High Definition

Tusky

What are peoples thoughts on high definition now that the xbox 360 has been out and about for a while ? Is it worth it ? How big of a difference does it make ?

I have a 37 inch Hd tv but havent hooked up the HD yet. I have to go buy a new connection.

Has anyone got comparative screenshots of normal resolution V high definition with xbox 360 games ?

0ubliette

tusky, if you wanna know the difference in all honesty all you have to do is this:

on your pc, find a nice looking game (far cry, hl2) and set it to 640x480 resolution. Play it for a half hour to get used to it.
Then, bump it up to 1280x1024, and then youll see the difference between HD and normal TV's.
But if you cant afford a hdtv, just do what i did, buy a nice big monitor and play on that, its just as good.

um7y1h83ge06nx

I presume it makes a difference to games

I have a 32" Samung HDTV and I have seen the xbox dashboard (or whatever it's called) in both Standard Definition and 720p HD.

It does make a difference in in the dashboard, with in my opinion, a lot smoother and more vibrant picture in HD. So I presume it makes the same difference with games.

Gamespot.com had a comparsion article around launch time last year. Have a search there and try and find it.

Retr0gamer

Everything does look a lot crisper but to be honest I think you get a similar effect with a decent scart cable only nowhere near as good. However it's not a huge leap like when you buy a new graphics card. It's definitely not worth the 1000+ euro investment in a decent TV but if you have one handy then it's all good. I'd rather see the processing power being used to push more polygons and strange effects than in a higher resolution.

projectmayhem

i'm looking into HD right now. i'm planning on shelling out in January (hope to get a good price then). so far everything's damn expensive. xtra-vision have a 32" random company (mirai) for about €800 odd. a 23" samsung is €700, so i'm guessing it's a good price.

sprinkles

played PES 6 on a HD tv last weekend and there is a big difference tbh. Not sure if it's worth 1000 but I'm going to splurge anyway

Retr0gamer

My current philips widescreen CRT is massive so it would feel like a step backwards to get a 25" HD TV

sprinkles

I've done quite a bit of research into the HDtv's and for gaming the best one to get is Samsung, the contrast and brightness levels mean the picture looks very crisp and they have developed the tv's with MS so as to get the best settings for the 360. Also they screens are generally thought to be the best on the market at the moment.


http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/samsung-lcd-tv/samsung-lns3241d.html

you can pick one up for under 1000 but it's likely to come down even more after xmas:
http://www.pixmania.com/ie/uk/263552/pack/lcd-tv-16-9-32-81-cm-hd-r.html

Ciaran500

sprinkles wrote:

I've done quite a bit of research into the HDtv's and for gaming the best one to get is Samsung, the contrast and brightness levels mean the picture looks very crisp and they have developed the tv's with MS so as to get the best settings for the 360. Also they screens are generally thought to be the best on the market at the moment.

Even though I'm just about to order a Samsung there are better screens out there and I haven't heard to many good things about the gaming mode over on the AVForums.

savemejebus

My mate has a 37" toshiba that is available for about 1200 on pixmania now and the 360 looks amazing on it. Am thinking of going for one after xmas.

However what is really tempting is the 1080p Sharp Aquos 37XD1E. It's around 1700 on amazon for preorder and seems to be the dogs dangly bits

sprinkles

From what I've read the samsung screens are supposed to be one of the best, certainly better than the previous sony screens (which aren't even made by sony). Samsung are supposed to be releasing their new range soon enough which will reduce the price of the existing range.

The new sharp Aquos screens are supposed to be very sharp (no pun intended) but they come with a nice price tag too..

As for the gaming mode, I can't imagine it would be of too much benifit but it's a nice addition all the same. I did see the comparison between the samsung and the bravia in Currys a week or so ago. Both were showing the same Ice Age dvd and I ahve to say the samsung wiped the floor in terms of image sharpness, helped somehwat by the superior contrast ratio of the samsung.

Ciaran500

sprinkles wrote:

From what I've read the samsung screens are supposed to be one of the best, certainly better than the previous sony screens (which aren't even made by sony). Samsung are supposed to be releasing their new range soon enough which will reduce the price of the existing range.

Samsung and Sony use the same screens and are made by a joint venture between the two. What new screens? Don't want to buy something close to a change over.

sprinkles wrote:

I did see the comparison between the samsung and the bravia in Currys a week or so ago. Both were showing the same Ice Age dvd and I ahve to say the samsung wiped the floor in terms of image sharpness, helped somehwat by the superior contrast ratio of the samsung.

