Does my computer upconvert DVDs?

[AndrewLyles]

I just got received my new computer this week and my gorgeous 30" monitor to accompany it. As I was watching Serenity on the new system last night I couldn't help but wonder...is the computer "upconverting" the video resolution?

I'm running a Mac Pro and using the built-in DVD software. When I put the video size to full screen which is 2560 x 1600, it is still in letter box but takes up the entire horizontal portion of my monitor. Is the computer upconverting the video stream so I'm actually looking at an interpolated quasi-higher def picture than I would on my little 19" CRT? Just one of the many annoying questions to come regarding my new machine.

Thanks!

 

[Seth=L]

If you got that Mac 30" monitor with the Dual DVI link you are one lucky dude.

The answer is yes, it upconverts. It has to upconvert to match the screen's resolution, just like an HDTV. The TV may receive an analog signal, but it has to scale it to full resolution.(if I am wrong, then someone please correct me)

With computers you can have different software type scalers with different media players.

 

[MDS]

Computer monitors are slightly different than fixed pixel HD displays in that they can be set to use multiple resolutions whereas the TV can display one and only one. So yes, if the incoming resolution does not match the current monitor resolution it will be scaled.

However, it is still letterboxed because a resolution of 2560 x 1600 is 1.6:1 or 16:10 (slightly larger than 'widescreen' which is 16:9).

 

[AndrewLyles]

If you got that Mac 30" monitor with the Dual DVI link you are one lucky dude.

The answer is yes, it upconverts. It has to upconvert to match the screen's resolution, just like an HDTV. The TV may receive an analog signal, but it has to scale it to full resolution.(if I am wrong, then someone please correct me)

With computers you can have different software type scalers with different media players.

I actually ended up going for the Dell 30". It uses the same Panel (S-IPS) DVI inputs, has been refreshed more often so it has a better response time and improved color gamut and... got it for a bit over half the price of the apple monitor. I must say it is beautiful, and this is my first forray into flat panels. I've been using a Mitsubishi Diamond Pro 21" CRT for years.

 

[AndrewLyles]

Computer monitors are slightly different than fixed pixel HD displays in that they can be set to use multiple resolutions whereas the TV can display one and only one. So yes, if the incoming resolution does not match the current monitor resolution it will be scaled.

However, it is still letterboxed because a resolution of 2560 x 1600 is 1.6:1 or 16:10 (slightly larger than 'widescreen' which is 16:9).

This is good to know, Ithe black bars don't really bother me that much so I can deal. This does help me understand what upconverting is now, I always assumed it was some sort of voodoo magic.

 

[Seth=L]

What is the resolution of the Dell?

 

[ChrisJam]

Just one of the many annoying questions to come regarding my new machine.

I can't help with your monitor question, because I'm still using a CRT monitor. But I'm a long-time Mac user. If you think I might be able to help with your miscellaneous questions, feel free to ask.

I don't mean to hijack your thread, so feel free to send me a PM.

Chris

 

[AndrewLyles]

What is the resolution of the Dell?

It is the same as the Apple I believe, 2560 x 1600.

 

[AndrewLyles]

I can't help with your monitor question, because I'm still using a CRT monitor. But I'm a long-time Mac user. If you think I might be able to help with your miscellaneous questions, feel free to ask.

I don't mean to hijack your thread, so feel free to send me a PM.

Chris

Many thanks Chris, I'll be sure to hit you up with the PC to Mac questions. I did realize today that it has been almost 10 years since I've owned a Mac, so needless to say there is some adjusting to do.