Does a scaler/video processor like the IScan HD+ or a Lumagen offer much better picture improvements for DVD Video versus just using an upconversion DVD player to a projector (or sending an analog component signal from a DVD player to an upconverting projector)? I noticed that projector reviewers always seem to use these outboard video processors for testing projectors.
-
Adz -
Scaler/Video Processors were important to have when CRT was King, but todays newer digital front projectors and HDTV sets seem to have pretty darn good internal scalers and the new dvd players that upconvert seem to be quite good, too. But I really can't say whether or not an outboard would improve things any. In my book, it would have to be an awful big improvement to warrant the extra cash outlay. -
For CRT projectors an outboard scaler is necessary to get the most out of the projector, by scaling the image to the PJ's most optimum scan rate and number of lines.
Digital PJs and plasmas have scalers built in. Some are better than others. Cheaper units often have sub-par scalers and can benefit from an outboard scaler set to the PJ's or plasma's native resolution.
In some cases the issues with PJ's internal scalers is not the scaling but with the deinterlacing (when fed a 480i interlaced signal such as a non-progressive DVD player or a cable/satellite box). The Faroudja DCDi chipset is one of the best deinterlacers around, and more PJs and plasmas are using it now. If your PJ has DCDi, you may find that you get better performance with your DVD player in interlaced mode rather than progressive, especially for video sourced DVDs such as concerts and TV shows on DVD.Comment
-
Kevin is correct regarding the Faroudja DCDi chipset. I have this in both my NEC HT1000 and Yamaha 510 projectors and they look best with an interlaced signal from my dvd player.Comment
-
Let me understand this better. I have Denon DVD player that has I believe DCDI/upconversion and a have a DLP projector with DCDI. Right now, I am running a DVI cable from my Denon out to the DVI unput in the projector. So, I assume that means I am using the Faroujda upconverting chip in the Denon and not using the DCDI at all on the projector? Alternatively, I can use the component out from my DVD player to the projector and that's when the same DCDI will kick in but this time at the projector? Any idea which should be better? Now, if I were to insert a Isca HD+ into the picture, would anything noticeably improve? Sorry for all the questions!Originally posted by Kevin PAdzComment
-
Hi Adz,
I have a 42" Sony HD Plasma and the Marantz DV-8400 dvd player in my setup. I recently bought the IScan HD+ for the specific purpose of upscaling all source video material to the plasma's native resolution of 1024x852.
Yes the plasma does have a built-in scaler, but after seeing a demo of the HD+ (connected in my setup for a true A/B demo) I could see a noticeable improvement in PQ of lower res video material.
This was most obvious with a satellite TV feed (<480i, via component), and I did not see much improvement from the DVD picture (720p, via DVI).
Nevertheless, the improvement on the satellite PQ was enough to convince me to buy the unit. That being said, it was a rather expensive ($2,000) 'tweak' and if I was only concerned with the DVD picture, I would not have bought the unit.
I need to mention that the person doing the demo was not all impressed with the results, and said he saw a much bigger improvement on his (good quality) PJ.
As always, it would be best to demo with your equipment...Comment
-
Hope to hear some excellent suggestions (as always) from this esteemed group. TV is a Sony KDL52XBR5 LCD. HD cable box, Panasonic DVD-S97 standard def DVD player, and an old Sony ES receiver. Cable box and DVD player are connected directly to the TV via HDMI, because the old receiver doesn't have... -
North Reading, MA—January 2007—Rotel, well-known throughout the world as an affordable high-end manufacturer of components for music and home-theater audio-video systems, has introduced the RVE-1060, 1080i video scaler, which seamlessly brings together analog and digital video sources.
... -
The wireless Internet at the Imperial Palace was hit or miss, but due to a canceled flight I can now post from the airport.
The Rotel/B&W suite was nice as well as everyone there. They were showing most of what I expected, with a few surprises. No pictures as they were test models... -
I think I have an idea about the difference between line doublers (used in progressive DVD players and some TVs - HDTVs I think) and scalers.
But, how much do I need to spend to get a doubler or scaler to put between my Digital Cable Receiver, VCR, DVD player and my TV.
... -
The RSX-1057 and RDV-1045 with the B&W CM series are excellent, now I'm looking at going to seperates with the Rotel 200x5, and moving to all HDMI connections.
Can someone recommend a pre/pro of similiar quality and price as Rotel with about 4 HDMI inputs/1 output and accepts audio...
Comment