HTPC

[kellyl]

I'm exploring turning my pc into an htpc and have been experimenting with it's present configuration. I am connecting it to a 51" Sony HDTV. The AGP ATI Radeon VE graphics card presently in the pc only has a TV component out. I also have a PCI WinTV installed I'll be using as a PVR.

First question... the ATI cards streaming video looks good, but the desktop looks really bad! I have tried all kinds of resolutions and settings to no success. What do I need to change to have a decent looking and readable desktop image? Change the card out for something with a better interface or does MCE make a difference. I'm presently running XP SP2.

Thanx, Kelly

 

[Beancounter]

I recently did some clean-up work on my Brother-in-law's old Dell Dimension 4300. One of the things I installed was an old Radeon All-in-Wonder 32MB card I had lying around. I used the latest Catalyst Drivers (6.12 I think) and MMC. I connected it to my 50" Sony SXRD via the TV's VGA port. Desktop quality and DVD playback (using Power DVD 6) were excellent. TV was OK - the tuner on the AIW card is not the same caliber as the new Theater 650's, PVR functionality worked great.

What model is your Sony? What are the available inputs? If your TV has an available VGA or DVI input, use that to connect your computer. If it does not, you don't have many options. To clarify, are you using a component video connection or a S-video connection? If you have not already done this, make sure you use the latest Catalyst drivers for your video card (I think they're up to 7.1 now). There are a number of adjustments in the Catalyst Control Center that could help.

 

[kellyl]

Thanx for the reply... I mis-stated my connection, the card only has a composite connection. After posting on htpcnews.com I'm convince I have to upgrade my card to one with a component connection. My Sony doesn't have a vga connection, but does have a component connection. I have purchased a new GeForce 7600GS card that comes with a component cable dongle. I'll install it this weekend, hope it works.

 

[Jodym2]

My 32" Sony Hi-Scan CRT does 1128X640 with component still able to see the entire desktopbut I can run 1166X662 With DVI.