The “Plus” in the new Home Theater Scaler Plus from Gefen is really taken to heart. This $499 unit does much more than scale video.

Among the highlights: the scaling takes video signals from 480i to 1080p; it supports legacy and high-def formats; converts analog A/V to digital; and it allows source switching so you can connect and access several sources from the same display.

Video can be up or downscaled and be tweaked based on dual scaling engines, video adaptive de-interlacers, color engine technology and less than one frame delay for real-time action, Gefen says.

The Home Theater Scaler Plus comes with inputs for component video with left/right audio, composite/S-video with left/right audio and two HDMI inputs each with digital TOSlink and S/PDIF audio. Each format when selected is output in the HDMI format, with audio sent alongside the HDMI signal in both digital audio formats.

So it’s easy for professional installers and the average consumer, installation is plug-and-play easy, according to Gefen. There’s also an IR remote for preferences, controls and source selections.

Arlen Schweiger - Editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen writes about home technology installations and product news and reviews for electronichouse.com and Electronic House magazine.