Television display

[V_D_O]

I have my PC (with XP Pro) connected to my 29" TV by an S-video cable.
Currently, at the minimum allowed resolution of 800x600, text is blurred and unreadable-controls are operated by guesswork. For playing videos, though, it's great.
Will Quartz's full screen UI compensate for this? (by having larger buttons, text, etc.)
Also, will buying a TV with proper monitor input sharpen the interface, or will it only be a slight imrovement?
Thanks

[Apocalypse]

If you want to get a sharper picture, a TV with computer inputs won't help you. The only way to make text sharper on TVs is to get an HDTV, which support much higher resolutions than normal TVs, which run at the computer equivalent of 640 x 480.

This also might explain the blurryness and blind navigation when using the TV, because Windows XP for some reason has "removed" support for that resolution, probably because it is simple awful to use anymore.

[scott_w]

V_D_O,
What type of video card is it. I had the same 800x600 limitation from my Nvidia. Try this IF you want to set it to 640x480:
Goto the display properties (Control Panel - Display)
Click on the Settings tab and then Advanced.
Goto the Adapter tab and click the "List all Modes" button at the bottom and see if you can see 640x480 there and apply it.

I think XP removed this for some reason as Apocalypse above says but this is how I found a way around it.

Also if it is an Nvidia you could try TVTool. I believe it's http://www.tvtool.de

Hope this helps and let me know if it worked!!

[V_D_O]

Also if it is an Nvidia you could try TVTool

My card is a GF4MX440- one TVtool doesn't support.

Try this IF you want to set it to 640x480:

I had 640x480 in the beginning, but I changed it up myself because everything was just too big-not enough space. The method itself works though.
Basically: Rock->me<-hard place.
Thanks anyway.

Incidentally, if I get a separate monitor, will I be able to run one program (e.g. MS Word) on it and watch video on the TV-both full screen?

[Apocalypse]

You could use dual monitors, but I wouldn't recommend it for watching TV. I use a dual monitor configuration, but I can't watch fullscreen TV on one and use another program on another monitor -- as soon as the program looses focus, it returns to the regular viewing mode.

[Apocalypse]

With all this posting about screen resolutions -- I haven't answered your real question. Because the SnapStream fullscreen interface is meant for the TV, it will probably be very easy to navigate on the TV, don't worry about changing resolutions.

[V_D_O]

Yeah, you're right.
I tried the preview today and it worked like a charm.

[Apocalypse]

I have had some time to test the SnapStream beta -- and I am starting to wonder if the buttons are TOO big, LOL.

Now all I need to do is run a wire from one room to another, and I am set. Then I need the near little remote kit for the computer, or a veery long keyboard cable.

[dmets]

FYI - XP can do 640x480. I am running it right now on my Media PC. Go to your display properties, click settings, advanced, under adapter- click on the button that says list all modes. Select the 640x480 mode you want. It will work fine.

Dustin

[MattS]

The new 3.0 full screen interface should look A LOT better on the television display. I don't think the old interface was really intended, or made for television display -- or just not done very well for that purpose.

-- No more auto-astigmatism with the 3.0 interface.

At 640x480, over svideo -- 2.0 is almost readable (for the mostpart)