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Some newbie questions.

post #1 of 6
2/11/07 at 8:55pm
Thread Starter 
Hi,

I have my PC connected to the TV via the 15-pin VGA cable.

[1] Would getting a video card with component outputs give me a better picture quality? Is VGA equivalent to or better than component? Does such a card exist? I've seen many with composite and S-video out, but not component. I bought a dongle (by ATI) that converts VGA to component, but I misplaced it somewhere during my recent move. I'm not sure if I should get another one or buy a new video card with component outputs.

[2] Assuming I'm able to get a video card with component outputs, connected to my TV, do I need to "disable" the VGA output somehow, or can I just ignore it, and the PC will automatically detect that the video signal is transmitted via component?

[3] Is there a video card that will upconvert my DVD files to 720p, 1080i, or 1080p?

[4] Regarding a sound card, would something like this suffice? I'll just use either the optical or coaxial output and connect the PC to my receiver to get 7.1 sound. http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...LOSION&cpc=SCH

Thanks!!!
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post #2 of 6
2/11/07 at 9:32pm

Re: Some newbie questions.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Norris
I have my PC connected to the TV via the 15-pin VGA cable.

[1] Would getting a video card with component outputs give me a better picture quality?

If your TV understands VGA, that's probably the best you can do, since both VGA and component are analog signals. So unless your TV also sports a DVI or HDMI input, there is no need to look for anything else.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Norris
[2] Assuming I'm able to get a video card with component outputs, connected to my TV, do I need to "disable" the VGA output somehow, or can I just ignore it, and the PC will automatically detect that the video signal is transmitted via component?

See #1.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Norris
[3] Is there a video card that will upconvert my DVD files to 720p, 1080i, or 1080p?

Whenever you run your DVD player in full screen mode, it's already upconverting your DVD (if you're running in anything higher than 720x480). So the answer is yes, any decent card will make your DVDs look great in 720p or whatever your resolution is. They are typically always progressive, so it would be a full 1080p, if your card and TV support it.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Norris
[4] Regarding a sound card, would something like this suffice? I'll just use either the optical or coaxial output and connect the PC to my receiver to get 7.1 sound. http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...LOSION&cpc=SCH

Yes, although you don't even need such an expensive card. For example, in my situation I'm just using the coaxial digital out on my ASUS motherboard for any output, including surround.

HTH,

-Christian
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post #3 of 6
2/11/07 at 9:49pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Some newbie questions.

My TV supports 1080p. So, let me make sure I understand you correctly: if I play the movie file in full screen mode (I use Nero Showtime btw), the video card will automatically display it in 1080p?

My TV does have HDMI input. What do you suggest now?

Regarding sound: my MB doesn't have coaxial or optical out, so I'll need to buy a 7.1 soundcard. Are you saying that any card that is advertised as 7.1 will do the job? My concern is if the card will output Dolby Digital EX, or DTS 7.1. I have 7 speakers, plus the sub. Check out this card: http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=XS71-DT&cpc=SCH

It doesn't have coax out. Is the SPDIF output the same as an optical output?

Thanks a lot for your input!
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post #4 of 6
2/12/07 at 2:48am

Re: Some newbie questions.

You would need to check out your manual to see if your tv accepts 1080p over VGA. Many sets are limited to accepted 1080p over HDMI or DVI.

Here are a few options of cards that have HDMI. I don't think all of them are HDCP compliant, but I know some of them are: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...n=HDMI&Ntk=all
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post #5 of 6
2/12/07 at 8:36am

Re: Some newbie questions.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Norris
My TV supports 1080p. So, let me make sure I understand you correctly: if I play the movie file in full screen mode (I use Nero Showtime btw), the video card will automatically display it in 1080p?

Only if you're running your video card in that resolution. It all depends on the setting of your Windows. Whatever your full resolution is is what your DVD will be scaled to.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Norris
My TV does have HDMI input. What do you suggest now?

Then you should get a card that has an HDMI output (HDMI cards also understand HDCP, by default). There aren't many yet and there are issues with drivers and whatnot, but they are all capable to run your TV at it's native resolution, whatever that may be.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Norris
Regarding sound: my MB doesn't have coaxial or optical out, so I'll need to buy a 7.1 soundcard. Are you saying that any card that is advertised as 7.1 will do the job?

AFAIK, any digital output will give you exactly what's on the source, so whether you get 2.0, 5.1, or 7.1 depends mostly on your source. Your amp or receiver is the one that just decodes the digital signal the way it's saved on your source. That's why I think a simple audiocard with a digital (coaxial, optical) output is all you need.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Norris
It doesn't have coax out. Is the SPDIF output the same as an optical output?

SPDIF just means that it is a digital signal, and can be output either via an optical or electrical (coaxial) output. On that card it probably is optical, but it's hard to say.

-Christian
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post #6 of 6
2/12/07 at 9:10am
Thread Starter 

Re: Some newbie questions.

I just did some rearranging of my HT area, and will connect the PC to my Mitsu HD1000U projector (720p), using the VGA-to-component dongle I just found (thought I lost it) instead of 1080p Samsung TV. For audio, I'll get a soundcard and connect the PC to receiver, using optical out or coaxial out.

Thanks for all your help,
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