Process

• DVD upconversion is performed by a DVD player's video processor. Instead of displaying the standard 480 lines of resolution offered by a standard definition DVD player, the video processor stretches the image out to a full high-definition image. When resizing the image, it also converts the DVD video to progressive scan in a process called "interpolating," which results in a much smoother picture. On the setup menu for the DVD player, you can select to upconvert the image to either 720 or 1080 lines of resolution, depending on the size of your HDTV.
  
  

HDMI Cables

• A DVD player must be connected to an HDTV with an HDMI cable for the image to be upconverted. If connected through component, composite or S-Video output, the video output will still be in standard definition. If your DVD player does not have HDMI video output, that means it does not upconvert DVDs.
  
  

Playback Quality

• While upconverting a DVD improves playback quality, it is worth noting that it will not appear nearly as sharp as native high definition video from a Blu-ray disc or HDTV broadcast. However, the quality of your own DVD upconversion experience depends on the size of your HDTV monitor. For example, you may not be able to tell the difference between an upconverted DVD and a Blu-ray on an HDTV smaller than 32 inches, but the difference will be obvious on a display larger than 42 inches.
  
  

Blu-ray Players

• If you are considering purchasing a new DVD player for upconverting your DVDs, you may want to consider getting a Blu-ray player instead. Not only can Blu-ray players play high definition Blu-ray discs, but they automatically upconvert DVDs. Blu-ray players are also comparable in price to DVD players with high quality upconversion capabilities.