Component/DVI/HDMI? DVD Upscaling? In lay-terms??

[dreammmatt]

(I'm pretty sure this is the right section, if not, sorry, lol)

Hey all, my dad's not into computers, but he likes to collect the best in Home Entertainment gear, so he's got a 63" HD Sony rear-projection TV, 550W receiver w/ surround speakers and a 200W sub. He's noticed new DVD players that claim they can up-scale standard NTSC DVD's to HD and of course he wants one. I'm wondering if this is just more of the same 'interpolation' and how good the quality is. Also, this TV has component and DVI connections, but the player has HDMI - he's mesmerized by the different pretty connections, and though I know the differences in my head--I'm not sure how to put it to a regular person..

So if anyone can give me some info on this supposed 'upscaling' and on the differences between component, dvi and hdmi, it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanx
Dreammmatt

[noxqzs]

in laymans's terms,

component video splits the color information into 3 analog lines. Each line contains the information for the color channel: red, gree, blue, hence the designation RGB.


DVI uses a different interface, but accomplishes the same thing, transmission of HD video. There are different types though

DVI-D full digital transmission, de-multiplexed at the TV end.
DVI-A same RGB channels sent along just like in component RGB, just all in one plug.
DVI-I integrated Digital/Analog (for equipment that supports either. ie. TV handles both, but source is only analog or digital.

HDMI is an extension of the DVI format with the addition of AUDIO into the plug. It supports HDCP copy protection and multi-channel audio.

An upscaler basically takes a signal and scales it to a predefined resolution. In addition most can output in progessive scan mode, which improves picture color. The best bet would be to get an independant unit, and feed all video signals through it to the TV, not just for the DVD. This way any connection you have would take advantage of it.

[mcoleg]

noxqzs, what would be an example of an upscaler stand-alone unit?

[noxqzs]

this is just one of many models. some prices can get into the "car" category. not for the enthusiast, but more of an early adopter.


DVD0 (http://www.dvdo.com/pro/pro_ishdplus.php)

[mcoleg]

oh wow, that costs more than my tv...
skimpy on analog audio inputs though.

thanks noxqzs

[Seven7Thirty30]

You may be interested in THIS. (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/LG-Electronics-HD-Receiver-Hi-Format-DVD-Player-LST3510A-/sem/rpsm/oid/89458/catOid/-15608/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do)