Blur2040
08-13-08, 10:53 AM
I have a Zenith PRO 900X CRT projector that I got on the cheap. I have it hooked up via composite video and while it looks OK, I know it can look a whole lot better. This, of course, means that I need a video scaler.
What is confusing me is that I have a wide variety of concerns when buying a scaler...and well, its making it hard for me.
1. Price. Though I'd like to be able to afford an awesome, $400+ scaler, I don't think I can swing it. I'd like to try to keep it under 150, hopefully around 100...if thats even possible. I imagine that this leaves me with an older model.
2. What kind of inputs do I need?
I collect video game consoles...and most of the older ones only output composite video (if I'm lucky). Does that sort of thing look OK upscaled? Does it look better? Do Ieven want to bother scaling this stuff?
I have a Laserdisc player that I am attached to for some reason...I still use it fairly often...do I want to bother scaling it...or will it just look like crap?
Component? I'll admit that I don't have many HD sources. I have a regular, old progressive scan DVD player (No scaling) and I would like to be able to use an HD cable box through component.
3. Do the Video/S-video only scalers just deinterlace, or do they scale up to higher resolutions as well? Would I notice a huge difference between say...a 720p cable channel through component...and that same channel scaled to a similar resolution via S or composite.
I've seen those chinese scalers that only do component...and they're tempting and cheap (yay), but I still have lots of items that go through composite...and that would just make my setup a whole lot more confusing....theres also a startech box that goes for around 150 that seems to do everything I want...but well...I know practically nothing about it.
Aside from that, I have so many sources that a shelf style scaler (with a ton of inputs) appeals to me, as I hate having to switch cables around.
Summation: Poor student who won't have much money for a few years...loves games and movies...and wants them to look their best (on a budget).
What is confusing me is that I have a wide variety of concerns when buying a scaler...and well, its making it hard for me.
1. Price. Though I'd like to be able to afford an awesome, $400+ scaler, I don't think I can swing it. I'd like to try to keep it under 150, hopefully around 100...if thats even possible. I imagine that this leaves me with an older model.
2. What kind of inputs do I need?
I collect video game consoles...and most of the older ones only output composite video (if I'm lucky). Does that sort of thing look OK upscaled? Does it look better? Do Ieven want to bother scaling this stuff?
I have a Laserdisc player that I am attached to for some reason...I still use it fairly often...do I want to bother scaling it...or will it just look like crap?
Component? I'll admit that I don't have many HD sources. I have a regular, old progressive scan DVD player (No scaling) and I would like to be able to use an HD cable box through component.
3. Do the Video/S-video only scalers just deinterlace, or do they scale up to higher resolutions as well? Would I notice a huge difference between say...a 720p cable channel through component...and that same channel scaled to a similar resolution via S or composite.
I've seen those chinese scalers that only do component...and they're tempting and cheap (yay), but I still have lots of items that go through composite...and that would just make my setup a whole lot more confusing....theres also a startech box that goes for around 150 that seems to do everything I want...but well...I know practically nothing about it.
Aside from that, I have so many sources that a shelf style scaler (with a ton of inputs) appeals to me, as I hate having to switch cables around.
Summation: Poor student who won't have much money for a few years...loves games and movies...and wants them to look their best (on a budget).