Funny that every review has the Sony as far better. Which Sony was it btw?

The superior contrast is just a marketing tool, Samsung are quoting the dynamic contrast while Sony is using the actual contrast. If you are looking at the Sony S series then the actual contrast ratios are about the same.

sprinkles

Off the top of my head I don't know which sony model and seen as Currys and Dixons are stopping distribution of sony tv's I'd imagine it's an earlier model. All I remember was that the samsung was 1000 and the sony was 1250, and even if they are the same screens that's a large jump for a different badge....

I thought the deal between samsung and sony only ran for their previous versions and all new models of both are using thier own screens?? Could be wrong....

EDIT: Sorry when I said they are releasing new screens I meant they are releasing new HD Slimfit CRT models to compete with the LCD models so there should be no problem buying the LCD for fear of them being outdated too soon

Still though this should see a reduction in prices (or so I hope)

um7y1h83ge06nx

In fairness I think Sony are overpriced for a lot of their electronics, especially TVs and their Vaio laptops.

I guess they rely on the strength of their brand. Couldn't say a bad thing about my Samsung, which are always cheaper than Sony models.

Rozie

All this HD nonsense is getting to me a little... it's not that impressive.

Vegeta

sprinkles wrote:

EDIT: Sorry when I said they are releasing new screens I meant they are releasing new HD Slimfit CRT models to compete with the LCD models so there should be no problem buying the LCD for fear of them being outdated too soon

Those Samsung Slimfit TVs are already out and are not great, good price but due to the shortened length of the CRT straight lines appear bent on the screen.

Samsung LCD are good value for money

Clank

Ciaran500 wrote:

The superior contrast is just a marketing tool, Samsung are quoting the dynamic contrast while Sony is using the actual contrast. If you are looking at the Sony S series then the actual contrast ratios are about the same.

Thats a good point, an awful lot of people think the Samsungs are the best out there, far from it, they quote some precariously high figures.

Anyway to answer OP, Yes HD makes a huge difference I think, but the smaller the TV the less obvious they are, as obviously HD content is best viewed on as big a screen as possible.

Retr0gamer

I have to laugh at the bull**** marketing from Sony and Microsoft saying HD is the next step forward for videogaming. Most PC owners have been enjoying 'HD gaming' for over 20 years.

conzy

Yup PC ftw people

But, if you cant afford an LCD television, just buy a 20" widescreen monitor and connect your Xbox360 with the vga cable...

sprinkles

Vegeta wrote:

Those Samsung Slimfit TVs are already out and are not great, good price but due to the shortened length of the CRT straight lines appear bent on the screen.

Samsung LCD are good value for money

Yet to see any.... how do they compare in price/quality?

One thing that annoys me abou HD tv's is how bad "current gen" consoles end up looking on them... mario kart DD looks grainy as hell.

GrumPy

projectmayhem wrote:

i'm looking into HD right now. i'm planning on shelling out in January (hope to get a good price then) xtra-vision have a 32" random company (mirai) for about €800 odd. a 23" samsung is €700, so i'm guessing it's a good price.

Get you know who to get one for discount in his job?
Wait till Stephen's Day, get a sale price, and he will be able to get you another 10% off on top of that.

Vegeta

sprinkles wrote:

Yet to see any.... how do they compare in price/quality?

One thing that annoys me abou HD tv's is how bad "current gen" consoles end up looking on them... mario kart DD looks grainy as hell.

I was going to buy one of the slimfits until i read the reviews and saw pictures on the net of them. In particular geometry wars being played on a 360

CRT is best but because they shortened the tube to make it "slimfit" some ov the TVs suffer from this pretty bad (straight lines around the edges being a bit bent) a lot of CRTs suffer from this though, even as i type this my 21 inch monitor here at work has it in the top right corner.

I cant understand why they don't just release a big HD CRT with all the fancy connections HDMI, VGA etc etc that also displays TV. I know i'd buy one straight away.

Anyway I agree completely about what the lads are saying, PC has been HD for years.

Clank

Vegeta wrote:

I cant understand why they don't just release a big HD CRT with all the fancy connections HDMI, VGA etc etc that also displays TV. I know i'd buy one straight away.

Anyway I agree completely about what the lads are saying, PC has been HD for years.

