HTPC DVD up-converting

[NDman]

Is there a software-based method to up-covert regular DVD if I were to connect it to an LCD TV (720p, or 1080i, or 1080p)?

I googled and found this

http://www.htpcnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=132&Itemid=54

But the article is dated 2006 so I'm not sure if it's something new out there. As it stands, I use the Media Centre from Vista Home Premium. Video card is HD3450 (capable of HDCP ready). I don't have an HDTV yet but that will happen within the next few weeks. Given the size constraint, we are looking at 37" max so a 720p TV would probably serve us ok.

Not going to get into the 720p vs 1080i/p debate...

Thanks ahead

[fooit]

Any software like InterVideo, PowerDVD, VLC, Media Player Classic, GOM player, Nero Media Player, MCE, AverMedia, etc will upconvert by default according to the screen resoltion.

[ppl4golf]

IMHO, PCs are not very good upconverting DVDs or a good source when using PowerDVD 6/7 etc. Any scaling (up or down) results in softer picture.

PCs do however, excel in DivX upconversion via tweaking FFDSHOW - what it does is it makes really crappy files look watchable.

[willy]

The new ATI 4800 series has the DVD upconversion to HD feature ...

Enhanced DVD Upscaling - Watch standard DVD movies in near high-definition quality with DVD upscaling. The GPU uses post processing algorithms to enhance standard and low resolution videos and movies on your HD display.

[NDman]

Thanks for the inputs.

I am not planning to invest on a new video card any time soon so I'm ruling out of the new hardware options.

It looks like though I need to do more reading on this FFDShow program

[CameraBill]

upconverting is a just buzzword the marketers have gotten a hold of. Unless the source resolution is = to the display resolution there is always upconverting.
Every videocard in the past 14 years or so can upconvert. Any video card in the past 10 years does it pretty well. The 3400series you have is just as good as anything else to come in the next 40 years or so.

The problem lies that configuring for upscaling takes time and trials. The settings that look awesome for one movie are just ok for another and look shabby for another.

I've dabled with this stuff since DVD playback was first availible on PC's.

Right now I'm pretty content with using Media Player Classic and the Haali Renderer w/sharpening to -.50.

I used to go the whole ffdshow route with custom settings but I find the Haali renderer is pretty nice with none of the headaches.

(actually now adays I'm just as happy to throw the DVD in an DVD player and let the TV do the upconvert)

[ppl4golf]

Thanks for the inputs.

I am not planning to invest on a new video card any time soon so I'm ruling out of the new hardware options.

It looks like though I need to do more reading on this FFDShow program

There are probably some tweaks in the ffdshow setting for MPEG2 (aka DVDs)...the default setting is so crappy so I never bothered enough and just use MPV/PowerDVD's codec for MPEGs/DVDs respectively. Intervideo is not bad either. Note - none of the ones I just mentioned offers any sinificant tweaks.

MPC Cinema is a good suggestion and offers a lot of tweaks if you want to.