Best current scaler/de-interlacer for 576i->1080P

[Halcion]

I know, I know, don't ask "what's the best", but I'm really looking for comments from owners.

I need a box that does:

1) 567i(analog/RGB)->720P(HDMI)
2) 576i(analog/RGB)->1080P(HDMI)
3) 1080P passthrough (i.e. absolutely on touching, but can switch between varoius 1080P signals from HDMI inputs)
4) 1080i (original 1080i video or interlaced from progressive film content, via HDMI) -> 1080p (HDMI)


What's the score on:

- VP30/ABT102
- Crystallio II
- Calibre Vantage HD

in regards to above?

Are all of the above good for interlaced PAL content de-interlacing and scaling? Or are there still "issues" (i.e. odd combing or other issues)?

I'm esp. interested in performance with DVB-signals, which is often sub-par and living in Finland, I'll be stuck with sub-par SDTV/PAL/interlaced from a crappy DVB-C box for a long time (no HDTV here).

So, if you've tried any of the above with Sky (non-HD) signals, through 576i/RGB input, please tell me how it performs on de-interlacing and masking MPEG2-compression artifacts.

[VirusKiller]

I believe for analogue SD inputs, even a Crystalio I would do this very well - its deinterlacing of SD material is very good. Someone needs to confirm 1080p pass-through though.

[Halcion]

Ah, in haste I forgot to add:

1080i (original 1080i video or interlaced from progressive film content) -> 1080P conversion

I've now added it to my original post.

Also, I've read of some issues with Vantage HD on 576i material though. Have those been fixed?

[loonatic]

Now that you've added the need for 1080i input then at the moment I would have to say the Crystalio II fits the bill perfectly.

Cheers, Lee

[JohnWH]

Originally Posted by loonatic

Now that you've added the need for 1080i input then at the moment I would have to say the Crystalio II fits the bill perfectly.

Cheers, Lee

If you can get one, ha!

[creative-av]

Crystalio 2's are available - you might just have to wait a few weeks though

Steve

[loonatic]

Originally Posted by JohnWH

If you can get one, ha!

Got mine thanks

Cheers, Lee

[creative-av]

No need to rub it in for the people that haven't got one Lee.

Maybe you should do a forum sharedeal on it. Weekly rental

[JohnWH]

It seems that those that went for the more expensive 3800 have had more luck than those of us that went for the 3300

John.

[creative-av]

Can you not change your order John?

Steve

[JohnWH]

Originally Posted by SteveJR

Can you not change your order John?

Steve

Yes, but that doesn't mean I would get a 3800 any sooner than I'd get a 3300 at this point in time, and can I justify the extra £800, probably not. Could go for a vantage HD instead I guess, £400 cheaper, but again no gaurantee on delivery. Very dissappointing couple of months to be honest, CII constantly slipping, bumped by SkyHD, might give it all up and take up a less material exhistance... Nar, never going to happen!

John.

[creative-av]

I didn't think the waiting time for the VantageHD was very long.

The other point with the Vantage is that it may not have as many adjustable settings as the C2.

Steve

[Halcion]

The last time I checked Vantage HD threads some owners were reporting serious issues with de-interlacing video-based 576i PAL content (reports at avsforum).

Has this issue been fixed with a new firmware update?

[JohnWH]

Think the vantage HD's are just starting to trickle out again, but they did have a big break in production for some reason.

Hadn't seen any coments over on avs regarding issues with deinterlacing PAL.

Anyway probably time to bug CRT again on status.

John.

[tryingtimes]

Basically your requirements are the same as everyone else's.
Unfortunately there isn't a great solution that you can buy instantly and it not cost a fortune.
If it were me and I needed HD deinterlacing, and I couldn't wait (I've put off the purchase until Autumn - too many more Summery things to spend the cash on), I would get Crystalio II.

The Lumagen Radiance and the HD DVDO are still just too ethereal to involve them in my decision at the moment. The VP30/ABT102 simply doesn't do what you need if HD is important to you.