An HD-compatible DVD player is a device that is configurated with either a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) or HDMI (High Definition Multi-media Interface) interface. This interface can transfer the video signal from the DVD player to an HDTV that has the same type of video interfaces. Moreover, this type of DVD player also has an “upscaling capability”.
Resolution of Standard DVD
A standard DVD player, without upscaling, can output video signal at a resolution of 720×480 (480i). A progressive scan DVD player, without upscaling, can output 720×480 (480p – progressive scan) video signals.
The Upscaling Process
Upscaling is a process that arithmetic matches the pixel count of the output of the DVD signal to the physical pixel count on an HDTV, which is typically 1280×720 (720p) or 1920×1080 (1080i).
The Realistic Effect of Upscaling
There is very little difference that human eye can tell between 720p and 1080i visually. However, 720p can deliver an image which looks slightly smoother, due to the fact that lines and pixels are displayed in a consecutive way, but in an alternate way.
The upscaling process performs well in matching the upscaled pixel output of a DVD player to the native pixel display resolution of an HDTV capable TV, resulting in better consistency in detail and color.
Nevertheless, the currently implemented upscaling can’t convert standard DVD images into true high-definition images. In fact, although upscaling works well with fixed pixel displays like plasma and LCD TVs, results are not always accordant with CRT HDTVs.
Essentials to Remember
Any DVD player can be connected with an HDTV. Although HD-Compatible DVD players are better to match the native pixel resolution of an HDTV, you will still get good results on a standard DVD player that is connected via an HDTV’s provided component or S-Video inputs.
However, if you DO have an HDTV, and a standard DVD player, you can use the component video connection (red-blue-green) between the DVD player and the HDTV which will lead the best result. Moreover, if your DVD player is progressive scan capable, always use that option when connected to a progressive scan capable TV.
Don’t be confused with upscaling of standard DVDs and the native HD output resolutions of Blu-ray and HD-DVD. Upscaling of standard DVDs is an approximation of high definition, while Blu-ray and HD-DVD are true HD sources.
