Video Scalers


A video scaler (or scaling video processor) for an HDTV is what converts an NTSC video signal into one of a variety of high-definition formats. A video scaler can also do the job of a deinterlacer and 2:3 pulldown.

Video scalers are built into some HDTV sets to upconvert a standard 480i NTSC video signal to 480P (progressive scan) or even to one of its high-definition resolutions. It does this through interpolation algorithms using existing video resolution but it cannot add detail to an NTSC broadcast.
Not all scalers are created equal. Most do a lousy job of scaling or upconverting video to higher definition formats because it's a tricky job. Decent scaling requires not only high quality source video, which isn't exactly common in TV broadcasts, but a powerful scaling processor chip. Good quality separate component video scalers start around $1,000-$2,000 and go way up from there.

A separate video scaler will be more flexible compared to what would be built into your HDTV. Ultimately, the goal of the broadcast and entertainment industry is to make HDTV's scaling video processors obsolete, since eventually there will be few NTSC broadcasts left.

For the time being, judge your TV's picture by connecting it to a variety of video sources. A new HDTV is going to look lovely connected to an HDTV source, but when connected to an NTSC broadcast is when you'll see what your video scaler is all about.