One solution that has been in use for many years by high-end consumers is the external, or standalone, video scaler option. This device allows you to connect everything, including your VCR, Laserdisc Player, DVD player, Camcorder, etc... to the scaler and the scaler will clean up and enhance the video so that it looks better, especially in a large screen environment. Although this is not the same as having all your source material in true high-definition, a good scaler will clean up video noise, smooth edges, balance color, and provide an overall better viewing experience.
However, one problem with standalone upscalers is that they are very expensive for the average consumer. To address this issue, Anchor Bay-DVDO, makers of excellent stanalone video scalers, has introduced its new EDGE video scaler, shown in the above photo.
The DVDO EDGE incoporates the basic scaling circuitry featured in its more high-end scalers, which can upscale any source up to 1080p and output via HDMI to your HDTV or Video Projector, and delivers it to the consumer for an expected $799 price point. The main difference is that the EDGE is a straight plug and play unit, with no variable controls or adjustments that are featured on their high-end units. Although this may be a limiting factor for the more precise videophile, the real world results are quite good for most mainstream applications. I had the chance to see this unit in operation at CEDIA and hope to secure a review sample later in the year.
For more information on the EDGE that is available so far, check out the DVDO EDGE Microsite.