Upscaling DVD players?

[ffutures]

Anyone know anything about upscaling DVD players? I know that you can't really add quality that isn't there, but is there any improvement over normal video inputs on a TV that has an HDMI input?

Reason for asking is I've just seen one on offer for 20 quid

http://www.svpserver.com/newsletter/archive/2008/mar_13_1.htm

Really don't know enough about them to reach a decision - I suspect the build quality won't be fantastic at that price, but it might be worth taking a chance. It might also be convenient to have a player that can operate while the recorder is doing something else. My guess is that it was originally more expensive, replaced by a model that includes a digital tuner. And I do like the name; Torechwood!

What I would do, if I got this, is plug the digital sound cable from my amp into it, and leave the DVD recorder connected via normal stereo leads, since it's only recording from sources that have stereo sound, not 5.1

Later - now ordered, along with a cable and enough batteries and CD cases to keep me going for the next few months.

Comments

[autopope.livejournal.com]

Got one. Yes, it helps. The long and the short is, it can't add pixels which aren't on the DVD, but it can take the full image (typically 708x360 or thereabouts) that's on the DVD and render it fully, either within a black border or interpolated up to whatever resolution your TV will show; a DVD player with only SCART output will deliver PAL at best (625 lines with interlacing).

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Thanks - that's what I was wondering. Looks like another bloody remote is in my future, think that makes nine...

[gonzo21.livejournal.com]

I got a progressive scan DVD player for christmas (main buying concern was that it could play all sorts of avi's, so I didn't have to convert stuff to watch it). According to the instructions I can only get the benefit of upscaling if I connected it via the other set of video inputs, not the normal ones.

Crap that's no use, hold on, I'll find the manual.

"The progressive scan video quality is only possible when using Y PB PR connections and a progressive scan TV is required."

Not sure if this is exactly what you're asking though.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

No, but thanks anyway - I've got all of the weird analogue video inputs, but what this actually uses is HDMI, a digital cable - my TV has the socket so it ought to be OK.

[gonzo21.livejournal.com]

You've got a big fancy tv haven't you?

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Yup! 40" LCD. The inputs are just silly - three scarts, SVHS, Composite, VGA, component video, HDMI, and two or three sets of sound inputs

[gonzo21.livejournal.com]

Ye gods, everything but the kitchen sink.

Have you had any problems with it?

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

That's pretty typical for the big panels.

No problems, but power consumption is an issue - it's more than the old 32" TV. The next generation panels should be lower consumption, I hope.

OTOH the heat it puts out probably helps keep the room warm, I tend to watch more TV in winter!

[gonzo21.livejournal.com]

That's a major plus. I bet cats must look at flatscreens and be very annoyed that they're not big enough to sleep on top of.

[kip-w.livejournal.com]

Well, it only has to last until the next format change renders it obsolete. Months, maybe.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

I'm still watching laserdiscs occasionally, and doubt I'll be moving past DVD any time soon.

[kip-w.livejournal.com]

I finally gave up and started getting DVDs when the chief anti-DVD guy in my apa went over. Haven't hooked the laserdisk player up in this house, but after we move I might do it again.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Thing is, unless you're really persistent you can't sell laserdiscs any more, so you might as well hang on to them and watch them occasionally.