I have a 40" HD LCD TV and a regular DVD player with HD output.?

Question

Am I supposed to see a difference in the quality of the film I am watching. i mean is the DVD player supposed to increase the quality simply by using the HD output to the TV? I know a regular DVD player will NOT play a HD dvd, but I am thinking what is the point of even having HD output if there is no difference in the quality of the movie?

Answer 1

It is recognized that you can't get something for nothing ... and in this case you can't make a 480 line DVD into an HD-DVD or Blu-Ray. But the fact is that when you play a DVD on an HDTV there is upsampling happening since the 480i DVD must be converted to 720p or 1080i. This can happen in the TV or the DVD player, and one may be better at it than the other.

While theoretically there is an advantage to an upsampling DVD player over a simple progressive player (particularly over HDMI/DVI since it maintains a digital signal and eliminates digital - analog conversion), practically there may be little or no perceivable difference ... and the difference could even be negative. No difference or even negative results could be the case if the DVD player upsampling is poorly done vs superior internal upsampling on the HDTV, or even if a poor interconnect cable is used.

While there are certain norms (e.g. it is generally true picture quality over HDMI/DVI is better than component which is better than S-video which is better than composite), there are always exceptions. For example, the literature includes cases where under specific circumstances picture quality over component connections are superior to digital ... and that is why it is usually recommended to try various options (e.g. connection type, scaling on/off, 720p vs 1080i) to see what works best for you with your equipment.

A cynical view of upscaling DVD players is that it is simply a way for manufacturers to sell products. On the other hand, it can be considered a bit like the reasons why DVD players allow component, composite and digital (and the option of upscaling) ... there are different needs and some users can benefit from one option over another.

Remember that on a small screen (and 40" is still relatively small) it may be difficult to see any significant difference, while on a large screen (e.g. a 100" projected image) differences may well be visible.

Finally, keep in mind that just like distortion levels or frequency response improvements beyond 18-20kHz on an amplifier, the human ear may not be able to hear any difference even though sensitive instruments can measure one. In other words, there may be a difference, just not one that can be perceived by normal mortals. Whether or not it is worth paying for such an improvement is debatable, but many audiophiles pay high dollars for equipment that, at least theoretically, shouldn't offer perceptibly superior sound. Personally, if I can't perceive a difference in performance - whether sonically or visually -- or the small improvement offered isn't worth the incremental cost to me, I don't buy.

But in the case of DVD players the price differential for an upscaling player is so small there is little reason not to buy one. That said, just like anything some work better than others ... for example look at reviews for DVD players at the link below and you will find that price has no correlation with performance re video quality. Where does your model stand?

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

The quality of the up-converted signal depends on how good the DVD player is. Most low-priced up-converting players will not show a lot of difference. Another factor is the quality of the DVD image itself. These vary widely, and only the best quality DVD pictures will show any improvement. Even so, for most DVD players, the difference isn't a lot. Magazine reviewers have reported that the high-end upconverting DVD players really do improve the picture, coming close to HD quality. (One reviewer stated his BluRay HD picture was no better than his up-converting DVD player.)

Answer 3

Watch you have is upconverting dvd player, you should see is difference because its improves the image greatly (not like an HD DVD but still). There is a difference or why else would exists. How about you try that HD connection ( I'm assuming HDMI) before knocking it. You have an HD TV, now unlock its potential.

Answer 4

The quality is better on the up-converting DVD players if for no other reason than the fact that they output the signal on a HDMI cable. There is a difference,, and it is good but not great. hddvd and blue ray are about 2y out on affordability and selection, but the up-converters are a good band-aid until then, and the best you can get, practically.

Answer 5

Exactly. My point exactly. You have been duped by all the hype.