No, it is processing used to improve the lower resolution video input. If you have a 1080p tv and play a regular old 480i DVD an a regular old DVD player, the video signal needs to be adjusted to fit your screen. This processing is called upscaling, and not all are created equal. Oppo is apparently one of the best upscalers at a reasonable price, so that makes it the best value. If you get a blu-ray player, then no upscaling is needed when you play blu-ray discs on it b/c they are 1080p DVDs. However, if you use the blu-ray player to play old 480i DVDs, how good the upscaler in that blu-ray player becomes a factor.