Chapter 1

DVD Technical Details 85
mV peak, and ±350 mV color excursion), M-II (300 mV sync, 7.5 percent
luma setup with 700 mV peak, and ±324.5 mV color excursion),
or nonstandard variations. Note that outputs with no IRE setup can
provide a wider range of luma values for a slightly better picture. For
equipment with an RGB input, a YUV converter is usually needed.
(Refer to “What Are the Outputs of a DVD Player?”)
• Progressive video (even better quality) A few players have progressive-scan
YUV (Y'Pb'Pr') or RGB (European players only) component
video output. Hook decent-quality cables from the three video
outputs of the player to the three video inputs of a progressive-scan
line multiplier or a progressive-scan TV. You can also use a SCART
cable if you have a European player and progressive-scan TV with the
right connectors. Toshiba calls progressive scan ColorStream PRO.
Progressive video preserves the progressive nature of most movies,
providing a film-like, flicker-free image with improved vertical resolution
and smoother motion. DVD computers can also produce progressive
video from DVD. In this case, use a 15-pin computer video
cable to connect the VGA output of the PC to the VGA input of a monitor
or projector. If the projector only has RGB or YPbPr inputs, you’ll
need a converter such as the Audio Authority 9A60. (Refer to “What’s
a Progressive DVD Player?” in Chapter 1, “General DVD,” and
“Will High-Definition DVDs or 720p DVDs Make Current Players and
Discs Obsolete?” in Chapter 2, “DVD’s Relationship to Other Products
and Technologies” for more information on progressive video. Also
see “Can I Play Movies on My Computer?” in Chapter 4, “DVDs and
Computers.”)
• Digital video (best quality) A few players have HDMI (DVI) or 1394
digital outputs. This preserves the true digital signal from the DVD.
Hook an HDMI or 1394 cable from the output of the player to the HDMI
or 1394 input of a digital television or other digital audio/video system.
The same cable carries the digital audio signal.
• RF video (worst quality) You should use this connection only if you
have an old TV that has only a screw-on antenna input. Most DVD
players don’t have RF output, so you will probably need to buy an RF
modulator ($30 at Radio Shack, Comtrad, or Markertek). But first see
the following warning about using a VCR as an RF modulator. If the
player has built-in RF output, it will include audio, although it may only
be mono.
To set everything up, connect a coax cable from the yellow video output
of the player to the input of the modulator. If you are not hooking the