Guys,

Here's the scenario. My limited research suggests that the various mid and high-end processors can and do make a huge difference cleaning up image quality of SD programming. However, what if you're using an HD satellite box outputting HDMI or Component? Would I be better off feeing s-video from the HD box to an external processor for SD channels if I'm after major SD improvement or would I see similar improvement from the 1080i output of the Satellite box (showing SD content)?

Thanks!

bradesp

Get an Algolith HDMI Flea. It does an excellent job cleaning up the picture. Contact AVS for a price quote.

I have my Directv HDVR svideo going through a VP50, that was one of the main reasons I bought it. Most here said there would be little difference. Even when I picked it up DVDO was not sure how much it would help. Well... let me tell you it's astounding. Picture went from almost unwatchable (dark, flat, low contrast) to what you might call "low quality HD" with brilliant colors, brightness, depth, etc. Some argued that can't be possible, but then again they don't actually have the the same equipment. This is my first VP and from now on I will always have one. My two cents. FWIW, my wife loves it too!

I disagree with mgavsf. I have owned an HD+, VP30, VP50 and none have helped much. I have owned all these because I was under the belief that upgrading would make things much better. But IMO it hasn't. I will give RadianceXD a try and if that doesn't work, I will never buy a VP again. By the way, my setup is Directv H20, VP50, Panasonic professional 50" plasma. All through HDMI (except plasma which uses HDMI-DVI cable in order to get the TV's native res (1366x768).

I run my broadcast sources(A TiVoHD and a Series 3 box)through the HDMI FLEA before going to my VP50. The VP50 does an excellent job scaling the 480i to 1080P but the HDMI FLEA really cleans up the noise and other problems in the picture. The combination of both of them provides a picture about as good as you can get from SD. In the end you can only do so much with SD. What I use definitely makes it watchable.