Atlona AT-HD560 video processor/scaler/converter

[Pyrrho]

First, I want to apologize if I am putting this in the wrong forum, but I do not see one designated for video processors.

I am thinking about buying an Atlona AT-HD560 video processor:

http://www.atlona.com/product.php?productid=17375&cat=307&page=1

What I need is something that will convert a 720p signal @ 50 Hz to a 720p signal @ 60 Hz, and this is supposed to do that. I might use it to convert a standard PAL signal to 720p, if it works better than doing the upconverting to 720p in my receiver (my receiver will upconvert PAL to 720p @ 50 Hz, but will not convert PAL to 720p @ 60 Hz, which is what my TV will accept).

I have not found any reviews of this unit, nor do I know anyone with any experience with any Atlona processors. Is this processor any good?

Any advice for other options in getting PAL DVDs upconverted to 720p @ 60 Hz? For example, would I be better off replacing my DVD player with something like an Oppo DV-981HD (assuming that its upconversion and conversion between PAL/NTSC would allow what I want to do with the signal)?

Thanks in advance to all who reply with useful advice.

[Pyrrho]

Just in case it affects the advice, the relevant equipment I am using is:

Yamaha DVD-C750 DVD changer
Yamaha RX-V2700 receiver
Toshiba Regza 42HL67U LCD TV

I am using the component video output on the DVD player to the receiver, and an HDMI cable from there to the TV. (The DVD player does not have an HDMI output.) If I bought the above mentioned Atlona AT-HD560, it would be connected between the receiver and the TV (as it has only an HDMI input).

If I went with the Oppo DV-981HD DVD player, I would use its HDMI output to the receiver (to extract the audio) and from there to the TV.

One advantage to the Atlona processor over the Oppo DVD player is that I could pass any video source through it (though, at present, I have no intentions of using its PAL/NTSC conversion capabilities with anything but the DVD player). One advantage to the Oppo DVD player is that I would be keeping the video signal digital all the way to the TV. Both cost close to the same, so there is no great price advantage either way.

Also, I do not wish to spend any more money than necessary for good results. Right now, I have to downconvert PAL DVDs to NTSC in the DVD player before sending it onward, as the receiver does not convert between PAL and NTSC (though it works with both signals) and the TV cannot properly deal with PAL signals at all. So, with my current situation, I am throwing away lines of resolution whenever I play a PAL disc. This is why I am thinking about the above processor, or simply replacing my DVD player (or adding another and keeping what I have, as I like having a changer, particularly for SACDs).

[Pyrrho]

I am rather surprised that no one has any opinion about this. Does anyone know where I should look for an opinion about this matter?

[bandphan]

isnt your dvd player 480i, i had a dvdc900 and it wasnt progressive scan. imo scalers would be better suited with projectors or very large panels. Your money would be better spent on a new dvd player imho.

[Pyrrho]

isnt your dvd player 480i, i had a dvdc900 and it wasnt progressive scan. imo scalers would be better suited with projectors or very large panels. Your money would be better spent on a new dvd player imho.

Thanks for the reply. The Yamaha DVD-C750 is progressive scan, and will output 480p or 480i (or PAL signals or progressive PAL signals). Maybe a new DVD player is the way to go. Too bad, though, as I like having a changer.

[bandphan]

keep it for the audio:) good luck searching is half the fun