Best video card for plasma display?

[ram4x4nut]

Hey all, been a while since I posted!

On my main HTPC I have an NVIDIA 8500 GT video card that I have come to really hate. It's got to be the worst card I've ever had. Anyway ...

I want to get a good card to drive my 50" Panasonic Plasma and do it well. Do any of you have suggestions? I'd love to know what you are using and if you are happy with them. I've never had good luck with ATI stuff but at this point I'm willing to try just about anything. I'd really like a card that I can custom set the resolution.

Thanks in advance!

Ram

[rob11252]

On my main HTPC I have an NVIDIA 8500 GT video card that I have come to really hate. It's got to be the worst card I've ever had.

Ram

I don't really have an answer for you, but would like you to elaborate on your experiences with your video card. I have very similar setup (see sig) so it is of interest for me.
Besides if you provide details, maybe it would be easier to give some suggestions on other cards out there.

[observer_11]

Many times the video card is a lesser factor affecting picture quality (PQ). The more important factors can include:

• quality of source media (e.g. youtube videos = crappy PQ)
  
• video decoder choice and its settings (this is a lengthy topic in itself...)
  
• video card driver and settings
  
• video player and playback mode (overlay, VMR9, etc)
  
• hardware connection (hdmi, DVI, composite,component,etc)
  
• TV display settings
  

I use a nvidia 6200 AGP to drive my 58" Plasma and PQ is very good (depending on the quality of the source media).

[Pilot]

Well, maybe I don't know what I'm missing, but on my 42" Panasonic Plasma, I'm using an EVGA Nvidia GeForce 8400GS 256mb with a DVI to HDMI cable, and it works great. The Nvidia setup allowed me to finetune the resolution, desktop, icons, etc., to be perfect for this TV. I couldn't be happier and don't feel the need to get anything better. This has now completely spoiled me for watching GBPVR by way of my MediaMVP's, because it just can't match the resolution and crispness of the direct TV hookup.

[Big_Z]

another vote for nvidia here. I have a 42" panny plasma. started with a Asus M3A78 mobo with ATI video. horrible drivers -- the video would crash after about 5 minutes watching TV or video. replaced board with M3N78 (nvidia) and it is rock solid now. I think it has onboard 8300 or 8200. So I say go nVidia.