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How Much Better Is Blu-ray Versus Upscaled DVD?

Al Griffin  |  Oct 26, 2015

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Q I have a Samsung UN55HU7250F UHDTV that’s currently being fed by a DVD player. Here’s my question: Since the TV upscales signals to 4K, will there be a significant advantage in upgrading to a Blu-ray player if the discs I watch are all DVDs? —Patrick Tyler / Boulder, CO

A Absolutely. The visual benefits of Blu-ray over DVD are substantial. Even when a DVD is scaled to 4K by a UHDTV, the image won’t look nearly as good as it would with a Blu-ray source. That’s because DVD resolution is 345,600 pixels, while Blu-ray provides over 2 million pixels. And when it comes to scaling, where you create new pixels from existing ones, the more picture detail you start out with, the better. Also, most Blu-ray players at this point in the game are absurdly inexpensive.

Another option here would be to wait until new Blu-ray 4K players arrive—it’s anticipated that they will be available by the end of 2015. However, since your UHDTV is a 55-inch model (a relatively small screen size for a 4K set) that isn’t compatible with forthcoming Blu-ray 4K features such as High Dynamic Range, you’ll get the best image quality bang for your buck by simply ditching DVD for Blu-ray.

COMMENTS
kevon27's picture
Submitted by kevon27 on October 26, 2015 - 7:44am

I would never thought this question would be asked in 2015.
My opinion of DVD (upscaled) vs Blu-ray quality is that it is dependant someone's personal taste.
Myself, if it ain't blu-ray or better it does not come into my house.
My wife, if a movie comes on vhs cassette she'll be fine with it (yuk).

If you are a videophile then blu-ray all the way.. If you are not then anything goes.

danne's picture
Submitted by danne on October 26, 2015 - 10:57am

The question reads "if the discs I watch are all DVDs". The answer doesn't take that into consideration, I guess the answer would be no then, the upscaler in the TV is probably as good as the one in the BluRay-player.

tomd's picture
Submitted by tomd on October 26, 2015 - 1:46pm

I'm confused, arnt the Blue Ray players 4k now? What will change or improve? thank you!

dnoonie's picture
Submitted by dnoonie on October 26, 2015 - 3:46pm

Hi,

Although many current Blu-ray players will upscale to UHD/4k they won't read the upcoming UHD/4k disks, that will require new hardware.

When I had my 34" 720p HD TV up-scaled DVDs looked okay, yes there was a difference but it wasn't glaring, I tried to purchase 1080p Blu-ray but it wasn't always available.

When I got my 60" 1080p TV up-scaled DVDs didn't look so good as the flaws were magnified. I still watch some old TV shows that are only available on DVD but I prefer to spend my money on 1080p Blu-ray disks...

Actually I'd prefer to be purchasing 1080p/UHD combo packs right now but they're not available yet.

Cheers,

haloless1's picture
Submitted by haloless1 on December 29, 2015 - 9:53am

"However, since your UHDTV is a 55-inch model (a relatively small screen size for a 4K set) that isn’t compatible with forthcoming Blu-ray 4K features such as High Dynamic Range, you’ll get the best image quality bang for your buck by simply ditching DVD for Blu-ray."

What is the minimum size UHD TV that I need to buy if I want to buy a UHD Blu-Ray player?

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