Output to TV

[tmservo]

Ok, I'm looking at putting together an HTPC, but the part that seems to get me is not the record phase (though I am going to have to look into working with digital cable box The part that gets me is the output to a TV. I have the Sony KP57WV700 HDTV. It does have a DVI connector, so I should be able to get a DVI video card and go from there.. but what card works best, resolution settings, etc.? IE, can I obtain even 480p or 720p or 1080i Via a video card? If so, recommendations for one/any?

[kny3twalker]

you will need a USB UIRT to control the digital cable box or some other kind of IR blaster
but anyways I would try to run the TV at either 720p or 1080i
using DVI
I think the resolutions are like 1280x720 and 1920x1080 (but thats 1080p)
and 940x540 for 1080i
you may need powerstrip (well probably will)

I hear Sonys are not the easiest to work with

[srothwell]

I'm using 1776x1000 on my Sony KDP51WS550. It underscans it enough that you can see pretty much the whole desktop.

He's right, you'll need PowerStrip. I used it to create the above custom resolution. I then uninstalled it, and the custom resolution stayed.

My only catch with the Sony is that if the TV is turned off when you boot the HTPC, the resolution will not be correct. It will come up with something funky (watchable, but the sides are cut off).

You either have to re-boot with the TV on, or you can just adjust the display settings. A minor pain, but a pain nonetheless.

Stacy