Incredible difference: Nvidia versus ATI

[nitrogen_widget]

Where can I buy a component-dongle for my nVidia PCX5300? (Which is basically a PCIe version of the 5200)...

Thanks,

GGF

I'm pretty sure you need a GeForce 6-series card to do that & not all manufacturers provide / enable it.

The ati dongle is different & made for 8500 or higher I think.

[GoodGuys]

I see. OK. Thanks.

[csy]

I think nitrogen_widget is correct with respect to the Nivdia component dongle. My Legend 6600GT came with component dongle which I use successfully to my PAL SDTV which is a big plus because ATI don't support PAL on their component out.

[csy]

Thanks Tipstir, - its good to know what combinations do work.

[ubu]

Seems like component connections get high ratings. I've got a reasonably high end older Sony tube TV with component input jacks (YPbPr) but it only supports 480i. If I pony up the $30 for the DVI/component dongle for my ATI 5500, will I notice a marked improvement over S-video, or do I need a TV that supports 480p before I'd see a difference?

[nitrogen_widget]

ubu - i'm running a radeon 9550 on a 36" SDTV with component inputs.
I can't remember which 480 i'm at offhand but it had to be the 30hz. I think it's 480i.

And yes, you will see a marked improvment over svideo.

I certainly did.

[folkboat]

Well I reverted back to my ATI 7000 (composite) after seeing no picture improvement with the GFX 5200 card ie: fuzzy/soft picture.

GBPVR did launch MUCH quicker with the GFX 5200, channel changing seemed quicker also.......in fact it woud be fair to say GBPVR ran quicker in all areas.

Guess thats due to a faster GPU and more video memory available.

OK what does one due with a slightly used GFX-5200 video card - hello Ebay

Now the big question - would a better ATI video card offer any improvement in picture? Lets say a 9600 with the DVI-I to component dongle. Anybody using this configuration?? Will it work with a SDTV??

[csy]

Seems like component connections get high ratings. I've got a reasonably high end older Sony tube TV with component input jacks (YPbPr) but it only supports 480i. If I pony up the $30 for the DVI/component dongle for my ATI 5500, will I notice a marked improvement over S-video, or do I need a TV that supports 480p before I'd see a difference?

I've done the PAL equivalent (component 576i) and have seen a reasonable improvement over composite. It would be an overstatement to say "marked improvement", but none the less - worth doing in my opinion.

[ubu]

csy & nitrogen_widget - thanks for the feedback. I've just found a component dongle for $12 which makes it a no-brainer decision. Are you guys using the original one that came with your card or did you buy from an after-market vendor? This one is from an outfit called monoPrice.com - looks just like the ATI one in the picture (all the dipswitches are there, etc.).

I can't remember which 480 i'm at offhand but it had to be the 30hz. I think it's 480i.

Probably 480i (sometimes called 525i) if its an SDTV. 480p is the progressive scan (non-interlaced) protocol used by EDTV ([SIZE=2]Enhanced Definition Television) which apparently produces near-HDTV quality even with interlaced input. Mainly available on projectors but on some TVs also. Sounds very cool, but I don't have one so I'd better stop dreaming.[/SIZE]

[limiter]

I have been struggling to get good performance from my video card with the HTPC. I have a Toshiba HDTV and a Nvidia 6200 video card with component connected and while it looks pretty while not playing video I have problems with tearing video and ever so slight stuttering during playback at 720p (very annoying to me). Overlay, VMR9/7 all seem the same. I am considering actually getting a 9800Pro ($45 on ebay) which does component out, especially after reading some of the other posts here. I really don't know how much of a downgrade a 9800 is compared to my 6200. I have all but given up on my FusionHDTV Lite card and a Vbox DTA151 I bought for HDTV, but still want to do 720p for widescreen videos/tv shows and HD videos in my video library.

I guess I really don't have a question other than to ask about the ATI card and comment that you are not alone in your quest for smooth video playback.