HDTV Upconverter: a quick reference

HDTV upconverter / HDTV upconverters

Let’s make sure we’re on the same (web) page, here’s a basic definition of an HDTV upconverter:

 A typical upconverter accepts input from one or more standard definition video sources (like a DVD player, cable / satellite set top box, VCR) and upscales the signal to HDTV resolution (typically 720p, 1080i or 1080p). The boxes may accept typical video inputs like: S-video, component video and composite video. Outputs are common HD video connections including component, DVI and HDMI.

An example of an HDTV upconverter is the ADS HDUP-1500 HDTV UpConverter. A review in PC magazine gave the ADS unit a 2 out of 5. Here’s a quick run down on the ADS unit from their web site

If you’re looking for a box that offers video upconversion to HD formats, consider products like HD scalers, video scalers and video processors, which provide video upconversion (upscaling from standard definition to high definition) as one of their features. An example of a Video Scaler is the DVDO iScan VP50 High Definition Video Processor. The DVDO family of video processors sell from $1,700 to $3,000 SRP

DVDO iScan VP50

From the vendor’s web page:

“The DVDO® iScan™ VP50 is a high-definition video processor and A/V hub that converts standard definition, high definition (including 1080p) and PC signals from your DVD player, HD-DVD player, Blu-ray Disc player, HD DVR, game console or PC to any output resolution between VGA and 1080p, including popular HDTV resolutions such as 720p and 1080i.

 The VP50 serves as your complete A/V hub, providing audio/video switching that simultaneously eliminates A/V lipsync and allows a one wire connection to display for all of your video needs.”

 There is less need today to use a separate upconverter, since many of the common video devices – DVD players, cable / satellite set top boxes are offered with an HD upscaling feature included.