Question about widescreen LCDs

[Shadmere]

I would like a widescreen LCD, but I've read that many games (especially older ones) don't support widescreen.

Is it possible to play these games in their normal aspect on a widescreen monitor, with 'black bars' on the right and left of the image?

Or is the only option to have the image stretched out weirdly?

Also: I'm getting a 7800GT card. Will I be able to run a 20 inch widescreen LCD along with a 17 inch LCD, simultaneously? Thanks. =)

 

[Zbox]

Originally posted by: Shadmere
Is it possible to play these games in their normal aspect on a widescreen monitor, with 'black bars' on the right and left of the image?

Or is the only option to have the image stretched out weirdly?

depends on the monitor, but the answer is yes. I've done it many times on my 2005fpw but honestly why would you choose a 4:3 aspect ratio resolution if 16:10 is supported in the game as well?

 

[Shadmere]

If the game supports widescreen, then definitely I'd use that.

But if a game didn't support widescreen, like BF2... then what?

So I can play the game and have it 'centered' on the screen, with black bars on the outside to preserve 4:3 ratio?

Thanks.

 

[xtknight]

I know with NVIDIA cards there is a fixed aspect ratio scaling, and that's what you want for black bars. I'm not sure about ATI cards, I think it's called "1:1" in their software, if it exists at all?

 

[videopho]

do a search in this forum (key word: widescreen). There are a ton of arguments have been discussed. My short and simple advice, get a 16x10 w/s.
Out is 4:3. In is 16x10
Edited:
widescreen gaming

 

[Shadmere]

I did search the forum for 'widescreen,' and I read a lot of the arguments. Heh.

I just wanted to make sure it was possible to play games that didn't support widescreen in their normal aspect ratio. Thanks. =)

Right now, I'm looking at a Dell 2005FPW. They make good monitors, right?

 

[akugami]

I'd say most of Dell's stuff is crap but their monitors are top notch. I've owned and used multiple Dell LCD's from 17" to 21". Haven't had a major complaint about any of them and unlike many online vendors, Dell has an excellent return policy should you encounter dead pixels or other flaws.

 

[videopho]

Originally posted by: akugami
I'd say most of Dell's stuff is crap but their monitors are top notch. I've owned and used multiple Dell LCD's from 17" to 21". Haven't had a major complaint about any of them and unlike many online vendors, Dell has an excellent return policy should you encounter dead pixels or other flaws.

second:beer:

 

[TecHNooB]

How do widescreens look at lower than native resolution? I have a feeling this will be important if i decide to get a 24" WS over a 20".

 

[Zbox]

Originally posted by: Shadmere
If the game supports widescreen, then definitely I'd use that.

But if a game didn't support widescreen, like BF2... then what?

So I can play the game and have it 'centered' on the screen, with black bars on the outside to preserve 4:3 ratio?

Thanks.

I play BF2 in 1680x1050--

add "+szx 1680 +szy 1050" (or whatever WS res you prefer) to the shortcut used to launch the game and there you are

 

[videopho]

Originally posted by: TecHNooB
How do widescreens look at lower than native resolution? I have a feeling this will be important if i decide to get a 24" WS over a 20".

If you can afford it. Get a 24" and you will never regret. I currently have both. FEAR, FAR CRY, BF2, HL2 are looking might cool in its glory 1920x1200 res.

 

[TecHNooB]

If I ran games at 1680x1050, would it look a lot worse?

 

[Ronin]

Roger that. I <3 my 2405's.

 

[videopho]

Originally posted by: TecHNooB
If I ran games at 1680x1050, would it look a lot worse?

Nope, still very nice but not just as good as its own native resoultion

Go to widescreen gaming forum for all old/new w/s game tweaks

 

[TecHNooB]

Originally posted by: videopho

Originally posted by: TecHNooB
If I ran games at 1680x1050, would it look a lot worse?

Nope, still very nice but not just as good as its own native resoultion

Go to widescreen gaming forum for all old/new w/s game tweaks

244t here I come! I'll be sure to check out the forum when I have time. The question is, should I get one 244t or dual 20" HDCP compliant LCD. Do any of the current 20" LCDs support HDCP?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: TecHNooB
If I ran games at 1680x1050, would it look a lot worse?

What resolution of a monitor are you talking about? What scaling mode? If the monitor's native is 1680x1050, there will be no reduction in quality.

 

[TecHNooB]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: TecHNooB
If I ran games at 1680x1050, would it look a lot worse?

What resolution of a monitor are you talking about? What scaling mode? If the monitor's native is 1680x1050, there will be no reduction in quality.

From 1920x1200 to 1680x1050.

 

[xtknight]

You mean a 1680x1050 game on a 1920x1200 monitor? Yes, you will lose quality, either on the side (black bars), or the image will be a little distorted/blurry.

 

[kmmatney]

You can run 1600 x 1200 perfectly well on the 24" Dell, with black bars on the sides. That's a good option for non-widescreen games.