Denon's pitching its DVD-2930 HD-capable DVD player as an "affordable" upscaling machine. You might think that's a cheeky word to use in association with a player that costs £650, but Denon said its machine provides pro-grade video processing for which it usually charges £2,700.

In short, the DVD-2930 contains the same image processing chip found in Denon's high-end DVD-A1XVA. The upshot is the conversion of a standard-definition DVD picture to 1080p ready to be sent to an HD TV via the player's HDMI, component-video, SCART, composite-video or s-video ports. It's not true HD, of course, but Denon argues it's the next best thing - particularly given few if any HD DVD or Blu-ray Disc releases are what you'd call cinema classics...

Related stories

• Denon confirms Euro Blu-ray set-back
• Denon cues up USB DJ kit
• Denon sits on the fence in HD war
• Sony to simplify home cinema with all-in-one Bravia
• Aussies fume over 'frozen' LG digital TVs
• Toshiba to bring 'budget' 1080p HD DVD player to Europe
• Blu-ray backer Samsung shows HD DVD laptop
• Sony pledges thinner, cheaper Blu-ray Disc player
• Arcam pitches broadcast-quality DVD HD upscaler

The machine will also play every physical digital disc format, from CD to DVD Audio and Super Audio CD, so it's as much a device for the hi-fi enthusiast as the movie buff.

Related review

Toshiba HD-E1 HD DVD player