recommended output for this videocard/HDTV combo

[Robert]

I have a 768 MB PNY 8800GTX and I bought this 1080p Sharp Aquos to double as a HDTV (for HDTV, obviously, and as a monitor), and I was wondering what output I should use to watch HD content from my PC to my HDTV in true HD? I bought a DVI->HDMI cable with it because that seemed like the logical choice but browsing around that video card has HDTV/S-Video out and comes with a HDTV and an S-Video cable, now I'm still in the era of my giant CRT TV so this is like Greek to me..but would I want to use the HDTV out on the card directly to the TV, or the DVI to HDMI? I've just confused myself, hopefully someone who knows what they're talking about can clarify

[SephYuyX]

DVI>HDMI will be your best bet. Ive never heard of HDTV/S-Video and google brings up nothing, nor for Digital S-Video. DVI>HDMI is digital and S-Video is analog, always go for the digital. DVI>HDMI isnt always the best option, but for your TV it is, I find sometimes that VGA connection does better than DVI>HDMI. Remember though, since your using DVI you wont be getting sound, so youll have to hook that up seperatly.

[Robert]

I'll be able to use my speakers that are connected to my PC for audio when watching content on my PC correct? Then for HDTV, what? Buy another set of speakers or switch them out when I want to watch HDTV? Also despite using a DVI to HDMI cable will it be true HD? i.e. Bad.Boys.II.2003.1080p.HDTV.DTS.x264-C100.mkv will be in 1080p and not whatever monitors reduce it to?

[SephYuyX]

If your vid card can produce 1080p, and you have a dvi>hdmi cable that can support 1080p, then you shouldnt have any problems. For the sound, yeah, when using your PC you wont have to change anything.. when using the TV as a TV youll either have to use the built in speakers or if your PC speakers have digital/analog inputs that may work as well.

[levish]

1920x1080@ 59 or 60hz is what 1080p comes out to and should be detected as the native resolution

The 8800gtx is HDCP compatible and so is the TV I believe so you should have no troubles assuming you are using the right playback software for whatever your 1080p source is (HD-DVD or Blue-Ray? probably blue ray)

the DVi -> HDMI cable is the right choice for watching 1080p material.

You'll also need a separate Audio out cable to the TV which can be whatever RCA/Coax/Toslink if you aren't using your computer speakers

Hopefully your Blueray or HD-DVD player came with playback software otherwise you are limited to PowerDVD Ultra I believe (Intervideo WinDVD-D is not released yet afaik).

[Robert]

I use other means to download HD content in 720/1080p and watch it using VLC right now Will it function the same way as a monitor would? For example I could play FFXI in 1920x1080? On a 32" display that will/would be pretty sweet, as well as COD4 and other games :nikkei:

[levish]

VLC is a media player, not quite sure what it has to do with your source.

The only time playing stuff will be a concern will be with HD-DVD's or Blue-Ray discs. Other than that as long as the game/application supports your resolution, you'll be fine

FFXI should detect and run at 1920x1080@60hz but you'll need to set the background resolution in the registry manually if you want it to look right (and adjust the aspect ratio once inside FFXI so things do not look stretched).

[Robert]

I got it set up and wow, 32" is bigger than I thought :Q Does anyone have any experience setting up the display for it? FFXI colors seem off, or is it just something I'm going to have to get used to? I tinkered with the TV's settings on the remote and the colors didn't seem to be getting any better.

[SephYuyX]

http://thepiratebay.org/details.php?id=3267468

[Epical]

Oh look!

I just so happen to have what you have!

Yeah, I love it. 42" 1080p Aquos runs wonders as a second monitor. For cables, I just use a regular DVI cable with a DVI->HDMI converter on the end. Unfortunately the length of the adapter+DVI tip is too long to fit in the back, so I have to use the side port (pictured), but it doesn't bother me. FFXI looks GREAT on the Aquos. The screen resolution is 1920x1080, so when I drag my 1680x1050 window over I have AMPLE room for any other apps (Ventrilo/AIM/IRC/etc), and the color is so much more vibrant. Now, I also run all my 1080p HD video onto the TV as well, and let me tell you, it's WAY better than watching it on your 19"-24" LCD monitor lol. Your computer still utilizes your speakers so you won't get the underwhelming TV speakers... it's a great experience. =D

Bit of a disclaimer: those pictures were taken not but 5 minutes after I had hooked everything back up... that's why my desk is so clean... it's normally a mess. And uh, don't mind the dust in the back of the desk there... I hadn't cleaned it out yet. And for the people who think I'm crazy, no, this isn't just a second monitor... there's a PS2 and a 360 hooked up to it as well.

[levish]

mine is bigger (92" projector only 720p but good enough for me)
/swings epeen



http://www.twilightstars.org/levish/photogallery/ht.jpg
http://www.twilightstars.org/levish/...allery/001.jpg
http://www.twilightstars.org/levish/...allery/002.jpg
http://www.twilightstars.org/levish/...allery/003.jpg

[SephYuyX]

Oh look!

Damn, how do you still have a neck with that setup o.0

[Epical]

Oh look!

Damn, how do you still have a neck with that setup o.0

It's not as bad as you think lol. Believe it or not, I actually play XI on the monitor and use the TV (when it's being used as a second display) for other apps, so my neck isn't always craned up there. Whenever I watch a movie I just roll my chair back (towards the camera) all the way to the dresser and from there it's no different than watching any other TV. 8)

[Robert]

sick setups lev/epi..watching movies in HD from PC>TV using my speakers i listed above is muuuuuuuch better than watching them on my old monitor even though it was widescreen :Q thanks for all of your help, COD4 is awesome on it, console feel without the controller nonsense