I am looking to go from sd to hd to film (or back again), and I need to know which software is best for the job. I know that algolith has a program called Content Adaptive Scaler, but the price seem to be huge in comparison to others. So my question is this: would those in the know please list the programs which they feel would give me the best quality in order of quality (i.e. best to worst)?

Thanks

I'm wondering two things:

1) why go through HD?

2) normally you let a company worry about this transfer since it has the experience and tools to do this as good as possible

Sorry for the late reply but the reason I want to know how to accomplish this particular task is that I have a lot of footage shot in one mode or the next (i.e. dv, hd, etc.). As such I would like to be able to convert them myself for showing in small digitally equipped arenas or to share with friends without putting myself or them through the expense of having a production house perform the conversion. And frankly it is just a useful skill for an indie filmmaker to have (though not essential). So as a point of reference I wanted to know which of the commercially available scalars gives the best price/value points.

Thanks

I can't be of more assistance since I have not tried any upscaling
of footage myself. You might want to browse and search the site
a bit, because I have seen it discussed before. Probably in the
movie look, HD or open DV discussion forums.

Or perhaps someone else can point you in the right direction.
Good luck with your search!