Does this thing really work??

[HokieD]

http://www.pcmall.com/pcmall/shop/detail.asp?dpno=115739

I have a hard time believing this thing actually does anything worthwhile to an already bad signal.

[DoubleDAZ]

The same item is available on Yahoo (http://shop.store.yahoo.com/digitally-unique/upconverter.html) for much less.

I appears to be similar in operation to the iScan Ultra and that does a pretty good job, but certainly not HD and I don't know that it's worth $500-$800 for the difference in PQ. YMMV.

[leadvocal]

Judging from the mistakes in their product brochure, I'm not sure I believe anything about this unit.

"The HDTV UpConverter will automatically convert your
standard definition video signals into progressive scan, 1080i, HDTV quality for a perfect viewing experience."

1080i is not "progressive" scan.

"The ADS Tech HDTV UpConverter provides superior resolution conversion and image enhancement of standard definition TV and video signals (480i or 480p) into HDTV resolutions of 480p, 720p or 1080i to provide you with Cinema quality video for an exhilarating home theatre experience."

480p is not an "HDTV resolution".

Perhaps if you found a retailer or e-tailer that had a liberal return policy it may be worth a look?

[kevinw]

So unless you had a 4:3 tv you would be upconverting a standard picture then have to stretch it to fill a 16:9 screen?

[HokieD]

I'm no expert, but it seems to me that you have to convert to HD signal from the source (ie. the actual film like HDNet Movies does) - not after it's been downgraded and sent to you. :rolleyes:

[BigJohn]

I bet this thing won't do any more than what my local NBC station already does for their HD channel - upconverts 480i to 1080i and gives a big, wide, grainy and unwatchable picture.