Ordered a Planar 18.1 from Dell - should I get a DVI video card?

[mfavin]

I'm not sure what the interface looks like for DVI but I suppose it's a physically different looking interface than the analog RGB.

Anyway, the Planar supports both, but it seems my current Geforce 2 Pro only has analog output. Newegg is selling the MSI Geforce3ti200 with a DVI out interface for like $170 bucks. Is it worth getting a DVI out card- or will analog on an LCD look similar?

I use a lot of small text/small windows.

 

[vash]

DVI will look dramatically better than LCD. I still prefer the CRT screen over DVI or LCD, but if you are going to go flat, I would definitely suggest DVI.

vash

 

[mfavin]

Thanks... anyone else have some experience with DVI vs. Analog.

 

[codehack2]

Get DVI.. you will be very glad you did.. You don't want to cripple a great monitor by feeding it a sub-par signal. You might want to check out the OEM Radeon 8500 at newegg.. last I checked, it was $190. The 2d on these 8500's is awesome to say the least.

CH2

 

[mfavin]

I'd think the 2d quality would be the same. The poor 2D quality of Geforce's typically is due to the cheap component that's used to send the analog signal to the monitor. Supposedly, Nvidia has cracked down and the latest Geforce's are a lot better than they use to be. Anyway, with DVI and it being a pure digital signial, Geforces shouldn't be at a disadvantage anymore (akaik).

 

[flexy]

<< I'd think the 2d quality would be the same. The poor 2D quality of Geforce's typically is due to the cheap component that's used to send the analog signal to the monitor. Supposedly, Nvidia has cracked down and the latest Geforce's are a lot better than they use to be. Anyway, with DVI and it being a pure digital signial, Geforces shouldn't be at a disadvantage anymore (akaik). >>



Nvidia doesn't manufacture the geforces (CMIIAW [correct me if i a wrong]), it's up to the 3rd party vendors to implement either nvidia's reference design, and/or use better components with their version of the geforce cards. As far as i know the leadtek ti series should have decent quality compared to other brands - but as always there are some people who might tell you the opposite...some say visiontek is better..whatever...

 

[Dre]

I've got a Planar 17.1 LCD hooked up to a Geforce2 via analog. The display looks great, no complaints.

 

[nvwebmaster]

The Geforce 3 Ti200 model with DVI output would make a great card. The TMDS (Transmission Minimized Digital Signal) transmitter outputs at a much higher MHz than the Radeon 8500 translating into a much cleaner and powerful video signal sent to your flat panel, especially at higher resolutions without the jitter effect that some other cards experience. Our TMDS on the Geforce 3 supports up to 1600x1200, although your display I think only goes up to 1280x1024.We also do extensive testing of flat panels including Planar with our transmitters. Enjoy.

 

[Raspewtin]

i have a planar 18.1 and the VGA was very disappointing in my opinion. i was actually wishing i nvr bought it when i first saw it in VGA. then when I hooked up DVI it looked WAY better. I would not buy that LCD without plans to use it with DVI - it looks fantastic with DVI to me




<< The Geforce 3 Ti200 model with DVI output would make a great card. The TMDS (Transmission Minimized Digital Signal) transmitter outputs at a much higher MHz than the Radeon 8500 translating into a much cleaner and powerful video signal sent to your flat panel >>



so that explains the DVI quality difference. thanks for that post!!

 

[mfavin]

I ordered a Geforce3 Ti200. Should get the monitor and card Monday/Tuesday. I'll report back on my impressions.