Upscaling is a technology that digitally improves 480p resolution to high definition proportions. It is a good feature to have if you own a HDTV and don't want to spend the lot on a high definition DVD player.
Key features include HDMI output, progressive scan, picture improvement technology and surround sound capabilities.
1. Denon DVD-5910 DVD Player
You want upscaling? Denon’s DVD-5910 is the DVD player for you if you like upscaling to 1080i or 720p. Denon says this is the first DVD player to incorporate “10-bit Precision Video Scaling”, which is a technology that helps with the upconversion. It also has 10-bit Pixel Image Correction and it only costs about $2800.This is a bad boy and it comes with a lot of features. If you can get past the price then you’d probably like to know that this player is progressive scan, has HDMI output and weighs 40 lbs.
2. OPPO Digital DV-970HD DVD Player
OPPO Digital’s DV-970HD is a product I reviewed last year. It is currently priced around$150. Here is a snippet from my review:"OPPO Digital’s DV-970HD universal DVD player with HDMI 1.1 output and high definition up-conversion is an excellent marriage of value and technology. The bottom line is that I have OPPO Digital's 970HD up-conversion DVD player a 5-star rating because it will do more than what most people expect out of a DVD player."
3. Onkyo DV-SP404B DVD Player
What weighs 4.2 lbs plays one disc one tray through HDMI and costs under $150…Onkyo’s DV-SP404B DVD player. Is this what you were thinking?The DV-SP404B is a good-looking DVD player. It isn’t what I would consider a cover model for the times (doesn’t play high definition DVDs or upscale to HD) but it will provide plenty of performance at a good price. It plays virtually every format of video and audio (except HD), is progressive scan and has the all-important HDMI output to the television.
4. Panasonic DVD-S52K DVD Player
In the 1980’s they said, “DVD players will never sell for under $100.” Yet, 20 years later it has happened. Panasonic’s DVD-S52K is proof that a DVD player will sell for under $100. And, what a bargain it is.The DVD-S52K is a progressive scan DVD player that upscales to 1080i and 720p through its HDMI output. It also has digital optical output for those splitting the HDMI video from audio. It plays virtually every disc outside high definition DVDs.
5. Toshiba SD-V594 DVD/VCR Player
Toshiba’s SD-V594 not only is a DVD/VCR combo - it’s an upscaling DVD/VCR combo. This a cool feature because a person can still play old video cassettes while staying current with today’s technology.This unit usually sells for around $125 but it is a pretty good bargain when you consider that it upscales to 720p or 1080i, is progressive scan and has HDMI output. It plays almost every non-HD video disc and is compatible with most digital camera cards.
