How can you get TV-Out to look decent?

[austin316]

alright, just picked up the leadtek tv card and I want to be able to watch my saved videos on my television. the thing is, when I use the s-video output of my geforce 2 MX 400 (I know the card sucks), the output on the tv is horrible. I try to set the resolution less than the 800x600, but the nvidia 40.19 drivers won't let me. The most noticeable problem with the tv is that you can see lines that run up on the screen, making it look real blurry. any suggestions for improvement?

 

[Gonad the Barbarian]

http://tvtool.info/index_e.htm

 

[AnAndAustin]

On GF2 the TVout implimentation was not 100% standardised and you MAY need to try the manu drivers (Leadtek). TVout shouldn't look HORRID although it isn't fantastic, if there are lines in the display it is more likely a problem with conversions (S-video to SCART etc), length of the leads (only std RF/TV leads like to be more than 2m-ish), interference (from speakers, toys, mobile/cell phones, noise, source of water etc), a loose connection or a damaged lead somewhere. You may need to consider a GF4 or more pref a Radeon, the Rad7500 or 9000 are as fast as any GF2 and have excellent TVout.

 

[austin316]

thanks for the help. my 25 foot s-video cable is prolly a bit too much.

 

[majewski9]

Mine looks good all the time. Of course I have a Radeon 8500!

 

[AnAndAustin]

austin316, yes I'd say that's likely. Formats like Svideo are only intended for short distances, rec maximum lengths are about 2m ... FYI 2m = 6 foot 6! If you need along lead you're going to have to convert to a std TV aerial type lead (RF lead) which can be VERY long, I doubt you'll notice any diff in final picture quality through TVout anyway. I use an old VHS-VCR to take a SCART input from my 4200 and then send out the std RF lead to my TV which is a good 10m+ away (32 foot). The quality is still good esp once tweaked with TVtool.

majewski9, yeah those Rads have MUCH better TVout quality, nVidia's cards have a big capacity for improvement possible through sw alone, they should be shot for not bothering with it. I think my next card will be a Rad9500PRO or Rad9700 ... but lets see what nVidia have up their sleaves first!