboard scaler, such as the
DVDO VP30 which will produce 1080p output (actually it's really an
"almost any resolution in and any resolution out" scenario). This
can be cost effective especially if you are going to use the scaler
for other things, like switching, etc. Then you also get the benefit
of being able to take almost any DVD player and making it perform
like all the very nice ones already mentioned. And the scaler has
the added benefit of not being tied to a particular DVD player
(especially if something breaks). Also, outboard scalers can be
upgraded when scaling technology progresses.
Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not suggesting that these
upscaling DVD players are bad. As others have said, they can produce
some very impressive results. I'm just saying that if you already
have, or are planning to get an outboard scaler then getting a
scaling DVD player is a bit redundant. I was actually considering
one of these players until I realized that my new scaler will perform
the same function (probably even better in most cases) with my old DVD players.
-- RAF
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