Let’s take a simple look at two video analog to digital converters. On the one side we have the Grass Valley ADVC G-1 which accepts virtually any video signal in. On the other side of the ring we have the Blackmagic Design mini Converter – Analog to SDI. Both de-interlace in real time producing 1080p SDI video out. However, in reviewing these we discovered that there is a significant resolution distinction, one in preference to the other.
We captured 60 seconds of a sample video with each device. We then manipulated the two video tracks so as to obtain a representative still frame from each. We then then placed the two still frames side-by-side to compare the two.
Both devices accept standard definition 480(p)(i) and return 1080p SDI video. This means that both up-resolve the video from the original. As a general case, it can be truthfully said that a duplication cannot be better than the original. However, an up-resolution of imaging can truthfully be said to be an exception. The duplication has the potential to be BETTER than the original. The key point to consider is the technical expertise within which this process is accomplished.
Each device is an independent design exhibiting the expertise of the electrical and imaging designers at both Blackmagic Design and Grass Valley. One will be better than the other. The operative word here is, which one is better.
We found the results clearly showing that the Blackmagic imaging was superior to that of Grass Valley. The adjudication is impossible to get wrong as illustrated by the side-by-side comparison of the two images shown below.
