A video scaler converts an existing video signal or stream from one resolution to another. It is normally used to upscale or convert a signal from a standard definition to a higher definition broadcast. Video scalers are commonly found in televisions, computer monitors, video editing equipment, audio/visual periphery devices, and broadcasting equipment. A video scaler is not always embedded in a device, however, as it can convert standard definition displays or movies into HD format on its own. Today, most video scalers are digital devices. However, they can also be used with analog to digital and digital to analog converters in order to provide support for analog inputs and outputs.

How is a Signal Scaled to Match a Display?

All videos have a native resolution – the number of physical pixels that comprise the rows and columns of the visible display. There are a number of video formats and signals that are not the same resolution or size that have to be scaled to match the required display. When a smaller sized signal is scaled for viewing on a more capable HD device, the image quality cannot be improved, but it can be viewed on the more capable device. When viewing higher quality video on a less capable device, a video scaler either scales the signal down or crops it so that the image is properly displayed. Manufacturers try to design their equipment in a manner that allows the video scaler to deliver content at the precise resolution that the television, monitor, or other device requires in order to avoid the video quality undergoing multiple translations or scale functions.

Video Scaler Use with Video Processing Devices

A video scaler is often used with other video processing devices to create an enhanced video processor that improves a video signal’s definition. Some of the enhancements that can be used in this manner are:

  • Providing aspect control ratio
  • Digital pan and zoom
  • Frame rate conversion
  • Detail and edge enhancement
  • Adjustments to brightness/hue/saturation/sharpness and gamma
  • Color point and space conversion
  • Digital enhancement
  • De-interlacing and IVTC
  • Mosquito and block noise reduction