Reading bios using S-Video

[cupajava]

So I have my HTPC setup and I am using s-video to connect to my TV. It's an older 27' Samsung but lacks the the newer hookups like DVI and component video so this is my best option. Anyway, I notice that as it boots up, before Win XP loads, the screen flickers so badly I can't make out any text. As soon as Windows finishes loading, the screen settles and the pictures is fine. I know it's the video card drivers enabling the viewable picture but won't I be able to change the bios using s-video instead of my LCD? Would I have this same problem using DVI or component hookup to my TV?

Since I am limited to s-video at the moment, is there a way to use s-video to see bios settings clearly? By the way, the tv has an onscreen menu but there are no visible knobs for adjusting the screen.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Doubtful. It sounds like the card and TV are pretty dependant on having a "flicker filter" set up in the driver to avoid problems like this - and since you're in the BIOS, there's really no way around it.

Edit - As far as DVI and component, those would imply that you'd have a better or HD TV. They'd both offer a progressive image (rather than the interlaced one SVideo provides) and much higher resolution. Definitely readable.

My question is - what are you doing that requires so much BIOS visibility on an HTPC?

- M4H

 

[Peter]

Usually, cards do activate the TV-out straight from the (BIOS) start, and normally you'll be able to see things properly on your TV.

However, if your graphics card defaults to the "wrong" TV standard for your part of the world, then your TV unit won't sync.

 

[cupajava]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Doubtful. It sounds like the card and TV are pretty dependant on having a "flicker filter" set up in the driver to avoid problems like this - and since you're in the BIOS, there's really no way around it.

Edit - As far as DVI and component, those would imply that you'd have a better or HD TV. They'd both offer a progressive image (rather than the interlaced one SVideo provides) and much higher resolution. Definitely readable.

My question is - what are you doing that requires so much BIOS visibility on an HTPC?

- M4H

Damn, that's too bad. I was hoping to avoid having to upgrade the TV. I currently have the system overclocked and undervolting 4 fans to keep everything quiet. I have already had a situation where I had to reset the CMOS. My LCD is in a different room on another pc so I was trying to avoid the hassle.

 

[cupajava]

Originally posted by: Peter
Usually, cards do activate the TV-out straight from the (BIOS) start, and normally you'll be able to see things properly on your TV. .

I can see the splash screen come up but it is flickering so much I can't read anything.

.[/quote] However, if your graphics card defaults to the "wrong" TV standard for your part of the world, then your TV unit won't sync.[/quote]

Interesting. So you think this is an issue with my video card. Not sure if your theory is true because I'm in Canada using a Sapphire X1300. I figure North America would be the default. I am assuming this default setting can't be changed?

 

[Peter]

Is the non-syncing stuff showing the correct colors? If it does, then it's most probably the right standard (NTSC I guess).

 

[cupajava]

Originally posted by: Peter
Is the non-syncing stuff showing the correct colors? If it does, then it's most probably the right standard (NTSC I guess).

From what I can tell it's black and white up to and including the windows logo.