October 7th, 2008
DVDO unleashes Edge high-definition video processor/input hub
Home theater fans who aren’t satisfied with their HDTVs’ built-in video processing and/or just can’t get enough HDMI ports into their setups may want to take a gander at DVDO’s new Edge, which combines technology from Anchor Bay to improve video quality while also doubling as an A/V hub. At $799, it costs as much as some new TVs, but for video snobs it’s more affordable than other options (such as buying a whole new set with the latest processing tech).
Out of Anchor Bay’s bags of tricks, DVDO is hyping Precision Video Scaling, based around a 10-bit engine that can optimize any standard or high definition signal; Precision Deinterlacing, another 10-bit technology that smooths out image edges; Progressive Reprocessing, which reduces artifacts caused by converting deinterlaced content to progressive format; and Mosquito Noise Reduction, which removes artifacts surrounding text in compressed video content.
On the input front, Edge packs six—count ‘em, six—HDMI v1.3 ports, as well as a dedicated HDMI one for audio and one that connects directly to an HDTV. It adds a pair of component-video ports, and if you’re still hanging on to some older gear, S-Video and a composite-video inputs. For audio, you also get three optical digital ports, one coaxial digital, and one good-old stereo analog. Of course, you get a remote that lets you navigate through the on-screen display, which allows you to create settings for each video input that are saved to memory.
DVDO says Edge will be available in bricks-and-mortar A/V specialty dealers, as well as through online retailers like Amazon.com and Buy.com.
Sean Portnoy spent several years as an editor at Computer Shopper magazine, most recently serving as online executive editor. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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