DVD Upconversion for HDTV

[rayfel]

Hi
I'm a complete newbie, so please be patient. I've tried searching this site but have been unable to find, or maybe understand an answer to my question.
I have a HDTV that is a couple of years old. I'd like to get a new DVD player that can upconvert to near HD quality. The problem is my set does not have an HDMI input, only S-Video and Componant Video. I have been told that some DVD players, that support upconversion, can be reprogrammed with a remote control code sequence to provide the upconverted signal through the Componant Video output. Can anyone help with more information? I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks
Ray

[manono]

Hi-

As I guess you know, you're not supposed to be able to upconvert over component. There are a very few that can, either by entering a combination with the remote, or with a hacked firmware:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=693020

Your best bet might be one of the Samsung models. A search of the forums should turn up the remote buttons to enter to activate it. Here's the info for the Samsung HD841:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=544422

[Guy_Fawkes]

posted in wrong place sorry

[rayfel]

Thanks for the info!

I heard that upconversion for componate output is disabled on purpose, but never could understand why.
Ray

[edDV]

Your HDTV probably includes upconversion to the native resolution of the set. Most process 480i up, some CRT or DLP models limit DVD progressive playback to 480p, others to 540p.

Upconverting DVD players may or may not work better than the upscaling built into the TV. Very few HDTV sets match 1920x1080 or 1280x720 in native resolution, so the TV still has to rescale again to the native resolution of the display.

[rayfel]

Does the HDTV do the upconversion automatically, or must I do something to achieve it? I have a Sony plasma TV and there is no information about it in the user manual or specs. How can one know? Thanks
Ray

[edDV]

Model number?

[rayfel]

It's a Sony KZ-42TS1

[edDV]

It's a Sony KZ-42TS1

That set has a 1,024-by-1,024 native resolution. That means a 480p/59.94 fps DVD input gets upscaled to 1024x1024 by the WEGA processing engine. If you were to feed it 720p from an upscaling DVD player, the WEGA engine would then need to downscale that to 1024x1024.

If you feed it telecined 480i off the DVD player, the CineMotion function deineterlaces (by inverse telecine) to 480p/23.976. Then the WEGA engine upscales to 1024x1024 and then frame repeats 3-2-3-2-3-2 to get a 59.94 fps smooth refresh rate.

If you were to feed it upscaled 1080i, the CineMotion function would again inverse telecine but the WEGA engine would need to downscale back down to 1024x1024 for display.

I doubt whether all this upscale then downscale results in a superior image. My vote for best picture is to let the WEGA engine upscale 480p from the DVD player. Try all the modes and use what looks best to you.

http://www.hometheatermag.com/plasmadisplays/126/

[rayfel]

Thanks for your comprehensive reply. I'll take your advice and try a 480p DVD player. My current unit is not (as far as I can tell) progressive.
Ray