Upscaling video is where algorithms are used to take a smaller image and extrapolate the extra pixels to form a large image. The algorithms take a look at what the adjacent pixels are (adjacent to the one being enlarges) and uses logic (Interpolation, etc) to make smoother gradients and reduces artifacting.

You could probably get some computer code that will do some image resizing, if you are a programmer. Most of the high end algorithms (like what’s in the PS3) would be kept under lock and key though.

There are some defacto manufacturers that offer solutions for DVD players and other electronics. Anchor Bay and Farouja being two of the prominent ones. Toshiba’s new technology is supposed to be pretty good also. The PS3 would be using software, rather than hardware to do the upscaling.

An upscaled image will not look as good as an image that is already in that resolution, but many of the upscalers on the market to get pretty close. Simpler images, such as animation, will upscale very well. Complex images, such as any randomly scattered finely detailed image, will not.

“Up Converting” is kind of a blanket term for 3 different processes:

- De interlacing
- 3:2 pulldown
- Line Doubling/scaling (This is what changes 480 lines to more)

Your HDTV already does this to any standard def signal (and some brands do a better job than others), and some DVD players like the Oppo or ones with the faster CPU’s do a decent job.

The PS3 has a massive amount of processing power so likely it also does a decent job.

Do an internet search on the terms I listed above because each one has a lot of issues/arguments about the best way to do it.

It is to do with the number of lines in the scan of the screen. Normal DVD through normal DVD player = 645 lines (PAL encoding). Normal DVD through Blu-ray player = 720 lines or 1080 lines, so much clearer.

They read the pixel and motion (sometimes!) information given by the DVD and approximate the “in-between” pixels and frames. That’s how I understand it. However, I’ve yet to find a Blu-Ray player that can do as good a job as a good upconverting DVD player (like the Oppo DVD players).