Group test: 1080p upscaling DVD players

With full HD displays arriving in the mainstream, there are a growing number of DVD players featuring 1080p video scaling on the market. These players are not 'true' high-definition players like Blu-ray or HD-DVD. But they can upscale standard DVDs all the way to the highest 1080p signals - provided you have a display with a compatible 1920x1080 resolution - and they're far less expensive.

Overview Price: £300 More info: Marantz Size (WHD): 440x60x319mm Disc compatibility: DVD, DVD-A, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, CD, CD-R/-RW, SACD, VCD, VCD 2.0, SVCD, WMA, MP3, JPEG, DiVX Video scaling: 720p/1080i/1080p Progressive scan: Yes Video connections: HDMI, component, RGB Scart, S-Video, composite Audio connections: stereo, optical digital, coaxial digital, 5.1 analogue outputs Marantz DV6001 Marantz's DV6001 is a marvel of a DVD player that not only offers exceptional picture performance but also sounds great too. The universal specification means it can play films (including DiVX files) as well as stereo CD and both SACD and DVD-A multi-channel music discs. With the failing popularity of high-resolution music formats this isn't a deal breaker, but it does offer flexibility if you're interested. The beautiful, brushed aluminium design is surprisingly stylish compared to Marantz models of the past and the underlying technology beneath is equally impressive. It features the latest, state-of-the-art scaling circuitry supported by Noise Shaped Video technology and Faroudga DCDi video processing. Like its rivals it can output full 1080p upscaled signals via a single HDMI ouput - although there's a full range of alternative analogue connections if you need them. Even using the component outputs produces an impressive picture but upscaled images are breathtakingly good. Images are incredibly realistic with an exceptionally natural colour balance and cohesive gradations. This is supported by bold definition and almost tangible three dimensionality that manages to preserve believable depth even in dimly lit scenes. While sound performance is usually an afterthought, the DV6001 is an obvious exception to the rule. The integrated Dolby and DTS processing may not be better than your home cinema receiver's but music is sensational with both stereo and multi-channel discs. And few other DVD players can play CDs with the same sense of rhythmical timing.

Verdict Plus points Universal compatibility; solid build quality; believable images; all round sound quality Minus points Not everyone will want multi-channel music

Overview Price: £100 More info: Panasonic Size: 430x43x239mm Weight: 2kg Disc compatibility: DVD, DVD-RAM, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R(DL)/+RW, CD, CD-DA, CD-R/-RW, VCD, SVCD, WMA, MP3, JPEG, DiVX Video scaling: 720p/1080i/1080p Progressive scan: Yes Video connections: HDMI, component, RGB Scart, S-Video, composite Audio connections: stereo, coaxial digital

Compared to its rivals, Panasonic's DVD-S53 looks an absolute steal and there aren't many 1080p budget players - but cutting costs leads to inevitable compromises.

The ultra slim design immediately separates it from the mid-range players but, aside from a tacky mirrored front panel, build quality is decent for the price. It does play an impressive assortment of discs including DVD-RAM, dual layer (DL) formats and encoded discs carrying MP3, JPEG and compressed video DiVX files. And there are all the connections you could reasonably ask for including an all-important HDMI output, RGB Scart and progressive scan compatible component connections.

As the first player tested, we were reasonably impressed by the picture performance. But, in this company at least, the DVD-S53 simply can't compete with more expensive models from Marantz and Yamaha. That's not to say its upscaled images won't greatly improve your existing DVD collection. The picture is noticeably cleaner with far more detail and depth while fast movement is slicker, especially when outputting 1080p signals.

But, under the scrutiny of a large screen display it's plain to see distracting digital artifacts during dark scenes, occasionally stuttered slow movements and less natural colours compared to its rivals. So, while this inexpensive player is still an absolute steal - you can get better by spending more.