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

[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.