Radeon & HDTV: Should I use DVI or dongle?

[pepar]

Trying to be a good forum member, I've searched for the answer to this and did not find the answer. A post or two got close, but nothing definitive.

I am building an HTPC and will be using a Radeon. Not sure it matters, but my PJ is the Sony VPL-HS20. I will be using a MyHD for OTA HD, DVD playback and scaling my Pioneer laserdisc, so those sources will output from the MyHD's daughter DVI.

This leave gaming (and other computer desktop stuff) coming out of my AGP video card. The Cat 4.5's custom timing resolutions - when actually made available to those of us who do not want to tweak the registry - sounds like a GOOD THING, but only work with component dongle. I have DVI as well as component video switching, so that will not be a factor. For my purposes, should I use the DVI output or go the dongle route and utilize the new custom resolutions of the Cats?

TIA!

 

[docferdie]

I suggest buying a software based HD tuner as this allows you to consolidate your HTPC's video output. It really doesn't make sense to hook-up the radeon in any way but the DVI connection if you have it available. I can't speak for the video scaling quality of the MY HD tuner card but I doubt that it can match the radeon.
Hooking up the radeon through the DVI port will allow you to do all your tasks through the highest quality video interface available. DVI is always better than analog if your display device has "appropriate" support for it
I just noticed that your projector is HDMI so you'll have to use the an adaptor.
There is no place for the ATI component dongle for people with new HDTV sets that have DVI or HDMI inputs. The only people who should use this are those with analog HDTV sets.
I myself am using a DVICO hd tuner with a radeon 9800 pro hooked up through the DVI port to a DLP TV.
If you haven't bought the MY HD tuner yet I suggest that you look at the new Fusion III QAM as in addition to OTA HD it also does unencrypted cable HD(though this has been a painful experience for a lot of users. but hey this is the only card that records HD cable)

 

[pepar]

I suggest buying a software based HD tuner as this allows you to consolidate your HTPC's video output. It really doesn't make sense to hook-up the radeon in any way but the DVI connection if you have it available. I can't speak for the video scaling quality of the MY HD tuner card but I doubt that it can match the radeon.

Yes, I believe the MyHD has superior scaling to the Radeon. And it has DVI output. I'd rather not use a loop through the Radeon.

Hooking up the radeon through the DVI port will allow you to do all your tasks through the highest quality video interface available. DVI is always better than analog if your display device has "appropriate" support for it
I just noticed that your projector is HDMI so you'll have to use the an adaptor.
There is no place for the ATI component dongle for people with new HDTV sets that have DVI or HDMI inputs.

My pj has both DVI and HDMI.

I only ask about using the component out (instead of the DVI) because I've read peole having a lot of trouble getting the proper timing and resolutions with DVI, and the new Catalyst drivers have custom resolutions.

 

[docferdie]

using any connection other than DVI for the radeon will butcher your image as it will go through the DAC of the radeon then go to the ADC of the projector then through the DAC of the projector. what makes you say that the my hd has superior scaling to the radeon? Under the hood of my-hd you'll find an "ATI Nxt2002". I doubt that ATI would let OEM partners beat them in image quality.
does my hd work with frontends such as zoom player? Catalyst 4.5 has 1280x720 by default and you can pretty much add whatever square pixel resolution you want so long as your projector allows custom resolutions. I've tried resolutions such as 944x708 etc.