Receiver Upconversion... why do I need that?

[Grinder10]

I am putting together my HT and looking for an entry level receiver. Most likely choices are Onkyo 606, Sony STRDG720, or Yamaha RX-V663. The main difference that I can see is that the Sony does not upconvert. Would upconversion make standard look like HD? I don't get it.

[Beta Man]

I don't care for the look of upconversion in any form.... whether it be DVD upconversion, etc.... I would say "no" you don't need it, and despite marketing hype (that's what it is) nothing can, or ever will "make SD look like HD" The source material dictates the "potential" and DVD is capable of 480p, nothing more...... upconverters just add additional lines/color/detail that isn't really there..... some say it looks better, but I don't care for it.

[plowmanjoe]

watching a standard dvd on my ps3 looks much better than in a regular dvd player. i'm all for up conversion.

[Themoth]

When i was first looking for an entry level AV to get into the HD audio format, i was unsure of what my needs were going to be. I was looking at the 720 and the 820 but ended up getting the Sony str-dg2100 instead to assure future features and allow my AV to last longer with better options. I like the up converting aspect of my receiver. It allows me to put all my components into the AV and send out with a single HDMI to the TV. I do think that my XBOX 360 looks crisper and smooth upconverted compared to just running the Component. I would at least get the 820 unit. But its a matter of brand preference. I love sony items and it pairs well with my XBR5.. GOOD LUCK

[mdabb]

I would agree with Beta. I have had my share of up-converting gear. I have an Onkyo TX-SR875 receiver and a Samsung BD-P1200 BD player. Both have Reon and while it does improve the quality of some SD material It's not a feature I desire anymore. It's not going to miraculously turn SD material into HD.

I would worry about the SQ of the receiver and forget about up-conversion. Just make sure any receiver you get doesn't effect the video negatively in pass through or during the up-conversion process. Consider it a small bonus if you do pick a receiver that up-converts and not choose one solely based on it.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by plowmanjoe

watching a standard dvd on my ps3 looks much better than in a regular dvd player. i'm all for up conversion.

again.... personal preference.

[welwynnick]

If your receiver doesn't up-convert SD video, then the display will anyway. And the receiver processing is only of any value if its better than the display's own processing. And since many receivers and displays can't interface at the displays native resolution, the display will have to perform a second stage of processing, which is undesirable. This isn't to say that AVR video processing isn't of ANY value, but in general i'd say audio quality was far more important.

BR, Nick

[fsavoie]

If you already have a ps3 that is upconverting... you don't really need two upconverting device unless you want to upconverting other device you are using

[Chevypower]

I like upconversion on receivers as a convenience feature - you only need one cable and input to your tv. Get the Sony 920.

[crackinhedz]

I don't care for the look of upconversion in any form.... whether it be DVD upconversion, etc.... I would say "no" you don't need it.

took the words right outta my mouth.

[welwynnick]

Originally Posted by Chevypower

I like upconversion on receivers as a convenience feature - you only need one cable and input to your tv. Get the Sony 920.

You can have one cable WITHOUT upconversion. I've been doing this for some time. Its switching that you need for one cable, not upconversion. Whatever your source puts out will be passed through to the display, which will process it as if the source was connected directly.

regrards, Nick