Good Upconverting LCD TV's

[pepegot1]

Can we enlists the opinions of knowledgeable users as to which HDTV brands, and models, have the best upconverting (scaling) characteristics in the screen size range of 26 to 40 inches? We wish to connect a DVD player that only has 480P capabilities and is not upconverting.

[edDV]

Can we enlists the opinions of knowledgeable users as to which HDTV brands, and models, have the best upconverting (scaling) characteristics in the screen size range of 26 to 40 inches? We wish to connect a DVD player that only has 480P capabilities and is not upconverting.

The best brand LCD's in recent history have been the Samsung, Sony and Sharp but other brands may contend model for model.

Each brand has a tiered level of deinterlace/upscale quality. Taking Samsung as an example, they have budget models found in Walmart, etc. (Level 3 or 4). Good models are offered as premium (level 5-6). Then super premium models 7-8-9 that also add networking and decode features.

At 26 to 40 inches, level 4 to 5 may be enough for budget buyers. At 40 inch up, Level 6 is a best buy then follow your wallet. A 40 inch TV can vary from ~$800 to $2000. Don't pay list.

Alternate strategy is to buy a premium DVD player like an OPPO and connect to a lower end HDTV (like Samsung level 4) at 720p, 1080i or 1080p. Problem is the superior processing applies only to DVD playback.

If you go the low end DVD player to high end TV route, you should test 480i or 480p as best interconnect. Let the TV do the deinterlace or inverse telecine plus upscale.

[pepegot1]

Please explain, or reference a site with an explanation of these levels. What is level 4 vs level 5, etc.?

[jman98]

Go with Samsung. You won't regret it. It's what I did and what my best friend and a neighbor did based on my recommendation and we're all pleased. I have an old 480p DVD player and it looks great on my TV. I have an LCD HDTV with 1080p and it's about 3 years old. Best purchase I ever made.

[edDV]

http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/tv-video/televisions/lcd-tv/index.idx?pagetype=subtype

Shows the levels and features per model.

If you search just for 40" models, you will see a choice of 9 models (Level 5 to 7) and list prices from $849 to $1799.

[edDV]

Please explain, or reference a site with an explanation of these levels. What is level 4 vs level 5, etc.?

The levels relate to image processing engine quality. The lower your source quality (e.g. analog or SD 480i), the more benefit you will see from a higher level processor. DVD needs upscale. Blu-Ray discs require less processing and will look good on any of the levels. Higher level processors also offer 120/240Hz frame rate conversion to smooth 24fps judder.