upconvert

To convert one set of values to a higher set of values. For example, HDTV sets upconvert broadcast TV (480i) and DVD content (480i or 480p) to the highest format the set supports (720p, 1080i or 1080p). A/V receivers also provide upconversion.

Also called "upscaling," upconverting is an upsampling operation (see upsample). In a modern home theater, the DVD player, A/V receiver and HDTV provide upconversion capabilities. If the units are all of similar quality, it may make little difference which one performs the upconversion. For example, if the HDTV does the best job, the DVD and receiver upconversion can be turned off. Contrast with downconvert.

From 480i to 720p

To convert a 480i signal to 720p or 1080p, the first step is to deinterlace the 480 lines from 480i to 480p and then upconvert to the higher resolution. See deinterlace.

Upconversion Is Critical

Converting a lower resolution to a higher one is more critical than the other way around, and the quality of algorithms differs widely. These examples are images upscaled using a low-quality circuit (top) and the higher-quality circuit (bottom) in Anchor Bay's VP50Pro video processor. (Image courtesy of Anchor Bay Technologies, Inc., www.anchorbaytech.com)

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upconvert