My player is a Marantz LV520 (D504 clone). My current signal path is as follows:

Player [Composite 480i 4:3]-> Marantz SR6011 AVR (Comb/AD/Deinterlace) [HDMI 480p 4:3]-> Epson HC4000 Projector (1080p 16:9 Scaling/Letterbox Zoom)-> Silver Ticket 128" 2.35:1 WVS AT Screen

As-is, this is the only signal path that works and allows letterbox zoom. The projector will only do letterbox zoom if fed 480p, and the AVR doesn't do letterbox zoom. It works well enough and I don't have any specific glaring complaints (no tearing, excessive noise, wonky colors, etc)... but I've been wondering for a while if an affordable stand-alone VP would yield better results? I've been watching for a deal on a VP20/30/50 for a while and haven't come across one in my price range. I passed on a Key Digital iSync HD months back and have regretted it... they've jumped up in price it seems, even higher than the DVDOs.

Right now I have an offer from a seller on Key Digital VP3HD, a predecessor to the iSync HD (same chassis) that should do everything I need (Comb/AD/Deinterlace/Scale/Letterbox Zoom) in one stop and also switch between Analog Audio, PCM/DTS, and AC3 audio (currently using both composite outputs from the player to 2 inputs on the AVR). I can grab it for $100 shipped including remote and power adapter.

I know there are some reviews from a while back on the iSync HD, but does anyone have an idea (or even gut feeling) on whether the VP3HD would be an improvement, or would it just be taking up rack space without any improvement?

Thanks in advance.

Personally, I would save the cash and keep an eye out for a better player.

Your marantz likely has better processing than this key digital. I wouldn’t even bother with DVDO. I would use the money in a better player as well.