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General discussion

Upscaling DVD players not good for EDTV

Jun 1, 2005 5:23AM PDT

Upscaling DVDs convert 480p to HDTV resolutions of 1080i/720p. EDTV's native resolution is 480p and hence it will convert the DVD signal back to 480p. So, I think spending money on upscaling DVD is a waste. But, still, EDTV's can take advantage of the all digital interfaces. So, my question is:

- Are there any p-scan non-scaling DVD players that have HDMI or DVI output ?
- Do the upscaling DVD players have an option of putting out video at 480p resolution ?

Discussion is locked

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re
Jun 1, 2005 5:58AM PDT

I don't think I have seen anything out there that has DVI or HDMI for a regular progressive scan. There really is no point. DVI and HDMI are used to get a pure digital connection and carry the best HD signal. Why not just get an upconverter and take advantage of one of the digital cables?

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Conversions result in signal quality degradation
Jun 1, 2005 6:52AM PDT

Because of loss of signal quality due to these conversions: 480p --> HD (in DVD circuit), and HD --> 480p (in EDTV circuit). Not sure if the degradation due to these conversions is greater or degradation from going from HDMI to component video is greater.

Are you saying that HDMI is not speced to carry 480p resoltuion ?

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yes...
Jun 1, 2005 7:57AM PDT

I have the samsung hd-841 & it has a DVI output & allows you to choose between several HD signal formats (including just 480p).

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Progressive Scan DVD Player
Jun 1, 2005 9:23AM PDT

Any progressive scan DVD player without an upconverter will output 480p via component, DVI or whatever.

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Upscaling DVD players not good for EDTV
Jun 10, 2005 6:31AM PDT

FYI, A good quality scan converter will cost $1000 and up
but it can't add picture quality. John

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thats not really true...
Jun 10, 2005 6:41AM PDT

...while its true that any video processing can't add picture information; quality is a different thing. Its related to how the image looks on your display device and everybody has a slightly different perception on each image. Many times a good smoothing or sharpening operation will greatly improve image quality. And there are dozens of de-interlacers that produce varying quality images.

Also not true about price. You hold on tight to that though & I'll impress people more with my "cheaper" system : ) Having the correct interfaces & understanding your equipment & calibrating the display device are probably more important than spending an extra few hundred dollars.