Video processing chips are integrated into video equipment like A/V receivers, Blu-ray and DVD players to convert video formats. These chips can perform multiple tasks like upconversion, deinterlacing, frame rate conversion, noise reduction, artifact removal, lip sync, and edge enhancement. Stand-alone video processors can also be used between the TV set-top box and TV.
WHAT is a Video Processor?
A video processor is a chip or independent component that converts video formats. It is responsible for processing video signals and enhancing the visual quality of the image on your screen. Video processors are commonly found in video equipment like A/V receivers, Blu-ray players, DVD players and are also present in stand-alone “outboard” video processors located in the home theater equipment rack between the TV set-top box and the TV.
WHAT Tasks Can a Video Processor Perform?
A video processor can perform numerous tasks to deliver a high-quality image on your screen. Some of these tasks are:
1. Upconversion: This process increases the resolution of low-resolution videos to fit screens with a higher resolution, ensuring the image appears sharper.
2. Deinterlacing: It removes the horizontal lines that appear on an image when a lower-resolution source is displayed on a higher resolution screen.
3. Frame rate conversion: It converts the frame rate of a video signal to match the output device’s capability.
4. Noise Reduction: It reduces the amount of digital noise in the video signal, leading to a cleaner image.
5. Artifact Removal: It eliminates any distortions on the screen that may appear during video playback, like ghost images, image flicker, and color distortion.
6. Lip Sync: It synchronizes the audio and video signals, ensuring that the audio and video output match.
7. Edge Enhancement: It sharpens the edges of on-screen objects, making them more distinct and defined.
What Are the Advantages of a Video Processor?
A video processor’s primary advantage is that it improves the visual quality of the image on the screen by processing the original video signal before it gets displayed. By doing this, video processors can ensure that the image appears clear, sharp, and lifelike.
Moreover, video processors can improve the quality of old and low-resolution video sources and make them suitable for display on high-resolution screens. This advantage is especially important now that higher resolutions screens are becoming more common in homes, and people want to get the most out of their high-resolution devices.
FAQs
Q. What is the difference between a video processor and a graphics processor?
A. A graphics processor, also known as a GPU, is responsible for handling complex graphical computations within a computer system. It’s designed to handle high-speed calculations that video processors cannot handle. On the other hand, the video processor’s purpose is to process video signals to improve the image’s visual quality, either through hardware or software processing.
Q. Can I add a video processor to my existing system?
A. Yes, you can add a stand-alone “outboard” video processor to your existing home theater system. These processors are designed to work in between the source device like your cable box and the display screen like your television. You can also include a video processor in most audio/video receivers, Blu-ray players, and DVD players.
Q. Do I need to upgrade my existing video processor?
A. If your current video processor is outdated or not performing adequately, upgrading to a newer model with better video processing capabilities would be beneficial. However, if your system has a video processor built in, upgrading the video processing chip may not be possible without replacing the existing equipment.
Thus
A video processor is an essential component when it comes to home theater entertainment. It enhances the visual quality of the image on the screen by processing the original video signal before it gets displayed. A video processor can improve the quality of old and low-resolution video sources and make them suitable for display on high-resolution screens. By performing tasks like upconversion, deinterlacing, noise reduction, and lip sync, a video processor can deliver an exceptional visual experience for your home entertainment system.
