Scaler

Scalers are add-on devices placed between the source and the display that enable the conversion of an input video signal from one format to a different resolution. Today more and more people want to use their main digital, high definition display with a variety of video sources, such as computers, DVD players, set-top boxes, gaming consoles and more. At their most basic level, home-theater scalers will accept any of these sources and properly convert them for pixel format compatibility with your main display.

Incoming video signals from different video sources (composite, component, HDMI) are converted to user-selectable output resolutions supporting any type of display, projector and monitor in all high definition resolutions up to 1920x1200 or 1080p.

Scalers can improve the quality of the image if the display has an inexpensive built-in scaler. This is done by outputting the video set to the native resolution of the display, bypassing its internal scaler. This ensures the best quality video possible.