Can My HTPC & TV Look Any Better?

[AstroCreep]

Okay, so I finally setup my HTPC and frankly, it looks crappy.

I'm using MCE 2005 with the nVidia DVD Decoder, and while I've finally gotten the colors the way I like, everything looks like it's one of those British sitcoms on PBS. I mean EVERYTHING; it all looks 'stale'.

Now my television is just a 32" Toshiba analog TV, so maybe that is the reason, maybe it's becuase I'm using S-Video, or maybe it's because I'm using the nVidia decoder, but I really don't know.

Can anyone help me out? Any suggestions?

Here's a quick list of specs:
-Abit NF7s
-AthlonXP 2800+
-512MB PC2700
-ATi Radeon 9550 (256MB ver.)
-Hauppage PVR-250
-Media Center Edition 2005
-nVidia DVD Decoder
-Intgrated SoundStorm Audio

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.
TIA!

[ewitte]

Originally posted by AstroCreep
Okay, so I finally setup my HTPC and frankly, it looks crappy.

I'm using MCE 2005 with the nVidia DVD Decoder, and while I've finally gotten the colors the way I like, everything looks like it's one of those British sitcoms on PBS. I mean EVERYTHING; it all looks 'stale'.

Now my television is just a 32" Toshiba analog TV, so maybe that is the reason, maybe it's becuase I'm using S-Video, or maybe it's because I'm using the nVidia decoder, but I really don't know.

Can anyone help me out? Any suggestions?

I never really liked the output from PC via S-Video. The picture is much better with component or DVI/VGA.

Eric

[AstroCreep]

Originally posted by ewitte
I never really liked the output from PC via S-Video. The picture is much better with component or DVI/VGA.

Eric

Bear in mind I have an analog television.

Think that one of those DVI to Component (or d-sub to component) adaptors might help me fare better?

[irwincur]

It is s-video. It could also be the video card. Seriously, if you are looking for TV output, you should reallu never look anywhere beyond ATI. They have always been better at it. Some people will argue that newer nVidia cards are just as good - I have yet to see conclusive proof of this.

[AstroCreep]

Originally posted by irwincur
It is s-video. It could also be the video card. Seriously, if you are looking for TV output, you should reallu never look anywhere beyond ATI. They have always been better at it. Some people will argue that newer nVidia cards are just as good - I have yet to see conclusive proof of this.

I've heard that ATI is supposed to be better with the TV out, but I am using a Radeon 9550 in my HTPC. A little to paranoid to not go with ATI as everyone seemed to like them for TV output.

Any thoughts on how it might look 'better'? Maybe one of those vga-out-to-Component adaptors?

[irwincur]

A VGA > Component transcoder may help a bit, but I would not expect miracles. I also am not sure if they will even work at 480i. I would expect better color and maybe a slightly better picture.

The best place to start would be with the ATI dongle, I think it does support 480i and IQ on it is pretty good. Plus, it is fairly cheap. May have problems getting one for a 9550 though - I am not sure of the support.

On the other hand a normal transcoder will range from $150 to $400. Might be able to find one on eBay for less - but they are usually pretty hard to find there in any real quantities at a good price. Also avoid the RCA one, it only works at 540p.

[AstroCreep]

Well, I've given up on this, anyway.

I've sunk a whole lot of money in it and don't like it, so I'm parting it out.

Keep an eye out in the 'Classifieds' for some posts by me if anyone's interetsted in any of the tings I mentioned I have in that system. ...or you could just PM me

Thanks anyway, guys.

[Kero-chan]

Originally posted by irwincur
It is s-video. It could also be the video card. Seriously, if you are looking for TV output, you should reallu never look anywhere beyond ATI. They have always been better at it. Some people will argue that newer nVidia cards are just as good - I have yet to see conclusive proof of this.

i think the general consensus these days is that ati cards can have some issues with some tvs using dvd-out but works great with component while nvidia works good with both.