Sony STR-DH520 - can't get a good picture with pc :(

_Jimlad_

_Jimlad_

_Jimlad_

Soldato
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really miffed with this issue. ok if i connect any pc (tried 4) to my LG TV i get perfect picture and sound via HDMI. however if i go through my Sony STR-DH520 receiver/amp it's grainy with a smaller picture and a black boarder. I have tried overscan and lots of windows settings but the issue seems to be from the Sony STR-DH520. Anyone come across this or have any ideas, i'm good with computers but not so with AV stuff. do i need a certain type of HDMI cable to go from receiver to the TV?
 
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i know you can set the hdmi mode on the 820, you haven't got the output set to standard def. by mistake? i know i had to play around with the settings on mine to get a Nintendo Wii to pass through correctly...just a thought.
 
yeah tried a few options with the pass through and so on, but to be honest none seem to make any difference my next step is to try the amp on my neighbours TV!
 
There could be a difference between the picture modes that the TV supports compared to the amp.

The Sony amp will expect standard HDTV timings and resolutions: so the standard1920x1080p @ 50/60hz, 1920 x 1080i @ 50/60Hz, 1280x720 @ 50/60Hz etc in 16:9.

The graphics card might be set to a 16:10 resolution (say, 1440x900 or 1920x1200) which the TV can cope with but the amp doesn't.

The other thing to look at is whether the HDMI range is set to Standard or Expanded.
 
lucid said:
There could be a difference between the picture modes that the TV supports compared to the amp.

The Sony amp will expect standard HDTV timings and resolutions: so the standard1920x1080p @ 50/60hz, 1920 x 1080i @ 50/60Hz, 1280x720 @ 50/60Hz etc in 16:9.

The graphics card might be set to a 16:10 resolution (say, 1440x900 or 1920x1200) which the TV can cope with but the amp doesn't.

The other thing to look at is whether the HDMI range is set to Standard or Expanded.
Click to expand...

ok thanks for info, so would it be best to set the HDMI (if i can) to standard or expanded?
 
For DVD, Blu-ray, and any video rips or video sourced material then standard is the correct setting. No video source uses more than 8-bit/ch anyway (24-bit total), so all expanded does is mess up the shadow detail and overexpose the peak whites.

With PC use (browsing, graphics, DTP etc) the correct setting is expanded. PCs use the full 0-255 greyscale range but don't leave any room for overshoot on black or white.
 
ok thanks mate, thats useful to know, will play around some more, just bugs me its picture perfect pc to tv and then grainy as ***** when i go via the receiver
 
Bit of a revival - I'm looking at buying this amp coupled with the tannoy speakers from Richer Sounds - did you solve this problem or find a work around? I'll be looking to use the sony as the hub of my home cinema / audio setup and would be annoyed if it was dud from the outset.
 
I did not manage to get around the issue. However I have no idea if its the PC, TV or Amp. This amp is about 18month old for me. It's ok but over priced and paying more for the Sony name. I can't say I would really recommend it unless it was under £100. Better makes and brands out I am sure
 
Thanks for that - I suspect my set up would lead to very similar frustration so I'm leaning towards the: VSX922 & Boston Acoustics SOUNDWARE XS SE combo on special at the moment - reviews seem very good and a great price at £449.95!
 
Yeah I feel this Sony is good but for example half the remote is redundant unless you have a full Sony setup + options are fiddly and I suspect you pay for the name etc ect.

Quality is good, but if it died tomorrow I would get something different.
 
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