bmil128
it's easy enough to test if the de-interlacing function on your DVD player does a better job than your TV and vice a versa. Pick a movie and don't set your DVD player to progressive mode, let the TV do the de-interlacing and watch. The set the player to progressive mode and watch again.

I agree totally with bcf1963 with regard to de-interlacing and an interlaced video vs a de-interlaced video. I would add IMHO that while Denon makes excellent mid range players, a lot of what you're paying for is their top notch audio features. Again, IMHO, I would readily recommend one of Oppo's unscaling players. Oppo uses Faroudla DCDi like Denon (not same chip) and their new 981HD upconverts to 1080p at a price of $229!