What's the difference between Progressive Scan DVD Player & Upconverting DVD Player?

Question

After buying an HDTV I'm looking for a compatible DVD Player to play my good collection of ( DVD's - Standard Definition) so as to look much better on this HDTV >> After reading many comments I noticed that the best way is to use

a Progressive Scan DVD Player , OR an Upconverting DVD Player, I wonder what's the difference between them and if this is really the best way to watch my Standard Definition DVD's

in High Quality ?

Answer 1

A progressive scan player can show every whole frame, rather than every other line twice (interlaced), the difference between the i and the p at the end of a resolution number. Check wikipedia about interlacing if you want more info on that.

An upconverting player, by adding interpolated pixels, will resize the SD resolution on the dvd to an hd res, like 720p or 1080i (I'm not sure how common 1080p upconversion is). Upconverting players are also progressive scan and they're really not much more expensive with all other factors like brand. Also, they usually let you use an hdmi connection which is usually better than component, especially if your cables aren't too long. So I'd say go with this.

But, here's some more important info: your tv also has its own upconverting and downconverting system. The signal it gets will only sometimes match its native resolution so it'll have to resize it. So when everything's set up, try all of the dvd player's modes: regular, upconvert to 720p, upconvert to 1080i, etc. and see which looks the best to you. If your tv happens to be really good at upconversion, it might even look better with the player's upconverting feature off.

I don't have an hd tv but I've heard from lots of people who say upconverted SD dvd's look fantastic on their tvs.