do hd upconversion dvd players make any real difference in visual quality I plan on using 720p?

Answer 1

They won't make the image as good as HD-DVD or Blu-Ray, but they can make a significant difference -- particularly over DVI (or HDMI) with a "just average" HDTV.

I have an Oppo OPDV971 (rated the best upscaling player out there) and a 100" screen and projector (Canaon SX-60, 1400x1050) and am very happy with the picture. I only noticed subtle improvements (mainly reduced video "noise") from my previous progressive DVD player -- suggesting the scaler in my projector is pretty good -- but then $200 wasn't a major purchase either.

The result is I am in no hurry to replace my existing collection of 300+ DVDs with expensive HD-DVDs (or Blu-Ray disks) and buy an expensive new player, at least until it is clear there is a future for the format I select.

See the article at the link below for an excellent overview of why and how upscaling players can benefit you. It also covers the basics of deinterlacing and scaling and related issues (e.g. 3:2 pulldown) so it all makes sense. A good read.

Note that upconverting players won't benefit everyone. They work best (the OPPO is a good example) over DVI (or HDMI), not component, and, as mentioned earlier, may not improve the image if the scaler in the TV/projector is already excellent. Finally, you have to try various combinations to find what works best for you (e.g. 480p > display (no scaling in the player), 720p > display, 1080i > display)

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

just barely (in my opinion). 720p is a good choice. above that and you can start to see the artifacts of source material that was intended for 480p (grain, etc)