720p or 1080i output from my htpc?

[jtvang125]

A quick background on my tv. It's the first gen sxrd model. Although its native resolution is 1080p it cannot accept a true 1080p signal over any input, just 1080i and 720p.

My htpc is connect to the tv using a dvi-hdmi cable. I initially had the video card to output 1080i and it looks great. I then tried 720p resolution and it also looked great but everything is a lot bigger so there's a lot more scrolling. I also notice in some games that they have trouble with the 30hz 1080i signal.

Considering that most of my content is 720p, would it be best to set the resolution to 720p and let my tv upscale it to 1080p or set it to 1080i and let the tv deinterlace it?

 

[Quasmo]

I would say that its a personal choice, 1080i will look better for movies, but 720P will most likely play games better. I have hotkeys setup that allow me to switch between 720P and 1080P (Two projectors, one for me, one for my roommates) It switches resolution on the fly and takes little time to setup. Let me know if you'd like to go this route.

 

[Slick5150]

I'm confused, can a PC even output interlaced video over DVI? I suppose it could be forced to via the drivers, but I guess I've just never noticed the option (not that I've ever looked for it either)

 

[Captante]

The answer to thia question depends on both the video source & the TV ... for example my 720p Toshiba LCD's look best with 1080i input from a Toshiba A30 HD-DVD player but viewing Blu-Rays or gaming from my PS3, 1080p produces the best results. (these TV's accept 1080p input via HDMI)

I'd guess that 1080i would look best, but I suggest you give both a try & go with whichever produces better results.

 

[jtvang125]

Originally posted by: Slick5150
I'm confused, can a PC even output interlaced video over DVI? I suppose it could be forced to via the drivers, but I guess I've just never noticed the option (not that I've ever looked for it either)

Yes, it can if you select your primary output as a TV. I think many games aren't too happy with an interlaced signal and some refuse to play because of it.

 

[Slick5150]

Originally posted by: jtvang125

Originally posted by: Slick5150
I'm confused, can a PC even output interlaced video over DVI? I suppose it could be forced to via the drivers, but I guess I've just never noticed the option (not that I've ever looked for it either)

Yes, it can if you select your primary output as a TV. I think many games aren't too happy with an interlaced signal and some refuse to play because of it.

Oh, alright. I didn't realize that.

Well, since 1080i and 1080p are the same resolution, just one interlaced and one not, you'd be better off doing the 1080i output (assuming it works) and having the TV deinterlace it. Assuming your TV can do a good job of that, the picture quality would look the same as a true 1080p source anyways.