Would an older DVD player have limited resolution even w/ component video?

Question

I have an older (4yrs) Sony DVD player and a much newer (4 days) LCD TV. When I connect the two, the TV displays at 480i. There are no settings on either to change the resolution. There are no settings on the DVD player to tell which is the output.

Would it be possible for the DVD player to only support 480i max?

Answer 1

The TV says correctly that it receives a 480i input; however, the TV will upconvert that signal automatically to its native resolution (720p or 1080p). So, there is NO need for an upconverting DVD player.


Yes, component video will provide the best possible quality.
Yes, the best resolution of a DVD movie is 480i

Answer 2

i'm not expert, but I'm trying to remember some things regarding your question. This may not be all the info you are asking for, but may be usefull.

I believe component video on most dvd players (that is unless it specifies high definition) is used for progressive scan. that would mean (P) for progressive scan versus (i) for interlaced. this is where you see 480i, or 720i (720 interlaced). So the dvd player most likely supports 480P as well as 480i.

Make sure the settings in your dvd player are set to progressive scan. That could mean either a switch on the back of the player, or a setting you must change in the menu screen of the dvd player ((not movie menu screen). Turn on the dvd player without a movie to help you find that))

Interlaced means every other line of resolution is displayed per image, while progressive scan uses all the lines of resolution for each scene image.


If I'm wrong, someone will most likely correct me.

Answer 3

Check the manual for your LCD TV - it should have a upconvertor build-in.
If not, and you want for some reason "upconvert" the DVDs - it is not worth spending $400 for an "upconverting" DVD player - get a Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVDplayer for $300 plus you get 5 free DVD movies.
Toshiba plays HD-DVDs, is not a bad CD player, and upconverts regular DVD's better than any regular DVD player in this price range and most of the more expensive players.

Answer 4

You are right in your assumption. And yes, component video should give you a slightly better image.

The way to go though is to get yourself an up-converter DVD player.

I have just gotten a Cambridge DVD89 that is well worth its $400 price tag. And it is as good with stereo music as it is with movies which is rarely the case with cheap machines.