Washington, D.C. (December 7, 2006) -- OPPO Digital has introduced a new DVD player that it says will "upconvert" a standard DVD picture to 1080p HDTV.

The player (model: DV-981HD), which retails for $229, features a HDMI output and also plays high resolution audio formats such as DVD-Audio.

OPPO has previously introduced several "upconverter" DVD players that will improve the standard DVD picture to near high-def quality. However, this is the company's first attempt at reproducing the 1080p image.

To upconvert the standard DVD picture to 1080p, you would need a 1080p High-Definition TV.

1080p is the latest high-def picture format; other formats include 720p and 1080i. Some industry officials say 1080p provides the best possible HD picture, although not everyone agrees. There is currently no programming available in 1080p, except for HDTV DVDs (Blu-ray and HD-DVD.

OPPO says the 1080p upconverter will allow new 1080p set owners to watch "Full HD" without buying a new Blu-ray or HD-DVD player, which might cost three to four times more.

"Users can enjoy HD-quality DVD movies without having to become an early adopter of expensive and undecided HD-DVD or Blu-Ray players," says Nathaniel Plain, OPPO's manager of technical service.