19" CRT Resolution

[Eureka]

Okay, so I tried both 1600x900 and 1600x1200 on my CRT monitor... yes I tried widescreen on a CRT. Anyway, I have a question... when I set both resolutions to produce an image exactly the same size... why is it that in 1600x900 that graphics and text are much crisper than that in 1600x1200? Shouldn't they be the same?

Norm

 

[BFG10K]

A CRT should be run at a 4:3 aspect ratio which 1600x900 is not. That setting will distort the image, especially if you adjust it to fill the screen as it'll stretch the y axis.

 

[Eureka]

I'm doing it in a letterbox format.

Norm

 

[MDE]

Try 1280x960.

 

[BFG10K]

I'm doing it in a letterbox format.

Letterbox isn't 4:3.

 

[Eureka]

I'm not sure if you guys are getting what I'm saying...

I'm comparing both 1600x1200 and 1600x900 on my monitor... I'm using the x900 by making it the same width as the other resolution but not as tall.... the question is why is the x900 clearer than the x1200.

And yes, I normally use 1280.

Norm

 

[theMan]

Originally posted by: cevilgenius
I'm not sure if you guys are getting what I'm saying...

I'm comparing both 1600x1200 and 1600x900 on my monitor... I'm using the x900 by making it the same width as the other resolution but not as tall.... the question is why is the x900 clearer than the x1200.

And yes, I normally use 1280.

Norm

its a software thing. nothing to do with the monitor itself.

 

[kmmatney]

My guess would be that you are compressing the image in the widescreen format, so text looks clearer. Are you getting the "widescreen" effect by making the vertical height of the image smaller?

 

[PrayForDeath]

That's because you are viewing the same number of pixels on a "Smaller" screen, I know it's the same screen, but you're not using the whole screen area with the widescreen res. It's like the reason the PSP looks so crisp compared to a 14" CRT @ 640x480.

 

[moonboy403]

compressing the pixels make a lot of sense =D

 

[Gronich]

The reason you get a sharper image at x900 than x1200 is because your CRT is more capable at directing the photons (light ray/particle) to where they should be going - Monitors tend to have a sweet-spot i.e. My 19" monitor is sharper at 1152x864 than 1280x1024 or any of the higher resolutions.

If you understand the basic principles of how a CRT works: The Cathode fires a photons; a magnet directs the photons in a scanning pattern; this is sent through a grille (appature mask or shadow grille); this lights up a phosphor coat piece of glass and so produces an image.

There is a limitation in how accurately the photons can be focused i.e. above x900 some of the photons are not hitting there target but are hitting the grille this lose the sharpness/focus on the image.

 

[hidispenser]

Originally posted by: cevilgenius
Okay, so I tried both 1600x900 and 1600x1200 on my CRT monitor... yes I tried widescreen on a CRT. Anyway, I have a question... when I set both resolutions to produce an image exactly the same size... why is it that in 1600x900 that graphics and text are much crisper than that in 1600x1200? Shouldn't they be the same?

Norm

I tried the 16x9 letterbox format and my text is sharper as well. It's interesting have a letterbox format on the PC, but I had to switch back to 4:3.

 

[VIAN]

Okay, so I tried both 1600x900 and 1600x1200 on my CRT monitor... yes I tried widescreen on a CRT. Anyway, I have a question... when I set both resolutions to produce an image exactly the same size... why is it that in 1600x900 that graphics and text are much crisper than that in 1600x1200? Shouldn't they be the same?

Simple, because 1200 lines is pushing the bandwidth, while 900 lines isn't.

Choose the highest resolution your monitor can do, where 85Hz is the second highest refresh rate your monitor is capable of. And choose 85Hz. That's optimal. Make sure you have your monitor drivers installed before doing this.

Of course, those other theories sound plausible as well.