In the US CRT HDTV's have been around for a while but the manufacturers choose not to sell them here, forcing LCD or plasma on us.
Bareing that in mind CRT HDTV's cant display progressive material, only 720i and 1080i.

kmick

I have an Aldi HD 42inch plasma that I got on a whim one day. Was interested in the whole HD thing so I bought a 360 + surround sound kit to see what all the fuss is about. Downloaded a few movie trailers from the XBOX Live site in both 1080 and 720 and wow - what a picture. Showed them to my wife one night and then we watched a normal DVD - she asked me what was wrong with the picture?? There was nothing wrong it was just an SD picture. So abandon all your predjudices and embrace HD - it is a beautiful thing. However buying an XBOX 360 and a 42inch plasma is not a cheap thing. Also MS are bringing out a XBOX HD DVD player this Christmas for around EUR200. Will be able to watch HD movies. Oh the joy.

GrumPy

Clank wrote:

CRT HDTV's cant display progressive material, only 720i and 1080i.

Samsungs HD CRT slimfit range have same hd support as lcd and plasma's

720p included.

Vegeta

I don't claim to be the all knowing power on TVs or anything but two friend of mine work in a video lab here at work designing parts for TVs and they inform me that CRTs can indeed display progressive

Seriously why are there no top end CRT TVs in Ireland

Ciaran500

All CRT PC monitors use progressive

Clank

Hmm...dunno why I said that......was thinking of something else, sorry.

projectmayhem

Irish GrumPy wrote:

Get you know who to get one for discount in his job?
Wait till Stephen's Day, get a sale price, and he will be able to get you another 10% off on top of that.

yeah that's an option for me alright but i'm wondering if, even with "you know who" giving me a discount, will it be cheaper then buying off komplett or whatever

GrumPy

projectmayhem wrote:

yeah that's an option for me alright but i'm wondering if, even with "you know who" giving me a discount, will it be cheaper then buying off komplett or whatever

Ahh, it would. Hold out till the sale, and then get the discount. That's what I'm doing. My 360 is being abused connected via composite to a 21" SDTV atm.

projectmayhem

Irish GrumPy wrote:

Ahh, it would. Hold out till the sale, and then get the discount. That's what I'm doing. My 360 is being abused connected via composite to a 21" SDTV atm.

yeah i've got a 25" SDTV, that's now a few years old... time to upgrade methinks

gamer

sumsung are bringing out new hdready crt,s if you look round dixons ,harvey norman they have large crts,one or 2 models.Around 700euro, check the specs carefully ready before you,buy as they may be hd ready,check the samsung website.If you have 360,you,ll need at least 1vga, or component connector .to get 720hd, i think.I think you,ll get a discount in the january sales,as new models come in,if you go 4 a 720i crthd tv.

Ciaran500

gamer wrote:

sumsung are bringing out new hdready crt,s if you look round dixons ,harvey norman they have large crts,one or 2 models.Around 700euro, check the specs carefully ready before you,buy as they may be hd ready,check the samsung website.If you have 360,you,ll need at least 1vga, or component connector .to get 720hd, i think.I think you,ll get a discount in the january sales,as new models come in,if you go 4 a 720i crthd tv.

That's what we've been talking about in the last few posts...

Wertz

Watched the 720p HD version of The Fifth Element last night, truly blown away even on a 26" screen. Can't wait to see more movies in it.
I'd only seen a few HD clips up until then...not got a 360 but as others have said, been playing games at more than HD for years...

CiDeRmAn

My no name dunnes bought 37" HD LCD only cost me €999 and its grand, playing 360 stuff on it, in fact went out and rebought Call of Duty 2 and Kameo just to see them in their HD glory, they look fantastic.
The 360 will have a €200 or so HD DVD player by christmas and comes with a copy of King Kong in HD to show it of, roll on Christmas!
But really, a HD set is by no means a must have item yet, Sky HD is very expensive, I reckon give it 12/18 months, Sky will have brought down the price, HD DVDs and Blu Ray disks should be common place and you'll have the 360 and PS3 to play on it, not to mention the fact that the screens themselves will have become even more affordable.

One last thing on the subject, don't be tempted into buying the biggest screen possible, a 42" TV sounds mighty good but only if you can sit well back to take it all in, try for a 32" or 37" if you have a standard or smaller living room.

DemonOfTheFall

Vegeta wrote:

I don't claim to be the all knowing power on TVs or anything but two friend of mine work in a video lab here at work designing parts for TVs and they inform me that CRTs can indeed display progressive

Seriously why are there no top end CRT TVs in Ireland

Theres a HDTV CRT in DID electric in bray, only place I've ever seen on in Ireland. Was mad seeing a CRT that size with a half decent picture.

