Product Overview
The question you may be asking reading this review is "Why would I need a standalone Video Scaler?" After all, a growing number of consumers own HDTVs and DVD players with built-in scalers, as well components that are already high definition capable, such as an HD-Cable or Satellite Box, Blu-ray Disc player, Sony PS3 or Xbox.However, not all upscaling DVD players, or other upscaled or high definition sources are created equal. With so many sources connected our HDTVs, including old VCRs, how do you know if you are getting the best results possible from each unit on your TV screen?
This is where the DVDO Edge comes in. Here are its main features:
1. Deinterlacing of SD and HD signals and Video Scaling up to 1080p for matching native HDTV pixel resolutions.
2. Mosquito Noise Reduction to remove video compression artifacts.
3. Detail and Edge Enhancement allow accurate adjustment the sharpness of the picture to personal taste.
4. Exclusive PReP - Progressive ReProcessing cleans up poor source video processing.
5. Elimination of LipSync Problems by removing the any delay between audio and video signals.
6. Intuitive onscreen interface with Set-Up Wizards. On Screen Hints guide provided for easier menu navigation.
7. Automatic Power On/Off when source is connected and turned on or off.
7. Back-lit Universal Remote Control provided.
8. 6 HDMI 1.3 Audio/Video Inputs, including 1 on the front panel for Game Consoles, Digital Cameras, Camcorders, or any other device with HDMI.
9. 4 Analog Video Inputs, including 2 Component, 1 S-Video and 1 Composite Video.
11. 2 HDMI 1.3 Outputs - 1 that supports audio and video that can be connected directly to an HDTV and 1 that supports audio only that can be connected directly to A/V Receiver. An Optical Digital audio output is also available for legacy A/V receivers that do not support HDMI.
12. Compatible with TVs with an HDMI audio/video input or a DVI input (via adapter cable) and AV Receivers with an HDMI or Digital Optical audio input.
For an additional look at the features of the Edge, check out my Photo Profile
Overview of HDMI
HDMI stands for High Definition Multi-media Interface. Get a closer look at an HDMI connector.
The DVDO Edge has the ability to convert all analog and digital video signals and then transfer the scaled and processed video information via its HDMI output to an HDTV equipped with an HDMI or DVI-HDCP (via a connection adapter) input. HDMI can transfer both video and audio signals. In fact, the DVDO Edge has two HDMI outputs, one for both audio and video, and one solely devoted to audio output only.
Overview of Video Upscaling
You can enable the DVDO Edge to either feed its video output signal as either 720p, 1080i, or 1080p (in addition to 480p) to your HDTV.
720p is 1,280 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally and 720 pixels down the screen vertically. This arrangement yields 720 horizontal lines on the screen, which are, in turn, displayed progressively, or each line displayed following another.
1080p represents the same pixel resolution as 1080i, however, the lines are displayed progressively, rather than alternately, providing a better visual look. Check out more details on 1080p.
The Practical Side Of Video Upscaling
The capability of the DVDO Edge to output a video signal in 720p, 1080i, or 1080p format allows its video output to more closely match the capabilities of today's HDTVs.
Although this is not the same as watching your DVDs or other standard definition sources in true-high definition, you will experience increased detail and color you didn't think was possible; unless you purchase a HD-DVD or Blu-ray Player and view HD-DVD or Blu-ray Discs.
The upscaling function works best on fixed pixel displays, such as LCD or Plasma sets, the upscaling process may sometimes result in harsh images on standard CRT and Projection sets.
In addition, if your television has a native display resolution other than 720p, 1080i, or 1080p, you can select the correct output resolution via the DVDO Edge or you can let the TV's on internal video processor rescale the incoming signal to its own specification, which can also yield different results on the final, displayed television image. The best option is to set the DVDO Edge to the correct output resolution that matches your HDTV.
Hardware Used In This Review
Source Components: Sony BD-PS1 and Samsung BD-P1000 Blu-ray Disc Players, and OPPO DV-983H DVD Player (used for standard DVD upscaling comparison), and OPPO Digital DV-980H DVD Player (using standard definition Composite, S-Video, and Component Video outputs only). Panasonic LX-1000U Laserdisc Player, and LG RC897T DVD Recorder/VCR Combo(on loan).
Loudspeaker System 1: 2 Klipsch F-2's, 2 Klipsch B-3s, Klipsch C-2 Center , 2 Polk R300s, Klipsch Synergy Sub10.
Loudspeaker System 2: EMP Tek HTP-551 5.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker Package (EF50C Center Channel Speaker,4 EF50 Bookshelf Speakers, E10s Powered Subwoofer (on review loan).
TV/Monitors: A Westinghouse Digital LVM-37w3 1080p LCD Monitor, and Syntax LT-32HV 720p LCD TV. Displays calibrated using SpyderTV Software.
Audio/Video connections made with Accell, Cobalt, and AR Interconnect cables. 16 Gauge Speaker Wire used.
Software Used
Standard DVDs: Crank, House of the Flying Daggers, The Cave, Kill Bill - Vol 1/2, V For Vendetta, U571, Lord of Rings Trilogy, Master and Commander.
Blu-ray Discs: 300, Across The Universe, A Night at the Museum, Blade Runner, Iron Man, Starship Troopers, Wall-E.
Laserdiscs: Jason and the Argonauts, Lawrence of Arabia, Jurassic Park
VHS Tapes: Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, Predator, Spartacus
Deinterlacing and Upscaling performance for standard DVDs was tested using the Silicon Optix HQV Test Disc.
