Just setup HTPC, a few basic questions.

[pieman109]

Ok, I've got the following setup:

samsung 23" LE23T51 lcd tv, 3.0ghz P4 "prescott", 2 x 256 DDR2 4200 memory, 80gb samsung h/d, ATI X600 256meg dual DVI, XP pro, power dvd.

I've got that lot working fine at 1024 x 768 on the 23" (it looks bit stretched though on desktop), but the text is blurry and theres a fair bit of "flickering" around any opened windows. Any ideas how I can get rid of this?

Second, in CCC my samsung screen's max reported rersolution is 1920 x 1080, whereas in the samsung specs its shown as 1366 x 768. Which one is right? Does this mean I can drive me screen to a higher res (way higher if the figures are true which I doubt)?

Lastly, any recommendations for playback software? I took one look at FFDSHOW and promptly closed it down, I haven't a clue what all those options do, lol
What I'd like is VERY simple piece of software that does things like brightness, contrast and if possible, sharpness.

ATM I'm using powerDVD (latest vershun and playback is real nice but the options for brightness, contrast, etc aren't there. Also these options in the catalyst control centre don't seem to have any effect (they don't effect the desktop screen at all.
Any suggestions?

Cheers,

 

[Dougsnake]

Your native res is 1366x768 for that lcd 1920x1080(1080i) will be downscaled to 1280x720 (720i) i think
Surely you could get native res for desktop? @ 1360x768 unless the panel doesnt except it which i doubt.
FFDSHOW is definately the best codec there is for quality even on default settings dont let all the adjustments scare you it is a brilliant codec if in doubt do nowt as they say.....
I use nvidia dvd and ffdshow all good well when mce doesnt go bananas from time to time hehe but thats another story.

Im no guru but sharing what little i do know

 

[Darkwave]

Basically your TV will downscale any 1080i or 1080p signal to 720p, which isn't as bad as it sounds. All your stuff I imagine will play in 1280x720 and it will either get black borders (also not as bad as it sounds) or stretch a bit to 1366x768 (which is only a pain if you're using it for computer stuff.)

 

[squiffy]

1) Set your desktop to 1366x768 (need to create custom driver, or check that mode under Adaptor, "list all modes"

2)Install FFDSHOW, set resize/aspect to "on" then enter in Specify size to 1366x768 in the resize bar. Enter in 1366x768 in "resize if" then change > to <. What that'll do is anything UNDER your screen rez will be scaled up, but anything over ie 1080i/1080p will be left alone. Set to "no aspect ratio correction" Set OSD on.

Now play a AVI. It should have green text on top left, with input/output size difference, output should be 1366x768

as for DVD player you want one that'll integrate with FFDSHOW. TheatreTek is one. Go into video options, post processing and select FFDSHOW. DVD's will now be scaled with FFDSHOW.

 

[pieman109]

I've currently set 1552 x 648 atm which gives me an inch wide border all round the screen which I can live with for the time being. The advantage with this res is that the text is VERY clear and sharp and the desktop icons are within the screen area. I tried 1280 x 760 which was also clear and sharp but me icons and taskbar were out of view, so 1552 x 648 will do for now till I can get me head round this stuff

What I'm concerned about is damaging the screen with running a too higher resolution. Keep the info coming guys, I'm getting somewhere now, thanks.

 

[pieman109]

Ok, I've downloaded ffdshow and installed it. I've checked the "resize" box and entered 1360 x 768 (these figures must be multiples of 16), then check the "resizing is applied before other filters", click apply then ok and nothing changes, still the same black bars top and sides. Its probably summat I've missed, a bit more info would be helpful, thanks.

 

[squiffy]

Played with Aspect ratio near the bottom of the resize tab? What material ratio is it? Try "no aspect ratio" correction this'll stretch/scale image to your screen. Make sure you use correct ratio mode on the TV as well (1:1)

 

[pieman109]

Played with Aspect ratio near the bottom of the resize tab? What material ratio is it? Try "no aspect ratio" correction this'll stretch/scale image to your screen. Make sure you use correct ratio mode on the TV as well (1:1)

Strewth, you still up as well! Anyways, I'll have a go at what you suggest a bit later. In the meantime I've had a bit of luck here. I decided to try the VGA socket on the telly and these other resolutions appeared, one of them being 1360 x 768 (as near to 1:1 pixel mapping as I can get I think). No black bars around the screen, looks like fairly accurate geometry of the icons, desktop picture, etc, nice colours and pin sharp. On dvd playback the only black bars are the mormal ones you get when set to 16:9 ratio and the IQ is superb. Nice to have a result for once, thanks for all the assistance guys.
I'll see if I can post a coupla pics tomoz for your perusal.
Thanks again.

 

[pieman109]

Update here, I've noticed that with dvd playback that there is a VERY slight "grainy" effect to the pic (though it is hardly noticeable at all). I was wondering if this down to the graphics card output being at a lower resolution than the lcd and the screen then "upscaling" to 1366 x 768.
If this is correct, then is it possible to set the output resolution to the same as the screen (1360 x 768) using summat like Ffdshow or the like? If it is, then could someone explain or givvus a link to somewhere that explains it.
Thanks.