57U

Questions regarding Upconversion are pretty frequent on this site. Here's a summary which provides a few "rules of thumb", however, please realize that, as with all rules of thumb, there will be exceptions.

1. Upconversion in a STB (Set top box).

STBs are usually the worst place to do upconversion, so if the STB allows you to "passthrough" the signal (sometimes called native) or to set 480i as the output format for SD channels, while allowing 1080i (or 720P and 1080i passthrough) for HD channels, that is usually your best option. Some STBs (BEV) do not allow for this option, so 1080i is usually the best option, but as discussed below, feel free to experiment with other formats.

(On some STBs (SA, *C), the "native/passthrough" mode produces a bit more overscan than a single setting like 1080i)

2. Upconversion in Upconverting and HD DVD players:

If you have an upconverting DVD player, then by all means use it to perform the upconversion of SD DVDs to 720P, 1080i or 1080P depending on the TV's capabilities. Most TVs seem to prefer a 1080i (or 1080P if available) signal, however, feel free to experiment with the various formats to see what looks best to you. An HDMI connection is required for upconversion as the component video port is usually limited to 480P for commercial SD DVDs on the latest consumer players. A computer may work for upconversion via component video and HDMI.

The reason that the upconversion in DVD players seems to do such a good job seems to be that it's done in the digital domain and very close to the source material.

3. Upconversion in TVs.

Most TVs do good upconversion, so, except for upconverting DVD players, it's usually best to pass the original signal through to the TV for final conversion to the native display format, as unaffected as possible.

4. Upconversion in AVRs (AV Receivers):

A lot of the newer AVRs will allow you to upconvert incoming signals, however, there are caveats.

- not all types of signals are upconverted.
- not all formats are upconverted.
- you'll need to carefully check your operating manual as to what is and isn't upconverted.

Most times the TV will do a better job than the AVR, so we usually recommend that you pass the signal unaffected to the TV, but again, feel free to experiment. The more expensive the AVR, the more likely there may be a positive effect (and vice versa)

A word on transcoding:

Do not confuse upconversion and transcoding. Many newer AVRs also transcode incoming signals - say composite or component video signals may be transcoded to HDMI for a single connection to the TV. (be aware that this may not be your best option because this then precludes optimizing the individual inputs/components on the TV for optimum picture quality. Many new TVs can be optimized for each component/input, so if you have only one connection, this is not possible.

HDTV Formats:

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=10220

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57U - Toronto, Rogers Cable, SA8300HD, 500GB HDD & Hitachi 61UWX10B HDTV, Yamaha RX-V1 A/V Receiver, Martin Logan Speakers. Photos --> 57U's HT

SA8300HD, 250GB HDD & KDL40W3000 (Upstairs)

Please don't PM me with questions that can (and should) be asked in the forum, thanks. Personal Question? Fire away.