Ensuring High Quality Image

[sideshow23bob]

I'm considering building an HTPC as connecting my PC laptop(1080p screen with Nvidia GT425M) to my TV via HDMI results in a grainy image, while my PS3 shows a crystal clear image when connected via HDMI. I don't understand why the quality is so much worse coming from my PC.

Can anybody help me determine what component or cable I would need to mirror the crisp HD picture I now get from my PS3 comes via my next computer solution? Should I not use an HDMI connection even though it works perfectly well for the console?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Binky]

A good HDMI connection should be all you need. The PS3 interface and menu's may not be 1080p, so they may look "clearer" than a computer desktop at 1080p on your TV. You may have other issues.

Are you sure the HDMI cable is good? Are you sure you're in 1080p? What TV?

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Check the video settings on your laptop to insure it is actually outputting a 1080p signal to your TV. When I was using an nVidia card it would default to 1080i. Also check your TV and be sure it is set to 1:1 pixel mapping for the input source. The setting for that can vary by name from brand to brand. For example, on Samsung TVs it is called "Just Scan."

 

[Deders]

The only errors you should get with an HDMI cable is green patches if the cable isn't good enough as it only sends digital signal.

 

[Charlie98]

Check the video settings on your laptop to insure it is actually outputting a 1080p signal to your TV.

Check both the settings on your computer and on the TV... I had to fiddle with settings on both before I got a proper picture on my 1080p TV. Before, when I was using the IGPU on my G620 chip, the output video settings would default every time I restarted it... the video card fixed that.

 

[sideshow23bob]

Thanks everyone. I did figure out that the Intel iGPU is the one controlling HDMI, not my NVidia Card, and confirmed it's outputting at 1080P. I did change the Frequency to 60Hz from 59Hz. Also on my TV (Sharp LC32GP2U), I can't seem to find a setting on the TV that confirms it's matching pixel for pixel, but the brief changes I made does make it seem a bit better than it was before.

 

[monkey333]

I could be wrong, but for htpc, a combo CPU/gpu is the way for me, other than that I'm going nvidia for desktop/gaming. The htpc is awesome for HD playback.

 

[Charlie98]

Thanks everyone. I did figure out that the Intel iGPU is the one controlling HDMI, not my NVidia Card, and confirmed it's outputting at 1080P. I did change the Frequency to 60Hz from 59Hz. Also on my TV (Sharp LC32GP2U), I can't seem to find a setting on the TV that confirms it's matching pixel for pixel, but the brief changes I made does make it seem a bit better than it was before.

Very good! It's a little tricky getting it set correctly to use a discrete GPU... It took me about 5 tries when I installed my HD6450 last week... but I'm an idiot.

Most 60Hz TVs are actually 59Hz TVs... the true refresh frequency is something like 59.8Hz... hence the 59Hz default setting. I don't know if it really makes any difference.

 

[Charlie98]

I could be wrong, but for htpc, a combo CPU/gpu is the way for me...

In most cases it is...

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Thanks everyone. I did figure out that the Intel iGPU is the one controlling HDMI, not my NVidia Card, and confirmed it's outputting at 1080P. I did change the Frequency to 60Hz from 59Hz. Also on my TV (Sharp LC32GP2U), I can't seem to find a setting on the TV that confirms it's matching pixel for pixel, but the brief changes I made does make it seem a bit better than it was before.

The Pixel mapping setting on your TV can be set by pressing the View button on your remote and selecting Dot By Dot on the menu. Make sure you have the HTPC on because it can only be set when a 1080i or 1080p picture is on the screen.

As far as 59Hz or 60Hz, there is no difference. Both settings result in an identical refresh rate. The only reason they are both there in the driver settings is for EDID compatibility reasons.

 

[sideshow23bob]

Thanks, found it.