MCE video optimisation over HDMI

zzkazu · **11th January 2008, 06:09 PM**

I finally have HDMI working with my system. I have spilt the coax to feed two inputs into the HTPC tuner and one into the Samsung LCD, I'm still getting 95% signal quality.

When I compare the image from the same HD broadcast the Samsungs integrated tuner does a better job; particularly it feels more real and vibrant. The MCE picture is sharp bit a bit dull. I have tried various settings but cant be a matching picture.

Question is: which system component would be best to upgrade to achieve this? I'm thinking of getting a dedicated Video card tomorrow, like the HD2600. But I'm still thinking digital is digital and if I'm getting high quality reception it might not make a difference.

Apart from drivers maybe..

zzkazu

dgaust · **11th January 2008, 06:56 PM**

In Vista the nvidia drivers have the option to change the type of video signal sent over HDMI..

It's under Video & Television (i think) and the HDMI Video Colour format. If you change it from RGB to the other option ygccbfsdf

then it will be much brighter and more vibrant.

As I said, the option exists in Vista using the 163.75 drivers. Hopefully it'll be available in the XP version as well.

zzkazu · **11th January 2008, 07:55 PM**

Thanks.. I'll update drivers to 169.21 and see if it exists under XP. I just wish I could fit my 8800GT in the LC17 Silverstone case, might save me the purchase and maybe swing me towards Vista for this config support.

Although the first time I heard visat drivers providing better functionalty than XP, will have to see what I can find..

dgaust · **11th January 2008, 08:03 PM**

The latest drivers have issues with fullscreen divx playback in Vista, so if you find stuttering that may be it. The ones I used 163.75 are fine.

I don't know if this issue exists in XP though, but it's widespread in Vista.

zzkazu · **11th January 2008, 09:00 PM**

With the new dirver I see Video & Televsion. The only relevant sub-stting is under
"Adjust Video colour settings"

with tabs Standard, RGB, Enhancements

I cant see any reference to HDMI. My connection is locked to DVI.

Is this the same uder vista?

dgaust · **11th January 2008, 09:04 PM**

In vista there are three options under Video & Television (using the advance view). The last one is HDMI colour format.

I'm using DVI out as well, but it's an 8600GT, so that maybe why it appears.

zzkazu · **11th January 2008, 09:21 PM**

Is your video output uder MCE comparable to a direct connection under SD or HD?

thanks for all your help

dgaust · **11th January 2008, 09:22 PM**

Yep.... once i changed it to the setting I indicated above the colours were so much more lifelike.

zzkazu · **11th January 2008, 10:37 PM**

dgaust, you the man....

I just connected my main game rig with a 8800GT installed (under XP) and that settings came up!! Upon changing it from RGB the video playback is great.

thanks for all your hepl on this..

zzkazu

logifuse · **12th January 2008, 06:18 AM**

For anyone else who stumbles on to this thread

, the magic setting is YCbCr444 for HDMI color output (your TV might call it YUV444 - same thing). The problem is that it's only available on 8X00 series Nvidia cards & on integrated motherboards with 7025/7050 Nvidia video chipsets (might be available on the Intel mobo versions - 7050/7100/7150).

Justin