• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Is BNC pointless on my setup?

J

jimmygates

Platinum Member
I got myself the Samsung 900NF monitor (Thanks LXi..heh) and Belkin's Mitsubishi BNC connectors. What I like to know is if the BNC cables would still make a difference if I use a Hollywood DVD decoder card in my system. The Hollywood card uses a D-SUB pass through cable that runs from my Geforce 2 GTS to the back of the decoder. I'm assuming some image quality is lost within the pass through so I'm wondering in this case, would BNC connectos make a difference? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.



-Jimbo
 
it couldn't hurt🙂 and while pass thru used to really hurt 2d at high res back in the V2 days... i think the DVD decoders guys have done a better job.... IMHO... and i'll quote NFS4... "it's just my opinion, i could be wrong"
 
with a system like yours, you would be better of selling your hollywood decoder and just use winDVD 2.3 or PowerDVD 3.0 . Many people say you won't lose any quality w/ the newer DVD software players, and some in fact say that image quality is even better. And no, BNC is not pointless on your setup
 
I agree with Madcowz -- ditch the Hollywood+ and just use software DVD. That being said, I am unsure of the DVD quality of the GF2 -- I've used a Radeon, a G400, and a GeForce for software, and the GeForce was noticeably worse than the other two. Also, the Hollywood+ has TV Out, which your GF2 might not have, if you use it.

It depends on what resolution you run at, also. It seems that BNC won't do much for lower resolutions such as 1024x768 and below. You're probably running higher than that though.

If you're intent on keeping the Hollywood+, I'd say buy the BNC cable (actually, even if you get rid of it, I'd say buy the BNC). They are at most $20 unless you buy a high end one, and I saw a dramatic improvement in image quality when I installed mine (Belkin brand). Perhaps you won't see a dramatic improvement, but you will still have the cable when you upgrade either your monitor or your video card. The difference may show up then.
 
I also agree, ditch the H+ unless you output to TV. Why degrade the signal at all with that new 19" beauty. I have a GTS and use a software decoder and it rocks. The quality is just as good if not better than a harware set-up. The only thing with software is that you have to pick the right software and do the right tweaking to get it to perfection. Many people use the wrong software and do not know how to tweak the decoding engine and then proclaim software decoding sub par. Use Cinemaster decoding engine 2.037 or better, combine that with the QI Player and use DVD Genie to tweak.

Of course if you output to TV and need 5:1 then stay with the decoder. Personally, it is easier to just buy a set top player.

Lastly, on the BNC, use it no matter what you end up doing. Text is much sharper with BNC.

LJ
 
Thanks for all your input. I think I might ditch the decoder since I don't use tv-out. I watch most of my dvd's on my monitor anyways. Anyone know how much I have to shell out to get DVD software? Thanks


-Jimbo
 
Not more than a few bucks and you can find free demos on line at places like cnet.com or zdnet.com.

Have you hooked up the BNC yet? I have the same monitor and was debating getting the same cable too.

No hardware decorder card, and an AIW Radeon.
 
Yea, I did hook up the Belkin BNC connectors. I noticed a real difference running over 1280x1024. I posted this message to see if it was possible to get more out clarity out of the BNC connectors and the monitor if I didn't use the pass through from the DVD decoder.

-Jimbo
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top