Ask S&V

Kevin Cochran

First, let's sort out the terminology. Upscaling creates pixels to expand an image at one resolution to a higher resolution, while deinterlacing converts an interlaced signal to a progressive signal at the same resolution. In many cases, both functions are performed on the same signal. You're right that the Yamaha RX-V667 (pictured here) upscales 480i/p to 720p, 1080i, or 1080p, but it does not upscale 720p to 1080i/p, nor does it deinterlace 1080i to 1080p. The DirecTV box can output 480i, 480p, 720p, or 1080i, but not 1080p.

As for which device should do the upscaling of 480i/p content, that depends on which one does a better job. You can determine that by trying it both ways. First, set the DirecTV box's Resolution control to Native, which causes it to output the native resolution of the selected program, be it 480i, 480p, 720p, or 1080i. Also, set the AVR's Video Processing control to On and its Resolution control to 1080p. Select a standard-def channel and watch for a while.

Then, turn off video processing in the AVR and set the DirecTV box's resolution to 1080i. (In this case, the TV will deinterlace 1080i to 1080p.) Which way looks better? Of course, this is much easier with a DVR, which lets you play the same clip multiple times, but the H20 is not a DVR, so you just have to do the best you can with real-time content.

I would guess that the Yamaha probably has a better video processor than the DirecTV box. If that's true, I'd set the DirecTV box's Resolution control to Native and turn on the Yamaha's video processing. In either case, I would also set the H20's Format control to Pillar, which displays 4:3 content in its native aspect ratio without stretching or cropping it to fit a 16:9 screen.

The TV can also upscale standard-def images, so let's see if the AVR or TV does a better job. Set the AVR's Video Processing control to Off and the H20's Resolution to Native, then watch an SD channel. In this case, the TV will be doing the upscaling. Then, turn on the AVR's Video Processing and set the Resolution control to 1080p. Which way looks better on SD images?

For high def, the DirecTV box can output 720p or 1080i, but not 1080p, and the AVR doesn't do anything with these signals, so it's up to the TV to do the upscaling and deinterlacing. You could set the box to output 1080i, but that would upscale and interlace 720p channels such as ABC and ESPN, which the TV would then have to deinterlace. I prefer to have as few processing steps in the signal path as possible, so I would keep the DirecTV box's Resolution set to Native and let the TV do the processing in this case.

I'd wager that the best scenario will be to keep the DirecTV box set to Native and let the AVR or TV do the processing. To minimize the number of processing steps in the signal chain, turn off the AVR's video processing and let the TV do it all—that is, unless it does a particularly bad job of upscaling standard def.

OTT DIY
I have an Optoma DX606v projector with an increasing number of dead pixels on the DMD chip. The chip number is 48.89B01G001. When I try to find a new chip online, all I come across is an Acer service manual. I was wondering if I could replace it instead with a Samsung 4719-001981 chip, which seems to be more readily available, though it was used in the HL-S5686W rear-projection TV, not a front projector. The pins are the same for both chips. I was wondering about any compatibility issues before I spend $500 for a new Optoma chip or $170 on a Samsung chip.

Richard Yates

Wow, that's way more DIY than I would ever attempt! I see several problems with your plan. First, the two chips have different resolutions—the Optoma is 1024x768, while the Samsung is 1280x720, so I seriously doubt the Samsung chip would work at all. Second, the entire Optoma projector lists for $550, so spending $500 on a replacement DMD seems ludicrous. And even if you were to acquire an Optoma chip, I suspect that precise alignment would be difficult if not impossible for a DIYer.

If you're using the projector in a home theater, I would definitely buy a new projector with a more appropriate resolution—that is, 720p or 1080p. Yes, it will be more expensive than replacing the DMD in your projector, but it will be a far more satisfying and less frustrating experience all around. And if you're using it for business presentations—the DX606v's intended application—a new projector won't cost much more than the Optoma chip, and you'll save yourself a huge headache.

Secret Handshake
I have a 2-year-old Onkyo TX-SR606 receiver that does not like to handshake with the HDMI output from my Motorola set-top box. This problem developed after a year of use. The Onkyo will handshake only after the second power-on cycle, or if I switch to another input and then back to the cable box. Do you know of a fix for this or should I be looking for a new receiver?

John Fitzgerald

I don't know of a fix. It sounds like the Onkyo has developed a fault, especially since the problem didn't arise until after a year of use. I imagine the receiver is out of warranty (unless you bought an extended warranty), and it could well be that it will cost as much to repair as it would to buy a new, comparable unit. I'd take it to an authorized Onkyo repair facility to see if it's something small or to verify that you're probably better off buying a new unit.

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