September 26 Show - Scalers

[arad]

Today's show:
In this episode we talk all about scalers. We'll define what they are, what they do, and why you might want to use one. Then we get specific with a review of the DVDO iScan HD+.

Listen Now - http://www.htguys.com/audio/2005/HDTV-2005-09-26.mp3

[cannonks]

The scaler segment was quite interesting. Any comments on how the built-in scalers in the latest crop of HDTVs compare to a benchmark like the DVDO iScan HD+?

You said you wouldn't spend $1500 for the DVDO if connecting it to a $1000 HDTV. But, could the best $2000 HDTV plus the DVDO scaler combine to give a better quality picture than a $3500 HDTV?

[Braden Russell]

Thanks for your feedback. Those are both great questions. For the most part, a dedicated scaler such as the HD+ will out perform the scalers that come in your HDTV. They are designed to do one thing and do it very well.

As far as the second question goes, I'd have to guess that the differences between a $2000 HDTV and a $3500 HDTV are more than just the internal scaling hardware. There are features in the TV that the scaler can't fix, response time, contrast ratio, etc. But it sure would make for a great experiment. Maybe someone out there has tried it and can let us know?

[JeffD2.]

[QUOTE=arad]Today's show:
Listen Now - http://www.htguys.com/audio/2005/HDTV-2005-09-26.mp3[/QUOTE]
I am really interested in this, but clicked on the link and nothing's happening. Is it gone or might this be a browser issue?

[arad]

I just tried at at 5:55PM PDT and it worked fine. Try it again. It may have been some weird server issue.

Ara

[JeffD2.]

Browser issue.

I was using Firefox. Now using IE, no probs. Thanks arad.

[thegeek]

Just grab the podcast via iTunes. It's easier.

[Braden Russell]

iTunes is great, even if you're on a PC and don't own an iPod. You'll automatically get every show as soon as it's released. In iTunes, search podcasts for "HDTV," or go to the htguys website (www.htguys.com) and click the iTunes button to subscribe.

[Magic Hat]

Greetings,

I have a question regarding iScan scalers, or scalers in general. How effective do you think they would generally be in displaying SD content on an HDTV? I am not certain if the improvement, if any, is justified by the cost. Furthermore, what about routing a HD signal through the scaler, any improvement do you think?

Thanks for your help...

Setup:

STB: Motorola DCT 6412
DVD: Denon 2910
Receiver: Denon AVR 2805
Display: Panasonic TH-50PHD7UY

[Braden Russell]

The benefit/cost ratio is different for everyone. You'd have to see the improvement and then put your own price on it. Ara definitely saw a difference when running SD content through the DVDO to a 32" HD LCD. Likewise I saw an improvement when running HD content through it to an ED plasma. Whether or not it was enough of an improvement to justify the cost is something you'd have to decide for yourself.

[Magic Hat]

Thanks for the reply Braden. While doing further research I came to the same conclusion.

Oh, I enjoy your Podcast too...

Thanks again

[oferlaor]

it does work, but some browsers download it in full, so it takes some time before you actually hear anything...

Wouldn't it be good to post a link on the relevant forums about this podcast (display calibration and video processor forums)?

[jdsolomon]

Which ED plasma were you using for the scaler test? (Make/Model)

Thanks,
JS

[ReD-BaRoN]

Hey guys,

Great show. I have a newbie question on scalers. If my TV scales to 1080p (Samsung HL-R5078W), then how come when I'm watching a DVD, it is letterboxed on all 4 sides, i.e. doesn't use all 1080xwhatever pixels?

Thanks!

[arad]

Hi ReD-BaRoN

This can be caused by a DVD player that thinks it is connected to a 4:3 TV. Go into the Video set up of your DVD player and make sure it is configured for a 16:9 (or it may be stated as widescreen) TV.

This should fix the problem

Also, it is normal for some black bars at the top and bottom of the picture if the aspect ratio is not exactly 16:9. The bars will be much less than on a 4:3 TV

Ara

[scarab22]

Harman KardonOn the htguys.com site there is a blurb about Harman Kardons new receiver which will upscale signal to 720p or 1080i thru the HDMI port. Is it only HDMI or will may older projector with Component inputs handle the scaling ??

Great show !!

[arad]

Hey scarab22

According to HK the 740 will upscale ALL incoming video. We are trying to get a hold of one for evaluation. The following was taken from the HK website on the 740:

Digital audio meets digital video. Ready for the future, the AVR 740’s DCDi® by Faroudja video processing flawlessly upscales all incoming video to 720p or 1080i high definition and outputs it through an HDMI™ jack.

Thanks for listening to our show!

[murphy54]

it is really interesting

[liamc]

great show guys, htguys added to my favorites

[karlos123]

hay how are you . i am fine ok.