Consoles and HDMI cables

[Chewie]

Well it depends on the resolution of your pc monitor :sarcasm

But there really is no point having a ps3 and not using the power it has to output in HD.

 

[MattW]

That can't be it. Are you sure component cables can get full HD? Ive never heard of that being the case, and if thats the truth then the Besy Buy guy ripped me off.

The issue with the PS3 is HDCP on BluRays, it won't output Full HD over component due to the lack of DRM over the component connection. Beyond that, it is common that a TV will only accept 1080i out of component connections but do 1080p over HDMI (no clue on the actual reason here).

But for games themselves, component and HDMI achieve the same thing in practice (except for the 1080p issue).

I plug my Xbox 360 in over VGA, it's certainly not ideal, but I bought the cable back when I played the Xbox on my old monitor, but it since moved to the HDMI ready TV and now my new monitor has HDMI too, so should probably invest in that cable one day, but VGA is good enough, especially compared to composite (and does 1080p for games).

 

[SciD]

Well I tried to test different settings as I have placed PS3 in a cabinet which will not allow me to switch cables.

I tried web browser on PS3 for testing:

Text appeared bigger and easily readable from distance in 576p resolution which is lowest on my TV. When switched to 1080p, text was small and was not readable from distance. Distance = 15 feet

So you might want to change your XBox's resolution. Didi not test these settings inside game as I have started long needed system upgrade. Will post game text result in hours time.

 

[SciD]

Turns out the difference is the TV. Here are few snaps of text look like in 1080p resolution in 32" HDTV. These text are visible from distance as well.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

That's also the case with SCART though, isn't it? All I need is for the text to be sharper, and the overall graphics to have a more crisp look about them. Would you guys say that Xbox 360/PS3 + HDMI more or less measures up to the picture quality of a PC monitor?

Well it depends on the resolution of your pc monitor :sarcasm

But there really is no point having a ps3 and not using the power it has to output in HD.

OK, I guess I asked for that. To be clear then: A decent PC monitor, with a resolution of 1440x900 or higher. What you said goes for Xbox 360 as well - there isn't much between the consoles.

Well I tried to test different settings as I have placed PS3 in a cabinet which will not allow me to switch cables.

I tried web browser on PS3 for testing:

Text appeared bigger and easily readable from distance in 576p resolution which is lowest on my TV. When switched to 1080p, text was small and was not readable from distance. Distance = 15 feet

So you might want to change your XBox's resolution. Didi not test these settings inside game as I have started long needed system upgrade. Will post game text result in hours time.

I didn't know you can change Xbox's resolution. I'll have a dig around in the system settings...

Turns out the difference is the TV. Here are few snaps of text look like in 1080p resolution in 32" HDTV. These text are visible from distance as well.

Thanks for those.

Edit: Is one of those shots from WWE Smackdown v Raw 2010? Would you recommend it; what's the 'create a story' mode like - is it all it's cracked up to be?
I can't find a demo of it for Xbox 360.

 

[SciD]

Yes its SVR 2010. If you do not own a SVR game then its recommended. Story mode takes a lot of time and effort and if you have both you can create some awesome story lines.

Really miss the career mode which Smackdown 2 had.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

HDMI cable's arrived and the picture is now pin sharp! Text is smaller, but it's also a lot sharper, as you said, so I'm sure I can get used to it. The only problem right now is the cable reaches - just about - it's a bit of a stretch. I've done a search and HDMI extension cables are available, but would using such a cable affect the picture/sound quality at all?

 

[SciD]

Yes it does but I think you will be looking for small extension cable so it will not matter.

 

[MattW]

The cable can't effect the picture/sound quality, it's all digital.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

Thanks - all I have to do is find one now.

One other thing: my DVD Recorder/Freeview box has HDMI written on the front - will plugging an HDMI into that HD my freeview as well?

MasterBlaster76 added 2 Minutes and 24 Seconds later...

Yes its SVR 2010. If you do not own a SVR game then its recommended. Story mode takes a lot of time and effort and if you have both you can create some awesome story lines.

Really miss the career mode which Smackdown 2 had.

Sounds very good - it'll have to join the queue though!

Fight Night Round 4: enroute
International Cricket 2010
Fifa 11. Finally - I'll have a great football game, with all the content I want (assuming EA don't drop the ball, unlikely I know.)

 

[Chewie]

The cable can't effect the picture/sound quality, it's all digital.

If they're not properly shielded though can't there be interference caused?

 

[MasterBlaster76]

The packet said that the cable is fully shielded - extension will need to be as well I'd guess.

 

[MattW]

If they're not properly shielded though can't there be interference caused?

You would just have it cut out for a second or miss frames, digital through cables like that is an all or nothing thing. Expensive HDMI cables are up there as one of the biggest cons around.

Shielding is good though, it decreases electrical noise which can disrupt the signal, but again, for just a cable from a box to a TV, there's no real huge need for high quality beyond how long the cable will last as its unlikely to be as greatly effected by impulse noise as Digital TV is.

Dunno why you aren't just buying a longer cable though?

will plugging an HDMI into that HD my freeview as well?

You'll likely get a better picture depending on how you are currently connecting it, but Freeview is only HD with a special Freeview HD box and in areas with the HD channels on air.

 

[SciD]

One other thing: my DVD Recorder/Freeview box has HDMI written on the front - will plugging an HDMI into that HD my freeview as well?

The HD quality will come if the box has the ability to transmit HD video. Other wise it will be normal video only.

Dunno why you aren't just buying a longer cable though?

I think he has bought original console HDMI cable and they are not very long.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

I have no idea to be honest, all I know is that the box says 'HDMI' written on the front - what's the point of having an HDMI socket if connecting it to a TV won't do anything?