2 posts tagged “toshiba”
This is a followup to my previous post on this issue.
Toshiba Customer Service replied to my email request for information on this topic. I am not allowed to post it here but I will summarize it for you. Basically, since component cables do not provide a "secure" connection, it was suggested that I use the HDMI output from the device. However, I was not guaranteed to see upscaled versions of my regular DVD's because my HDTV does not accept HDMI, only the less secure DVI. Still, I wanted to try it out. So I purchased an HDMI/DVI cable from Radio Shack (item # 15-1087). So far, my regular DVD's upscale from 480p to 1080i (the best my HDTV allows). It looks awesome! Not bad for a $54.99 purchase. :) It's totally worth it.
A few days ago, I was given a Toshiba HD-A3 HD DVD player for my birthday (thanks, DAD!). It's a great player and the sale price made the purchase a nice value. But this is not a review of the Toshiba HD-A3. It's about lessons learned...and shared with YOU here.
The one problem I have with the unit is one that is really a complaint with the movie industry. Like other units, this HD DVD player listed as one of features the ability to scale regular DVD (480p) movies to 1080i resolution. This is called UPSCALING or UPCONVERTING. I have tested over 150 DVD's so far and I made a shocking discovery. The reality of the situation is that only a SMALL NUMBER of DVD's in my library actually upscaled. When I attempted to play a DVD, the vast of majority of the movies produced a message that the upscaling feature had been disabled. DISABLED?? I might have expected this of movies from studios - like Disney- that have chosen the Blu-Ray camp, but what about the others? Apparently, the studios are sending us a message - "Buy the HD DVD or Blu-Ray version". Geez! Of course, these regular DVD's play just fine at 480p resolution, but if you want more pixels, you have to pay for the movie again.
I have, therefore, decided to list the DVD's here that WILL upscale to 1080i on my player. "You mileage may vary." I am not rating the quality of the upscale, just that they DO upscale. If you have discovered more, please note them in the comments to this post.
DVD's THAT ALLOW UPSCALING
- any Home movies burned to DVD (I expected that, at least)
- The Toy That Saved Christmas (VeggieTales) - Big Idea
- The Impossible Elephant - Feature Films for Families
- Sumo of the Opera (VeggieTales)
- The Legend of the Candy Cane - TCFHE , Distributed by 20th Century Fox
- Minnesota Cuke (VeggieTales) - Big Idea
- Snoodle's Tales (VeggieTales) - Big Idea
- An Easter Carol (VeggieTales) - Big Idea
- The Lion, the Witch & and Wardrobe (cartoon version) -Alpha Omega Publications
- Larryboy - The Cartoon Adventures (VeggieTales) - Big Idea
- Max Lucado's Hermie and Friends: Webster - Glue Works Entertainment
- The Christmas Shoes - Feature Films for Families
- Larryboy - The Cartoon Adventures: The Good, the Bad and the Eggly - Big Idea
- A Fairy Tale Christmas - Feature Films for Families
That it! Over 150 DVD's tested - 13 successes. If I discover more, I'll update this post.
The bottom line is that, for the most part, "upscaling" players just DON'T. It's a big lie and the HD player manufacturers don't want you know the truth -- at least not until AFTER you buy their product. If you are entering into such a purchase, simply ignore this feature and you will be much less disappointed with your purchase.
See additional comments on my Digg page...
UPDATE: I was using component cables. My TV only takes a DVI, not HDMI. Will HDMI output using an HDMI/DVI allow upscaling? Any feedback on this would be appreciated. Thanks.
UPDATE #2: This issue was resolved. Please see this post to find out how it got solved.
