RX-V2600 Video Upconversion & Processing Comparisons

We ran a particularly difficult test pattern through the video processing of the RX-V2600 and simultaneously compared it to the direct inputs on a Pioneer PDP-42A3HD plasma display. The test was set up by taking composite, s-video, and component inputs into the RX-V2600 and upconverting them to 720p via HDMI while providing a parallel direct input to the Pioneer. This was accomplished by using a Denon DVD-5900 which has dual parallel connections for each output type we needed. Here is a visual diary of our observations:

Note: the slight darkening effect seen below is a result of the camera exposure and not a result of the Yamaha receiver or video processing. We have also desaturated the images to make it easier to discern differences in resolution.

Composite Video Comparison

As you can see here, the Yamaha provided an almost smoothing effect to the normal scaling artifacts seen on the Pioneer display. As we saw in the HQV Benchmark DVD tests, the Yamaha tended to soften the image a bit, resulting in a slight loss of resolution.

S-Video Comparison

Clearly, the difference between s-video and composite can be seen in terms of source detail, however the Yamaha renders these differences almost null, providing a smooth, even output that is almost indistinguishable from the upconverted composite signal.

Component Video Comparison

Here is where we entered the Twilight Zone. Inputting a 480i signal directly to the Pioneer resulted in a smooth but muted signal, similar to the 720p output of the first two tests. Running the same signal through the Yamaha, however, resulted in a clean delineated output with no obvious scaling artifacts. We're not making this up, folks...

We then decided to run some additional test utilizing 480p inputs (yes, the Yamaha can even upconvert and cross-convert from 720p or 1080i input sources.)

Component Video 480p to 720p Comparison

Inputting 480p component video we took that straight through and compared against what happened when upconverting it to 720p output. The left represents the 480p input routed through the Yamaha and output as 480p (conversion 'on' and upscaling set to'480p'). The right is the same input signal upconverted to 720p. The 720p showed the telltale signs of display scaling, present from the Pioneer, but the contrasting edges of the patterns where more evident when run through the Yamaha.

This test pattern was helpful in getting us a look at what was going on with the Yamaha's scaler and upconversion processing, but a resolution test pattern was necessary to draw any conclusions. We knew the Yamaha seemed to be softening the image a bit, but wanted to see how that played out overall and what it looked like in terms of moiré reduction and resolution.

480p input via component, 480p output via HDMI

480p input via component, 720p output via HDMI

480p input via component, 1080i output via HDMI

What we found was that the Yamaha did a very good job of upconverting 480p to 720p and 1080i output overall. It reduced the amount of moiré pattern in the high resolution areas of this test pattern. We did notice, however that it did this, in part, by softening the resolution just a bit. I used to do the same thing when editing video for 480i and encountering patterns with less than a scan line of resolution. We're not saying that the video processor is softening the image on purpose, but the result is there nonetheless and is effective at reducing negative scaling effects. It's a good compromise, but I think bypassing the video processing may result in a slightly sharper image except for displays that have inherently bad scaling capabilities. The bottom line: you need to test it on your own system.