DVDO Edge Video Scaler and Processor - Review and Rating

The DVDO Edge serves two purposes for video, as hub or switcher, and as video processor/scaler.

As a hub, the Edge allows connection and switching of up to 10 analog and digital video sources, which also includes a PC or European SCART sources (via the proper adapter cables).

As a scaler, the Edge accommodates any standard or HD resolution, and then scales the input signal to any commonly employed resolution from 480p to 1080p via its HDMI output. For a look at the video scaling performance of the DVDO Edge, check out my Video Performance Test Results Gallery.

In addition to upscaling, the Edge provides adjustable settings for Detail Enhancement, Edge Enhancement, and Mosquito Noise removal. These functions worked very well, but they should be applied sparringly, only when needed. Probably the most practical of the three is the Mosquito Noise removal as this removes annoying compression artifacts around edges, such as text and trees, providing a smoother look in detailed parts of the image.

Audio Performance

Although the main role of the DVDO Edge is to provide a practical connection hub and video processing for a home theater system, it has two audio features that are worth noting.

The first feature is AV synch. Some consumers have found after connecting their HDTV to a home theater system that there is a persistent problem with the sound not matching the picture. This is most evident with dialog.

To correct this, the DVDO Edge has a "audio delay" adjustment that can be used to match the audio and video synch whether the audio is behind or ahead of the video.

Note: I do not have an inherent AV synch problem with my own systems, so I wasn't able to test this function in that regard - but I was able to make the audio and video go "out of synch" just to make sure the adjustment was able to affect the audio and video match.

The next important audio feature that is included are the types of audio output options provided by the DVDO Edge. If you are using the DVDO with just an HDTV, then the primary HDMI output provides both a video and audio signal to your HDTV. However, if your are using the DVDO with a home theater receiver, then you have two additional connection options for audio.

One audio connection option is via the second HDMI output, which outputs only audio signals. Use this HDMI connection if you are using a home theater receiver that can access audio signals via HDMI.

The second audio-only connection option is via the DVDO's digital optical audio output. Use this audio output if you have an older home theater receiver that does not have an HDMI input connection with audio access.

What I Liked About The DVDO Edge

1. The Edge offers excellent video processing for the price. With the exception of VHS source material (which still looks soft), the Edge does a great job of improving the quality of input sources, bringing a more consistent look to viewing movies and programs on an HDTV or video projector.

2. Lots of connection flexibility. With 6 HDMI inputs there is plenty of room to add future components. In addition, the inclusion of PC input and the accommodation of European SCART connectivity is a great touch.

3. Inclusion of both HDMI audio/video and HDMI-audio only outputs. The additional of an HDMI output devoted to audio-only is a nice feature for home theater receivers that have HDMI audio access.

4. Easy to set up and use. The onscreen menus are clear and self-explanatory. Also, the menu superimposes over the source image so you can make changes and see the results while watching your program or movie.

5. Easy to use universal backlit remote control. You don't have to fumble around in the dark to find that one button you need to use. This is especially useful with video projection setups which required a darkened room. The remote can also be used to operate most TVs, Cable Boxes, and DVD players.

What I Didn't Like About The DVDO Edge

Although I found that the DVDO Edge is an excellent product, no product is perfect, and although none of the negatives I found would be considered "deal breakers", I none-the-less feel that they should be noted.

1. Functions can only be operated via remote control - no front panel controls provided. The front panel of the DVDO EDGE has no LCD status display or buttons, on a single HDMI input in the center. It would be nice to have a menu access button and four navigation buttons on the front panel.

2. Would have liked additional composite and/or S-video input. Although Component Video and HDMI connections are the most common video connections used on new equipment these days, many VCRs and other video sources using Composite and S-Video connections are still in use. Having more than one of each would be nice.

3. No front panel video inputs in addition to HDMI. Having a more convenient front option to connect temporary devices, such as camcorders and game consoles would be better than having to go around the back of the unit.

4. Would have liked second digital coaxial audio input option. There are three digital optical audio inputs and only one digital coaxial audio input. Adding a second digital coaxial audio input would add more connection flexibility in this area.

5. No built-in color bars or test patterns. NOTE: Since this review was written a firmware update has added test patterns. For details, check out Firmware 1.1 info

Final Take

After running a variety of sources through the Edge, including a Laserdisc player and VCR, I found that it did a good job improving the image quality from Laserdisc, but VHS sources remain somewhat soft, as there is not enough contrast and edge information to work with. Upscaled VHS definitely does not look as good as Upscaled DVD.

However, the upscaling performance of the Edge was superior to the DVD upscaling performed by my upscaling DVD and Blu-ray Disc players. The only upscaling DVD player that came close, was the OPPO DV-983H, which uses similar core video processing technology as the Edge. Check out some of the video performance tests I ran on the Edge.

If you have a lots of video sources going to your HDTV, the Edge is a great way to get the best results possible from each component, even from devices that already have built-in scalers.

I give the DVDO Edge Video Scaler and Processor a 5 out of 5 Star Rating.

Official DVDO Site