1. A method of forming an optimal image scaling filter for converting a first number of input pixels to a second number of output pixels comprising the steps of: determining an ideal frequency response for a given scaling factor; determining from an ideal frequency response a smoothing optimal frequency response with a determined number of taps; generating filter coefficients based on the determined number of filter taps and the optimal frequency response; binning said coefficients into a set corresponding to the closest input pixels to said output pixel; rescaling said coefficients in said set so that each said set sums to one; multiplying the closest input pixels to an output pixel according to said rescaled coefficients in said set; and summing said multiplied input pixels in said set to achieve the output pixel value.