Can a receiver upscale movie files from a computer?

[abeal2]

I'm trying to decide whether I should get the Denon AVR-1913 or AVR-1613. The 1913 has 1080p upscaling where as the 1613 doesn't. I will have my computer hooked up via HDMI to the receiver, and I'm wondering if a 720p MKV file from my computer will get upconverted to 1080p.

A little off-topic is that I'm looking for a sub-$500 receiver. Are either of these Denons a good fit or should I go with something else? I'm planning to buy the Pioneer SP-BS41-LR.

Thanks!

 

[mmntech]

Doesn't need to. Your computer's GPU will do all the upscale work. Just set your PC output to 1080p and go nuts.

On AMD GPUs, it's under My Digital Flat-Panels -> Scaling Options -> Enable GPU Scaling. Not sure where it is on nVidia and Intel.

When it comes to A/V receiver, Pioneer and Denon are both solid brands. Can't go wrong with either.

 

[blackangst1]

Doesn't need to. Your computer's GPU will do all the upscale work. Just set your PC output to 1080p and go nuts.

On AMD GPUs, it's under My Digital Flat-Panels -> Scaling Options -> Enable GPU Scaling. Not sure where it is on nVidia and Intel.

When it comes to A/V receiver, Pioneer and Denon are both solid brands. Can't go wrong with either.

This. But to answer your question, yes, a receiver can upscale to 1080p. Im sure I could set my Intel integrated graphics to upscale, but I bitstream so I do my upscaling with my receiver.

 

[abeal2]

I have a nettop connected to my TV, therefore the GPU on it is probably too weak to do the upscaling. So, is the 1913 a no-brainer then? Or is the difference between 720p vs upscaled 1080p negligible?

 

[sdifox]

I have a nettop connected to my TV, therefore the GPU on it is probably too weak to do the upscaling. So, is the 1913 a no-brainer then? Or is the difference between 720p vs upscaled 1080p negligible?

upscaling 720p to 1080p is a waste of time.

 

[lamedude]

A necessary step is a waste of time?
You probably won't notice the difference between the TV's scalar, AVR's scalar and whatever upscaling your media player does.

 

[sdifox]

A necessary step is a waste of time?
You probably won't notice the difference between the TV's scalar, AVR's scalar and whatever upscaling your media player does.

I guess I should have said upscaling from the receiver is a waste of time.

 

[blotto]

If you've got your PC set to output 1920x1080, any upscaling is done by the PC. If you really want to see the receiver do the scaling, set your res to 1280x720 and then it will do it. The PC will do a better job than the receiver.

 

[Matt1970]

What's wrong with letting the TV do the upscaling? You video is only as good as your source anyways.

 

[Auric]

Media player scaling factors in after the display resolution. But in any case, computer quality trumps AVR so that feature is not a reason to opt for the higher model. Compare all specs.

As for the subwoofer, up to $500 seems a lot but depends upon what the other speakers are. With decent full-range speakers, a subwoofer is very much optional and only the final piece to maximize low frequency effects.