LCD with native 1280x1024 + NTSC signal = confused

[MisterPresident]

Ok so I'm jumping on the bandwagon looking to build an HTPC-type PC. The thing is, I won't be connecting it to a TV, rather, using the PC in place of a TV. So, I don't know much about video, but I do know that NTSC is 648 x 486 and D-1NTSC is 720x480 pixels.

Usually when I watch TV/movies on a CRT, I lower the resolution down to 800x600. Can you do the same with an LCD? Would you want to? Or will I be stuck watching TV at half-screen size?

Would going to an HDTV tuner card solve the problem?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

You'll be stretching the signal either way, and I suggest you do it in software with something like DScaler. Resizing the output signal in hardware either by overlay stretch or running a non-native resolution on the LCD will look like arse.

And if you're "using the PC in place of a TV" ... well, then, you aren't making an HTPC. You're dropping a tuner card in your PC.

- M4H

 

[wisdomtooth]

Yes, the LCD should be able to scale down to the resolution you want. However, 1280x1024 is a wierd ratio (5:4), and your images might look vertically stretched. Normal TV has a 4:3 ratio (like 640x480, 800x600, 1280x960, 1600x1200, etc). You might want to get an LCD that does that ratio if you watch regular 4:3 TV.

Otherwise, maybe a cinematic widescreen LCD like the Dell 2005FPW if you want high-definition or cinematic DVD playback.

HTH!

 

[MisterPresident]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
You'll be stretching the signal either way, and I suggest you do it in software with something like DScaler. Resizing the output signal in hardware either by overlay stretch or running a non-native resolution on the LCD will look like arse.

And if you're "using the PC in place of a TV" ... well, then, you aren't making an HTPC. You're dropping a tuner card in your PC.

- M4H

Hmm DScaler looks interesting. The thing is, could I configure it to work under a Media Center frontend?

 

[ShadowBlade]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
You'll be stretching the signal either way, and I suggest you do it in software with something like DScaler. Resizing the output signal in hardware either by overlay stretch or running a non-native resolution on the LCD will look like arse.

And if you're "using the PC in place of a TV" ... well, then, you aren't making an HTPC. You're dropping a tuner card in your PC.

- M4H

do you have a link for that program?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

<Samuel L Jackson> Google motherf*ckas, do you use it? </Samuel L Jackson>

- M4H