Tusky

Is there any benefit in watching a normal dvd through your xbox 360/hd tv ? Or does the dvd HAVE to be HD aswell ? I dont understand that...would have just thought that the screen being high res would have been enough.

The_g-man

Not sure if the current 360 drive can do this, but a lot of dvd players now can upscale dvd resolution to 720p. Essentially it's fake HD but they sample the source disk quickly enough to help the picture along, smoothing out some of the blockiness that starts to get shown up now that everyone is moving up to larger screens. These can be bought for about €100, but worth checking if the 360's HD-DVD drive coming soon can do this for your dvd collection.

GrumPy

DemonOfTheFall wrote:

Theres a HDTV CRT in DID electric in bray, only place I've ever seen on in Ireland. Was mad seeing a CRT that size with a half decent picture.

There in every decent electronic retailer. Although the only brand that seem to do them are samsung, "slimfit" range.

rabbitinlights

HD really needs at least a 37" screen to show it off properly.

4Xcut

I was looking at getting http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=314485 telly to go with the 360 i was also thinking of getting. Now the thing is that space is an issue and the biggest telly i could fit is a 26" or maybe a 27". That aside, is it worth getting the 23" from samsung.

Any and all advice welcome.

Thanks

projectmayhem

4Xcut wrote:

I was looking at getting http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=314485 telly to go with the 360 i was also thinking of getting. Now the thing is that space is an issue and the biggest telly i could fit is a 26" or maybe a 27". That aside, is it worth getting the 23" from samsung.

Any and all advice welcome.

Thanks

i was looking at that, then decided i could get the 26" samsung, so i've had that page bookmarked on komplett. THEN, a mate of mine who has a 23" for his PC told me HD quality really needs as big a tv as you can afford. i know you say space is an issue, but 32" will properly show off the system. that's what i've settled on anyway

Ciaran500

projectmayhem wrote:

THEN, a mate of mine who has a 23" for his PC told me HD quality really needs as big a tv as you can afford.

It really depends on your viewing distance, the bigger the screen is the more the pixels are spread.

Patricide

Ok heres my question, you know the way all flatscreen t.v.'s make everything look like its been filmed with a really ****ty camera, does the HDTV element sort this out or is it the same way?

Now to people out there that are going to say what the **** am i on about and that it doesnt happen, you can spare it every non crt i have ever watched looked abysmal.

Ciaran500

Patricide wrote:

Ok heres my question, you know the way all flatscreen t.v.'s make everything look like its been filmed with a really ****ty camera, does the HDTV element sort this out or is it the same way?

Now to people out there that are going to say what the **** am i on about and that it doesnt happen, you can spare it every non crt i have ever watched looked abysmal.

HD LCD/Plasma/RPTV/Projectors all bring out the ****ty quality in most broadcast TV. You should get a better image from DVD and a much better image from a HD source.

conzy

Standard definition broadcast footage is mostly 720*576 resolution and some is anamorphic 16:9 720*576 footage.

When you play this on most HD televsions that have resolutions like 1366 x 768 it will look pants, because it is being stretched and enlarged, so it will start to get pixelated and grainy.

Download a 320*240 video from google video, and play it fullscreen on your PC and you'll see what I mean

The_g-man

Google the words "look, sound,perfect" to get an idea of what HD-DVD will be like. A lot of false advertising on the site but some impressive trailers none the less.

Balfa

sprinkles wrote:

Yet to see any.... how do they compare in price/quality?

One thing that annoys me abou HD tv's is how bad "current gen" consoles end up looking on them... mario kart DD looks grainy as hell.

I found that with GTA San Andreas... looked like a PS1 game
But I have a US copy of MKDD which supports progressive scan, so it looks freakin sweet on a HDTV.
Even though european GC games don't support progressive scan, make sure to at least use component (YPbPr or RGB) video cables to get it looking its best. Viewing anything on a HDTV over composite video is wasting your investment.

Unfortunately, the GC YPbPr cable is a proprietary thing (the cable itself does the digital-analogue conversion) that's no longer "in print", so mine set me back $70
I think the RGB SCART one can be third party though, so you might find it on the cheap and RGB will do fine since you can't get progscan anyway

sprinkles

Cheers for that... I'll be on the lookout for an RGB cable so