What is the difference between a Progressive Scan and an Upscaling DVD player and which one is better?

Question

Is one better for certain TVs?

Answer 1

Upscaling DVD players are a newer design, whereas progressive scan DVD players are older designs. Specifically, progressive scan provides 480i resolution, while upscaling DVD players come in a variety of resolution capabilities between 720i, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p.

The higher the resolution number, the better, and "p" for progressive is better than "i" for interlaced when compared with the same resolution number that precedes it.

The best combination value right now is to get an LCD HDTV that offers a 1080i resolution paired with a DVD player that upscales to 1080i or better.

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Answer 2

Ordinary tube type tv's use interlaced scan. To create a picture, first the odd scan lines are transmitted then the even scan lines. This was done to conserve broadcast bandwidth. However this can cause flickering in the image. Progressive scan takes all the scan lines and presents them to the tv all at once. This creates a clearer picture. However the set must support progressive scan in order to use this feature. Also, you must use at least component video in order to use progressive scan.

In a conventional tv set, the resolution is 480i. Progressive scan converts this to 480p. Now if you notice on HDTV's they are 720p or 1080i or even 1080p. Upscaling DVD players take the standard 480i and upscale it to DVD resolution. This may or may not make the picture better - it depends on how well the upscaler works. I believe you also need at least component video for upscaling although HDMI is recommended.

Progressive scan and upscaling are only good for ED and HD sets. Conventional tube type TV's cannot use this technology.

AS for which is better, I'd look at it this way - progressive scan is a step above an older non-progressive scan DVD player ( and if you notice most DVD players today are progressive scan). Upscaling DVD players are a step above progressive scan players.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interlace

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_scan

http://hometheater.about.com/od/hometheaterglossary/g/upscalingdef.htm

Answer 3

Upscaling Dvd

Answer 4

It would depend on your TV. If you have a high definition plasma TV then you should look at the upscaling player as it will produce a better picture on this type. Basically it will upgrade the resolution of your picture

A progressive scan DVD will only produce original resolution pictures, but will upgrade the quality. Perfect if you have a standard TV

For more technical infomation take a look at www.hometheatre.about.com

Answer 5

What Is Progressive Scan