Which display technology best for standard-def sources?
Robert Harley -- Mon, 06/19/2006 - 20:04
I've tentatively picked out a new TV (pending an audition and a bit more marshalling of funds), a 1080p LCD flat-panel set. But, I have a Pioneer Elite DVL-91 (ca. 1999), which plays laserdiscs as well as DVDs. I have 159 LDs, too many to dump or replace with DVDs (assuming some of them could be replaced), so the new TV has to do a credible job with these too. And since most of my viewing will be standard-def (for the foreseeable future), a scaler is probably needed.
Is there any one non-CRT technology that is more accommodating of standard signals (plasma seems likely, but I don't know)? The Pioneer has component outputs, but perhaps S-video would yield better results under the circumstances? Or, should I go for a 720p set and smaller screen (40" vs. 46" for example) since, in theory, the TV/scaler should have less work to do and thereby render a better picture given the Pioneer's output?
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I assume the Pioneer LD/DVD player only outputs 480i via component? I might try both component and S-video to see whether the player or display does a better job of separating the colors. As for a scaler, the display will have one built in (it must scale all incoming signals to its native resolution), but an external scaler might do a better job. After deinterlacing the signal from 480i to 480p, the processor then scales it to 720p, 1080p, or 1080i (in which case, it must be reinterlaced from 1080p, not a good thing if it can be avoided). I would recommend either a 720p or 1080p display that can accept 720p or 1080p, respectively; I would avoid a 1080p display that can only accept a 1080i signal.
As far as which technology might work best on SD material, I think it's less dependent on the technology than the video processor, especially in terms of noise reduction. Silicon Optix's HQV processing is excellent at noise reduction, so I would look for a set or external processor that implements it. For example, the next generation of Syntax Olevia LCD TVs will have HQV processing. These LCD TVs are not available quite yet, but they will be soon. If you can wait, they might make an excellent choice for you; look for a review in TPV as soon as we can get our hands on one.
Scott Wilkinson
Video Editor
The Perfect Vision