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.