Computer to a Sony KV34HS420 - How Does It Look?

[AnimeMusouka]

Hello all,
I'm new to the HDTV scene and in the market for one after my 10 year old Zenith finally bit the dust. I have been looking into getting the Sony KV34HS420, but would like to get some feedback first; mainly regarding a computer connection to it since that's what I would use it for for the most part. Specifically:

- How does the picture look? Sharp and crisp almost like a computer monitor? Or soft and blurry?
- Which connection type did you use? Component or DVI? Which one is better?
- What kind of video card do you have? Did you use any adaptors?
- What resolution did you set the computer to? Ideally, I would like to be able to set my computer to a widescreen resolution and have it cover the TV's entire screen without having to use any strange picture stretching on the TV's side.

Thanks for the help :)

[brector]

Hello all,
I'm new to the HDTV scene and in the market for one after my 10 year old Zenith finally bit the dust. I have been looking into getting the Sony KV34HS420, but would like to get some feedback first; mainly regarding a computer connection to it since that's what I would use it for for the most part. Specifically:

- How does the picture look? Sharp and crisp almost like a computer monitor? Or soft and blurry?
- Which connection type did you use? Component or DVI? Which one is better?
- What kind of video card do you have? Did you use any adaptors?
- What resolution did you set the computer to? Ideally, I would like to be able to set my computer to a widescreen resolution and have it cover the TV's entire screen without having to use any strange picture stretching on the TV's side.

Thanks for the help :)


If set-up correctly, it should look as sharp as a monitor.

DVI is your best bet. You can buy transcoders - but why spend more than you have to.

The ATI's have adapters or you can use an nVidia with just DVI.

With powerstrip - you can select the best resolution for your tv. I would find it's native format and use that resolution.

With some tweaking - you should be able to get it to fit your screen just about perfect.

[AnimeMusouka]

If set-up correctly, it should look as sharp as a monitor.

DVI is your best bet. You can buy transcoders - but why spend more than you have to.

The ATI's have adapters or you can use an nVidia with just DVI.

With powerstrip - you can select the best resolution for your tv. I would find it's native format and use that resolution.

With some tweaking - you should be able to get it to fit your screen just about perfect.

Thanks for the reply, it's been quite helpful.

Any ideas on what this particular TV's native format is? I understand it upconverts every signal to 1080i, but what that translates to in computer pixel width x height resolution, I just have no idea :/

Thanks ^_^

[brector]

Thanks for the reply, it's been quite helpful.

Any ideas on what this particular TV's native format is? I understand it upconverts every signal to 1080i, but what that translates to in computer pixel width x height resolution, I just have no idea :/

Thanks ^_^

The native HD format is 1080i or 1080 x 1920. If you send it a non-HD signal it gives you the option of 540p (DRC progressive mode) or 1080i (DRC interlaced mode). And you are very welcome :)

[AnimeMusouka]

The native HD format is 1080i or 1080 x 1920. If you send it a non-HD signal it gives you the option of 540p (DRC progressive mode) or 1080i (DRC interlaced mode). And you are very welcome :)

Ah, thanks. I messed around with that setting at the store today. Boy does that progressive mode really ease the strain on the eyes o_o I don't know about you, but when I switched it from interlaced to progressive, I felt much more "relaxed." I wish they just were all progressive like computer monitors are, but I guess there's some advantage or the other to interlaced. I also looked at the KD-34XS955, it seems to have a much better picture, so I might get that instead.

[brector]

Good luck and let us know what you end up with. :D

[AnimeMusouka]

It looks like the cheapest way for me to hook up my PC to the TV will be through ATI's VGA to component adaptor for my Radeon AIW 9600 Pro. Do you know if I'd be losing much in terms of picture quality by using that adaptor as opposed to getting a new video card that has DVI output? Also, any idea if that adaptor has any limits on the resolutions that I can use?

Thanks ^_^

[AnimeMusouka]

I ended up getting the Sony KD-34XS955 and I'm quite happy with it ^_^ Best picture I've ever had in any TV I've owned. It even beats the $3k Sharp Aquos LCD I switched it for, but that might just have been me since I just couldn't get used to how the colors looked on the LCD screen.

In any case, only grudge I have with this TV is that there seems to be a slight bend in the picture tube towards the sides. It's especially noticeable when looking at the Cable Guide or at a news ticker, but otherwise un-noticeable with just a picture. It makes the lines in the guide and the ticker slightly "wave." Anyone with this TV have that as well? I'm trying to determine if it's worth the hassle of lugging this 200lbs monster back to the store and lugging a new one back..

[dzzza]

It looks like the cheapest way for me to hook up my PC to the TV will be through ATI's VGA to component adaptor for my Radeon AIW 9600 Pro. Do you know if I'd be losing much in terms of picture quality by using that adaptor as opposed to getting a new video card that has DVI output? Also, any idea if that adaptor has any limits on the resolutions that I can use?

Thanks ^_^


I have my Sony KDF-42WE655 hooked up to my PC via an AIW 9600 Pro and the VGA to Component Video adapter. PQ and detail is amazing, just like your monitor. Text is legible and you can even output HD video content from your PC to the TV. The adapter has a number of switches on it, enabling you to set the resolutions your TV is capable of handling. I believe they are 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. There is also a switch for 16:9 or 4:3. Anywho, I set my PC resolution to 1280 x 720, which doesn't exactly fit correctly on my TV, but using the latest Catalyst drivers from ATI, you can create your own resolution to fit your TV exactly. I don't think you'll be losing much, if anything, by using Component vs. DVI connection. I'm extremely satisfied with the PQ my connection produces. But make sure you use quality Component Video cables.