HTPC = Big Disappointment when it comes to TV-OUT!!! HELP.. HHHEEELLLPPP

[mls]

From what you've said it really doesn't do much more than running in "clone" mode, which itself seems pretty pointless.

Unless one was putting on some kind of demonstration, or recording a demo of setting things up in Windows out to a VCR, I can't see why anyone would want to have the SAME thing on both outputs.

I've always run in "extended desktop" mode so that I could have totally different things on each output. Clone mode kind of defeats the whole point of even having dual outputs.

[Beelzebub]

You could always try the H+ Hardware Decoder, I'm getting great results, the quality is as good as my tivo at DVD standard Play (3.2GB). If your TV has Component video then you should be able to get a VGA to Component adapter. With this card you still have your desktop and everything.

Here more info on the H+http://forums.freytechnologies.com/f...&threadid=6634

Here's what you need to get component video
VGA to Component


BTW in reguards to decoder restricted to 480p, that is because DVD's are formatted at 480p. Some, but very few DVD players have DVI ports which upconverts to 720p. However you really don't gain that much from it. I've actually noticed artifects on my friends Samsung DVD-HD931 which is running 720p. Not to mention a PC video card has de-interlaced resolutions far higher then 720p. The lower number in your screen resolution is how you get the progressive scan value i.e. 640x480 = 480p, 800x600 = 600p, and so on. Most newer cards max out at 2048x1536, so with the right equipment you can upconvert to 1536p. Not that you would really notice, cause the orignial source is still only formatted at 480p. In the near future HD DVDs will come, then you will get the High HD resolutions, and when that happens there will be a PC decoder for it.

I ran my setup through a Dell 3300mp projector using PowerDVD, and it blew away my friend's 50" RCA Scenium. So much so he is trying to sell it, and get a HTPC and the 3300mp. Hell he paid $4000 for the TV & DVD, for that I could of built one hell of a HTPC, Projector and 2 or 3 extra bulbs. So software Decorders are great for DVD's, just not so good for captured mpegs. Well if I had a $3000 encoder maybe they would be.