Computer DVD viewing problems

ThePoundDollar · 20 Apr 2014 at 00:02

Hi,
So I decided that I would test a DVD on my newly built PC today, and found that my computer didn't recognize it as a video. I remember from watching a NewEgg video that windows didn't recognize DVD's and I'd need software for that. So I installed VLC media player and I could watch the film. The only problem is that the picture appears grainy and the resolution looks to be low. I'm not sure if this is the actual quality of the DVD or if there's some settings I'm missing or something. Anyone know why?

Here's what the film looks like at an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 : http://i.imgur.com/HSFps3v.jpg
Here's what the film looks like at an aspect ratio of 16:9 : http://i.imgur.com/bJdr1KG.jpg
It's 'Run Fat Boy Run' and I'm running windows 8.1

Steveocee · 20 Apr 2014 at 00:14

Doesnt look great but remember a dvd is 480p at best and I'm guessing your screen is 1080p from the screenshot. Maybe thats the problem?

ExRayTed · 20 Apr 2014 at 15:11

That looks like standard DVD resolution to me. You could try messing around in the settings menu of VLC to try and sharpen it up a bit.

Purgatory · 20 Apr 2014 at 15:23

You could use PowerDVD that will upscale DVD videos to HD quality with it's TrueTheater HD setting. As others have said it's just DVD is 480p and using DVD on a HD screen shows their weakness unless you upscale them with some good playback software.

http://www.cyberlink.com/products/powerdvd-family/introduction_en_GB.html

Rozzy85 · 20 Apr 2014 at 16:06

The resolution of the DVD will be dependent on the type. NTSC is 640x480 while PAL is 720x576. This film always appears to have a black box outline which means the actual film is lower than that. You could try another film that is actually 16:9 as it should look better. Some players also apply filters for re-sampling. VLC should have an option to sharpen the image instead of blurring it.