XDE-500 initial impression/s:
Connected to a Panny PV80:
Connecting the player to the T.V via HDMI it automatically set the resolution to 720p and the XDE mode was kept at "sharp" by default. I did not bother going to 1080p because I don't use FULL HD resolutions on an HD-Ready T.V.
Underworld Evolution DVD: (XDE=ON)
At first I really noticed a significant "jump" in terms of picture quality over a Pioneer DV-410v and DV-600. I even thought for a moment, that the picture definition finally brought DVD to near true "high-def" standards. That, unfortunately was simply "biglang tingin" and after a few moments and a close inspection of the of picture quality. I noticed that the film was smothered with "edge-enhancement" marring intricate details. This is a very subjective issue as some folks in the house seem to like the effect. However, I was not too blown away by it because it made the film a little less than film like.
XDE=OFF
Now, this was a better picture definition for me, it's natural sharpness does not give it a more "digital" image, but it's still crisper and cleaner over my Pioneers without the bugs of edge enhancement.
My observation:
Still a good upscaler that surprisingly performs better without the bannered "enhancements".
More on this later, when we get to try it on a native 1080p set like the PY800 and the A650.
POST UPDATE:
Quick questions I got from my PM box and my answers:
1) Is it close to High-Def?
When the XDE is switched-on, it gives a somewhat "high-def" look.
2) Better than Pioneer 410v or 600?
Yes, cleaner, sharper and better defined colors even with XDE switched-off