So, then simply put, if I get a normal DVD player with a TV that can do line doubling, I'll get nearly the same results?
Something like that. The line doubler is just the digital image converter that's built in to my set. Any TV that can do higher-than-NTSC resolution will have that in it. Basically, that means big-screen TVs and HDTVs.
Pioneer has a progressive scan player out and it only retails for $449. Not a bad price, if you ask me.
That's not a bad price at all for a progressive-capable player. If you intend to eventually upgrade to a big screen TV or an HDTV, you might consider getting that as your first player. Do you have a link to somewhere that sells it?
But like I said, you need a big-screen TV or an HDTV-capable set to take advantage of either progressive input or progressive output. The inputs on my set will digitally convert an interlaced image into a progressive one because the CRTs will do progressive output. So really, if you think about it, if you've got a set that can handle progressive input, then it will also be able to convert interlaced to progressive for you and you don't necessarily need a progressive player.
The difference with a progressive player is that you get an extra level of clarity that comes from skipping the conversion process. I'm told that there is a difference, although I haven't seen it demonstrated. Honestly, an anamorphic DVD looks so great on my Mitsubishi set that I can't imagine it getting any better.
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Tony Fabris