Here's How:
- Step One: Enter The Setup Menu On Your Upconverting DVD Player
Once you've connected your upconverting DVD player to your HDTV, go into the Setup Menu of the DVD player. Make sure you use an HDMI cable to connect the two -- the upconversion feature will only work via HDMI.
- Step Two: Select "Screen Settings"
This might also be called "Picture Settings" or "Output Settings."
- Step Three: Select "Output Format"
This might also be called "Video Format," "Resolution," or "Output Resolution."
- Step Four: Select The Resolution Of Your HDTV
This is the critical setting you're looking for. As previously mentioned, every HDTV has a native resolution. If you have a recent model, it's most likely a 1080p native resolution, though some HDTVs are 720p and 1080i. For a primer on what these numbers mean you can read our guide to video resolution. If you don't already know the native resolution of your TV, do a Google search on your TV's model number, the information should be readily available. Now select the correct native resolution of your TV. In this example, a 1080p HDTV has been selected. Enter this choice and then exit the setup menu. You're done!
- Here's What You've Accomplished
You've now given your upconverting DVD player crucial information on how to best show its video images on your exact HDTV. The player now knows exactly how to customize its upconversion for your setup. The end result is that you're now enjoying the optimal DVD image resolution that both your DVD player and your HDTV are capable of.
- A Caveat
DVD upconversion really does make an appreciable and sometimes dramatic difference over non-upconverted DVD images on your HDTV. But do be advised that DVDs are still not truly high-definition source material. Even though you're watching it on an HDTV, and at the HDTV's native resolution, the original is (was) still not high def (confusing, I know). To get truly high definition content for your HDTV, you'll need a real high definition source, like an HD cable or satellite broadcast, or a Blu-ray disc. To understand more about various HD and non-HD resolutions, you follow the suggested links.
