Plasma Display

[xcgold49]

I'm a new member. I am in the process of setting up a new PC/Home Theater. I intend to buy a BENQ 7859 Plasma Display instead of a monitor. However, if I want a 1024x768 display resolution then I need XGA. How can I set that up? Do I need a cable, or what? Any input is helpful. Also, I'm buying the ATI All-In-Wonder 9700 Radeon Pro. Thanks for the help!

BENQ 7859 Plasma Display

 

[zsouthboy]

Hmm...:
Resolution:
852* 480 WVGA
Support up to XGA (1024x768)

you should be able to do 1024x768 then, fine...

it supports D-sub in(which is the regular monitor cable for pc's )... should be no problem hooking it up.

That's gonna be a sweet setup btw

 

[xcgold49]

Then what's the XGA mean? Also, the card comes with a S-Video cord. Would this work with HDTV displays? If so, what would their resolutions be? Is it good quality?

 

[bockie]

Searches on Google are you friend: Linky

Ripped straight from here:

VGA is 640 x 480
SVGA is 800 x 600
XGA is 1024 x 768
SXGA is 1280 x 1024
UXGA is 1600 x 1200

The XGA means the Plasma display will support a resolution of up to 1024 x 768. That is easily supported by your Radeon video card.

As far as your question regarding S-Video, the quality is almost identical to Composite Video. The difference is that with composite video, all the colors are transmitted on the same wire. With S-Video, each color has a dedicated wire which gives slightly better quality.

If given the choice between S-Video & using the VGA (XGA) connector, use the VGA connection on your video card. A quick search on
Google reveals the following information about S-Video (In the United States it is the NTSC format - PAL for Europe etc...):

-----
For NTSC, the picture occupies approximately 480 of the 525 scan lines. For broadcasts the portion of a scan line that is visible can hold up to about 440 dots so a grid 480 high by 440 wide represents the maximum amount of picture detail possible.
-----

So, if you use the S-Video connection, you final resolution will be limited to 480x440 whereas if you use the VGA (XGA) connection you will be able to go up to 1024x768.

 

[BoomAM]

Hi,
I Think XGA means one of the following,
xtended graphics array
xtended graphics adaptor

Dont quote me though, i lost track of stuff like that after SVGA came out!!!

By the way, the proper name for the standard monitor connector, or "VGA connection" as bockie put it is, The D-SUB 15pin connector.

I`m not complaining or puttin you down bockie, i just thought i`d correct you.
The only thing that i`m not sure about is the number of pins. But i know for a fact that its called D-Sub.

 

[xcgold49]

Thank you for the help! Do you think I could use HDTV sets? I want to watch TV, play games, and use my PC itself with this monitor/TV.

 

[bockie]

BoomAM,

You are correct, XGA stands for eXtended Graphics Array.

<whipping out stick and dead horse>

However, if one wants to get technically specific the analog VGA connection on a computer is a D-SUB HD 15 Pin Female connector. I was just trying to make it simple.

</whipping out stick and dead horse>

If you do not specify the HD (High Density) portion, you will get a connector similar to a MIDI port / Game Port or the ThickNet connection on a 10mbit Ethernet Card. I made the mistake several years ago of ordering a D-SUB 15 Pin Connector to make a video cable and boy was I suprised when I opened the box.

 

[xcgold49]

Sorry. I'm kind of new at this. I don't follow you. Do you recommend using an HDTV TV for a monitor? That BenQ display is pretty costly. Are there any cheaper alternatives besides this plasma display? I don't mind the display size. As long as it's 30", I'm fine.

 

[chizow]

Simple answer = If the Plasma has a DVI input, use it. Otherwise, go with component video cables that are either included on the breakout box from the Radeon or can be purchased from ATI for $30. This is the set-up I'm migrating towards for my PC, the cost of an HDTV Plasma just isn't quite there to justify it yet.....

Chiz

 

[chizow]

Look at page 7 or 15 from the manual. It has 15-pin D-Sub as well as RGB component inputs, so you're covered. Use the component inputs from the AIW if you want to hook up a secondary VGA monitor to your PC; If you have a DVI flat panel use the 15-pin D-Sub for the Plasma and use the DVI to your LCD.

Chiz

 

[xcgold49]

So, if there are any TV sets with DVI input, then it works, right?

 

[lifeguard1999]

For work I purchased a 61" plasma, and have found a couple things from actual use:

1) You do realize that your maximum display will be 852x480 since that is the native resolution. It will accept 1024x768 as an input, but will downconvert it.

2) If you leave an image up for a long time, it will burn into the monitor. While playing games or watching TV on it is fine, leaving your static desktop up is not.

This monitor supports composite, S-Video, component, and VGA input. It does not support DVI. However, you could use a DVI to VGA dongle (converter).

 

[xcgold49]

Well, after I'm done using the PC I can just turn off the monitor, right?