newbie question re: video out to SDTV

[bash1979]

Hi folks,

First of all, I just want to say this is a great site...I've been lurking for a while as I tried to get my PVR ideas straightened out....you guys have been extremely helpful! Keep up the great posts!

So, now that I THINK i know what I'm doing, I was hoping someone could help me out. My basic setup is as follows:
-32" JVC run-of-the-mill SDTV (with component inputs)
-old Athlon 1.0 GHz processor, 512MB RAM, 80GB HD, etc... (standard stuff)
-Hauppauge PVR-150
-Bell ExpressVu satellite

I'm about to pick up an FX5200 video card today after work, when I got to thinking "how can I use my component inputs on my TV that are just sitting there right now?". I had planned to go with the s-video out from the 5200 since that's all I've ever known, but the PQ always bugged me.

Is there any way for me to utilize my component inputs on my TV and hopefully get some better PQ? Or is it a waste of effort since I just have an SDTV, so should I just bite the bullet and go with the old-fashioned S-Video out? With the 5200 having DVI-out, I've heard rumours of a DVI->component adapter, but I question whether it will work with the card. I've also seen VGA->component cables, but again, will that work?

Many thanks!

[Jesse]

Hi bash,

I am currently using a 36" SDTV, and yes, switching to component made a big difference. Alot of the nvidia based cards include an HDTV (ie component) adapter. I do not know if the 5200 is one of them, so you will want to see if it is included with the 5200. If not you may want to go up scale a little to a 6200, which I am pretty sure will include the adapter.

Have fun.

Jesse

[paulbeers]

I am not aware of any FX5200's that do component output, BUT there are 6200's that do. Not ALL will do component output so you have to read the box/description before you purchase. I myself use a geforce 6600 for HDTV quality content via component output. That might be a little overkill if all you are going to do is SDTV. If you ever plan to upgrade to HDTV, you may want to consider a 6600.

[bash1979]

Thanks guys.

After reading what you have to say, I'm definitely going to upgrade to something with component capabilities.

When you say "Alot of the nvidia based cards include an HDTV adapter", are you referring to a DVI->Component adapter?
http://www.mycableshop.com/300x300/HDTV_2.jpg

Is there any reason why this adapter wouldn't work on the 5200? I assume it's weaker hardware?

Thanks again!

[paulbeers]

No, the dvi to component is actually for older ATI cards. New ATI and Nvidia cards actually have a breakout cable of sometype that plug into the back of the card. If you really want to go component then you just have to look at the box/description on the website to find out if it has hdtv capabilities. Places such as Newegg will state "HDTV" in their tv out column which will mean component.

[bash1979]

Aaaah, thanks! I think I understand what you're saying....are you referring to a card like this, for example:

GIGABYTE 6200 from Newegg

I assume the other end of that box has component cable hookups?

Thanks again!

[Jesse]

I assume the other end of that box has component cable hookups?

Correct.

Jesse

[bash1979]

Alrighty, so I went and did it...bought myself a 6200 with the dongle for component out (actually, bought the exact same gigabyte card described above).

I connected the dongle, then connected the component cables to the TV. After much anticipation, Windows finally booted up, but unforunately looked no better than my former S-Video output. Tried Sage, and no real difference in PQ.

Jesse mentioned above that switching to component out made a big difference on his SDTV, but I don't think I can say the same. Do I need some additional tweaking to maximize the PQ? Or should I just stay with S-video?

Thanks!

[gplasky]

But you're just running this into a SDTV, correct? Not a HDTV. Even though your TV has component connectors you're still probaby doing 480i at the TV 480p at the best. You would need a HDTV with a higher resolution to see a difference I would think.

Gerry

[bash1979]

You're right, I am just running into an SDTV.

I just assumed that using the component connector would give me a much better quality output than using the S-Video.

I don't mind using S-video, I just hate leaving those perfectly good component connections empty on my TV!

[paulbeers]

On an SDTV, it really depends on how the manufacturer implemented everything. What I mean is, some may have skimped on one connection and made another better or maybe they made all the connections as high quality as they could. My Old RCA 27" (that doesn't have component mind you), the composite cables actually look better than the s-video, but my "big" toshiba, it is night and day using svideo compared to composite (s-video much better). I have a samsung 20" dynaflat and with that one it doesn't matter which option I use, component, svideo, composite. They all look good (although being that it is only 20" it is harder to see discrepencies in the picture so keep that in mind about the previous comment). In the future for me, I will not be going with anything but component hookups (unless the tv can't do it), if for no other reason than future hdtv expansion (as I rid myself slowly of "low-def" televisions).