Video resolution... I still don't quite get it.

[Torque]

I've been reading about setting the screen resolution and refresh rate on my HTPC and I still don't understand what people are using as an indicator to tweak it.

First off, the TV I'm working with is a Sony Wega HD, 36" (Like an FD Trinitron CRT, 4:3) In the users manual, it says it supports 480P, 720P, and 1080i. The TV has DVI, Component, and S-video.

I'm currently using the s-video out from my embedded video on my motherboard. I plan to either upgrade the motherboard to the new MSI s939 with the 6150 chipset since it has nearly every video choice available: DVI, Component, and S-video. Or I might just get a video card with DVI and component out... haven't decided.

Anyway back to the question... since a CRT doesn't really have a native resolution like an LCD, does it really matter what I set the video resolution to? I've tried the geforce presets like, 720x480P 59.95hz, 720x480i 50.00hz, 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768 etc etc. and honestly I don't see any difference viewing video other than difference in flicker because of changes in refresh rate. Is this because the s-video connection isn't capable of showing better than 480i/p? I'm really hoping this is the reason and that when I get a new video card and start using component or DVI it'll all start making sense.

[sub]

Given your TV has DVI, I'd be buying a DVI card, then running it at something like 720p (1280x720). No more flicker. Nice easily readible fonts etc...

[Kevl]

It might be that your s-video connector on your MB is a fixed PAL (720x576 lines at 50Hz interlaced) or NTSC (720x480lines at 60Hz interlaced) resolution. This would explain why differenent res screens look the same.


Kev

[Torque]

Given your TV has DVI, I'd be buying a DVI card, then running it at something like 720p (1280x720). No more flicker. Nice easily readible fonts etc...

Isn't 1280x720 a 16:9 format? My TV is 4:3, I don't have any widescreen channels (yet) either and I use my standalone DVD player for movies. So if I was to try to keep the 4:3 format, what would be a good resolution? With DVI, will I have to mess with the refresh rates or any of the other settings? Thanks.

[sub]

Ok, well pick a 4:3 resolution that you're happy with. DVI will give you a much better picture than the shitty interlaced picture you get from a composite/svideo connection.

With DVI, will I have to mess with the refresh rates or any of the other settings?

Maybe. It depends on your TV.

[Torque]

Ok, well pick a 4:3 resolution that you're happy with. DVI will give you a much better picture than the shitty interlaced picture you get from a composite/svideo connection.

Maybe. It depends on your TV.

LOL, ok, I'll just wait till I get something with DVI and see if I need to ask more questions. Thanks.

[j3flight]

Just so you know, Svideo will NEVER output anything other than 480i, period. That's why when you make those adjustments, nothing is happening, it probably only applies to DVI.