Problem connecting PC to HDTV LCD via DVI

[rlb187]

Got a 26” LCD HDTV to use primarily as a PC monitor. Initially connected the PC using the VGA RGB monitor connector and was quite pleased with the result. I rationalized that a DVI-to-DVI connection would even be better since it would be a direct digital-to-digital connection, so I bought a Radeon 9600 graphics card that had a DVI connector, as well as a RGB monitor connector.

I was expecting a better result with the DVI connection, but instead the result was worst. The part that seems significantly worst is the text and icons. If I view pictures, there does not appear to be a noticeable difference between the DVI or RGB connections. There is also a sliver on the bottom and right side of the screen where the DVI connected display acts strange.

Below is a picture of the lower right corner of the Windows desktop screen. I have marked which is DVI and which is RGB in this combined picture. Picture quality is poor, but I think it illustrates the problems.

Any ideas what may be causing the problem? Am I correct in thinking that a DVI connection should be superior to a RGB connection? In my thinking, the computer is digital and if I go with RGB then the computer's digital display information must be converted to analog for RGB, then converted back to digital for the LCD display. With DVI, the display information stays digital.

[oman321]

What set did you get. What is the resolution set to for that output?

[rlb187]

What set did you get. What is the resolution set to for that output?
I got a MAXENT MX-26X3 LCD HDTV. The resolution is set for 1366x768 at 60Hz, which is the native resolution for this LCD HDTV. Both DVI and RGB are set to the same resolution. I actually have both connected and can select which one I want to view.

[oman321]

One thing to try would be to connect something else to that DVI connection like a DVD player or an STB. See what happens with letters from menus or credits. If the display looks good it might be the graphics card that is the problem.

[rlb187]

One thing to try would be to connect something else to that DVI connection like a DVD player or an STB. See what happens with letters from menus or credits. If the display looks good it might be the graphics card that is the problem.
I currently do not have a DVD or STB with a DVI connection, but I do have a 50" DLP HDTV (res. 1280x720) that has a DVI connector. I connected my PC via DVI and RGB to the 50" DLP HDTV and got a different set of display problems. The good news is that both connections (DVI & RGB) gave the same results. The picture on the desktop was clear & stable as well as the task bar at the bottom of the Window's screen. What was strange is that the application Icons were flashing on & off. Some flashed very quickly and others a lot slower. Tried different settings, but no luck. Also tried "PowerStrip" on the 26" LCD HDTV and still unable to solution the problem. At this point, I am thinking on returning the Radeon 9600 graphics card and switching back to the intergrated video (Nvidia chipset) with a RGB connection to the HDTV, which works on both HDTVs.

Thanks for you advise.

[kdog044]

At this point, I am thinking on returning the Radeon 9600 graphics card and switching back to the intergrated video (Nvidia chipset) with a RGB connection to the HDTV, which works on both HDTVs.

Thanks for you advise. I know you think the DVI connector might be better but most people I have seen connecting their display to a PC with the Radeon use this adapter and the component inputs to the display.

http://shop.ati.com/product.asp?sku=2537967

[mjones73]

Just use the VGA cable, using that adapter is only needed if you don't have a VGA input on your TV...

[rlb187]

After removing the Radeon 9600 graphics card and getting it ready to ship back, I had another thought as to what may have been the cause to all the strange problems I have been experiencing. When I loaded all the latest display drivers for the new Radeon 9600 card, I did not remove the display driver for the chipset integrated Nvidia video. Now I wonder if having two display drivers loaded could cause strange conflicts/problems. I hate to do all the work of unpacking and re-installing the hardware and software, without some hint as to whether it is a possible cause of my display problems. Has anybody had any similiar problems with more than one display driver loaded?

[InkBlue]

Hi there. I also have the Maxent 26 inch LCD you have and I am experiencing the exact SAME problems, but I have a NVidia FX5200 card that came with my Dell. If I use the RGB cable, image is good, but if I use the DVI, the image looks like it is ghosting.

The box said this set could support up to 1280x1024, but I have not been able to get a decent picture at that resoultion with either port.

Let me know if you come up with any fixes to using the DVI.. My goal use to use DVI so I could use the PIP feature too.