who makes or has made a dvd player that upconverts to 1080i through component video outputs?

Answer 1

Due to copy protection issues, I don't think it is allowed to output regular DVDs over component at better than 480p resolution.

In any case, you don't need one. If you have a HDTV that supports 1080i inputs, the TV will automatically upscale the SD DVD output to its native resolution, (720p or 1080p).

Save your money for a true HD or Blu-ray player.

Answer 2

All of the above statements are correct to my knowledge, but I think that it is allowable for a DVD player to up convert to 1080 or 720, just not to actually produce those resolutions from the DVD data itself.

There is a company called Faroudja (than may or may not have become part of Meridian) that used to make what they called a Home Theater DVD DRIVE (this getting around restrictions on DVD PLAYERS) that would output up to 1280 (or even higher, but it has been a couple of years so my memory is fuzzy).
When a DVD or Receiver upconverts to 1080, it doesn't actually improve the signal one bit. All it does it allows the TV to reprocuce the signal on the screen slightly more ecciciently. Think of it as having 480 full one gallon jugs of water, and then evenly distributing that same water over 1080 one gallon jugs. You still have 480 gallons of water, not 1080.
This faroudja piece as well as their line of video processors (and other brands like Aurora, DVDO, DWIN, Runco and others) will upconvert, UPSCALE, and then reprocess the data into virtually (not entirely, but darn close) 1080 lines of ACTUAL resolution. The actual process is complecated and frankly, way beyond my ability to explain. I just say that it's magic, and leave it at that.

Answer 3

there is a dvd player by samsung thats very thin and black. it isnt that expensive. it converts regular dvd-quality to high definition. it works very well. i have one and the image quality is as sharp as a blu-ray. it enhanches image and sound quality.

go to your local best buy and ask about the samsung dvd player its slim and black and has a blue ringed power button

good luck finding it!