View Full Version : The iscan line doubler
nrowder
08-15-2002, 05:11 PM
I am looking into buying the iscan plus V2 line doubler to improve my satellite channels (especially espn!). Has anyone done this and seen the results? My DVD's look great already and obviously my HDTV won't be affected. I'm just trying to figure out if the improvement in these select channels that are a bit fuzzy on my Mits diamond (65909) will justify the $500 or so it will cost. Thanks for any comments.
drjohnc
09-08-2002, 03:41 AM
I've used a iScan Line Doubler for almost two years. I pipe all 480i output through a switch, from there into the iScan, and from there into the Progressive Input of the TV. I use it with TIVO, DirecTV, 3 different brands of DVD players, and a Laserdisc player. There is a noticable quality improvement in the picture from 480i to 480p. Although not completely eliminated, "jaggies" are dramatically reduced. I watch programming through the iScan almost 8 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has been running 8/7 for about two years without a hitch. For its price, it can't be beat.
Wouldn't a good upconversion circuit in the new HDTVs do a good job and therefore be almost unrecognizable from the "line doubler's actions"? Only asking?
drjohnc
09-08-2002, 08:46 PM
I have a Sharpvision 64" HDTV. These sets are supposedly built with the same innards as Pioneer Elite models. It has an internal line doubler. The iScan line doubler provides a "cleaner" picture than the internal doubler. I imagine that the newer HD sets should provide a better internal doubler. When I purchased the Sharpvision, it was $3,800. New Pioneer Elite models are going for around $8,000 in my area (Southern CA). The best advice is to try both approaches, especially with the very expensive HD sets and see which is best for you. A specialty store (not Best Buy or Sears) will accomodate one's needs.
