DVI to component video adapter question

[shhas]

Hi all,

I got my system currenlty setup so that the S-video goes from my Radeon 9600 to TV. For viewing recorded material and live TV, there is no problem.

The video card does have DVI output. I bought a DVI to component video adpater recently hoping to get better image quality (especially for working with desktop in Windows).

My TV is a 57 inch HDTV ready and is capable of 1080 resolution. When I select the 1080 pin (or even 720) on the adapter plug, the size of the output screen on TV becomes essentially 1/4 of the actual TV screen size but with very sharp output (almost as good as a real computer screen). Of course, this defeats the purpose of having a large screen

If I choose anything less than 720 on the adapter plug, the output screen become HUGE in a way that it would not fit on the 57 inch TV. I literally have to move the mouse all the way to the sides to roll and bring the the sides of the output screen into view (obviously not practical)

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks,

PS. The resolution in Windows is set at 800 x 600. If I change that to anything higher, again the screen becomes HUGE but with relatively sharper text!

[stanger89]

First, the dip switches are almost pointless as they can be overridden easily in the display properties. What I would do is just turn all the switches on for resolutions your TV supports, probably everything but 720p.

Second the dongle (as it is often called) only supports a limited number of resolutions, 640x480 (and/or 720x480 not sure) 1280x720, 1776x1000, and 1920x1080, by selecting any other resolution, the drivers default to virtual desktop, which is a 640x480 real resolution with a higher "virtual" desktop, ie the scrolling desktop, this sounds like what you're seeing.

A couple things to try, first, set windows to one of the supported dongle resolutions. Second, make sure you have the most recent drivers, probably Catalyst 4.5 at least. Also, try enabling Center Timing Mode, which should let you select other resolutions and have them run inside 1080i.

[sleight42]

I have one of these and just set it up.

I didn't try the huge resolutions because I have a 43" TV. I settled on 800x600. This resolution doesn't work so well for XP, I admit. However, the overscan feature in Sage will let you "bring in" the borders of the UI.

The short version: Windows is ugly but Sage looks just fine.

I did a fair bit of research on this last night and it turns out that most people are suffering similar problems. It left me with the impression that few people are having a lot of luck with YPrPb/Component arrangements.

However, I'd be more than glad to be wrong. But I do have the same arrangement: ATI 9600 w/ DVI-YPrPb dongle.

[stanger89]

FWIW, I've attached a screenshot (via camera) of my desktop with the dongle. It's actually running 1696x1040 created via the Custom Resolution util in the Cat 4.7 drivers, 1920x1080 and 1776x1000 also work well but with more overscan.

[shhas]

Thanks Stragner89. I will give it a try tomorrow. Your desktop seems pretty sharp on your TV.

[sleight42]

Tried all of the above. I still get massive overscan in the lower resolutions. Whenever I get above 720x480, my TV is forcing me into a 16x9 mode (another problem entirely). When I toggle back into 4x3, I still get massive overscan in every single one of those modes.

Is there a tool out there to compensate for the overscan in Windows (as opposed to just in Sage?) ? I realize that you mentioned something about being able to create a customized nonstandard resolution using the tools that came in the Catalyst set. What is the tool called? How do I find it? Although I may sound like an idiot, really, I can't find a tool that does this.

[stanger89]

To create a new resolution, you need to go into Display Properties -> Settings -> Advanced -> Displays, then select the HDTV/YPbPr whatever it's called and it's the last tab on the left. I think it's only there in Cat 4.7 and for me I needed to have exteded desktop enabled to get it to work.

The only limitation I've noticed is that it won't let you move the desktop, only change the size.

Oh, and a directview set definitely helps with the sharpness

[sleight42]

Let's see...

- I have Catalyst 4.7
- I have access to the ATI Display tab.
- I can get to the YPbPr settings
- The "Advanced" tab doesn't allow me to add custom resolutions. What's the deal?
- And what is "extended desktop"?

You're killing me here...

[kny3twalker]

use powerstrip for custom resolutions(just an idea)
and extended desktop I believe is dual monitors rather than mirroring

[sleight42]

Ugh. Powerstrip was causing me seven different kinds of hell. I uninstalled it.

[kny3twalker]

Sorry to here that
they have a forum which may be able to help
not sure how busy it is though

[sleight42]

FINALLY got it working. I had to switch the Radeon into 1280x720 and THEN it let me adjust the screen size. I'm really at 1152x680 but, hey, it beats what I was at before!

Text is a little blurry though. Have to play with the monitor settings now.

[stanger89]

I'd try selecting 1920x1080 and running it then, you've got a CRT so it's "native" resolution (or as close as you get on a CRT is 1080i) so adjusting it for overscan at that resolution should give you the best PQ. My guess is that right now you're running a 720p based resolution which is being scaled by the TV to 1080i.

FWIW, text is always a little blury on a TV because they just aren't made to display stuff like that.

[sleight42]

No dice. I believe that I'm actually running in 780p but I can't tell for sure.

I tried 1080i and then reduced the resolution down to 18XX by 1064 but then the TV image went all out of sync.

I'd love 1080i but 720p isn't half-bad either. I have to switch my TV's aspect to 16x9 when watching a DVD but it's a mighty fine image now!!!

[stanger89]

if 1080i doesn't work, I'd try 1776x1000. It seems to be about right on most TVs, it gives a little overscan (about half the taskbar) on our Mits.

[sleight42]

No joy there either. I have the same sync problem in that resolution.

[stanger89]

Your TV won't even take 1776x1000? Wow, that must be a picky TV.