1. To convert a video signal of one resolution to a higher one, in order to make best use of a higher-resolution screen. As the upconverted image has more pixels than the original, these extra pixels have to be constructed from the original ones, and the quality of the upscaled image will depend on how well this is done. Upconverting can typically be performed by either having a high-resolution TV that has upconversion enabled internally for low-resolution inputs or by using a DVD or optical disk player that transforms signal from a lower-resolution disk to a higher-resolution format to be sent to the TV screen. The latter is generally considered the better option.

2. To mix a radio signal with a local-oscillator signal to result in a new signal at a higher frequency than the originally received radiofrequency. See heterodyne reception. Compare downconvert.