Yes, high-resolution video scaling processor is indeed very expensive, such as the popular
DVDO iScan brand which range from $1,200 to $2,000!
It upconverts SD video content to resolution as high as 1080p. Further info:
http://www.dvdo.com/pro/pro_ishd.phpMany believe with today's flat panel HDTV technology, its built-in scaler is sufficient to do the job without using an external converter. Fixed pixel display will normally convert the video source to match its native resolution. Similarly, Furthermore, HD DVD player has the capability to upconvert standard DVD to 720p or 1080i through HDMI interface (except Blu-ray which is up to 1080p).