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    VGA cables

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by XPS1330, Jan 19, 2008.

  1. XPS1330

    XPS1330 Notebook Deity

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    If I connected my XPS M1330 to my HDTV using VGA, would I be able to display in HD? I tried this a few weeks ago, and It said it was at 1368x768(tv's native res), but the color/contrast was a lil' off. Would a better graphics card display better than my Intel x3100? Cause I'm waiting for my M1530 to come, which has the 8600 ;)
     
  2. Sentient_6

    Sentient_6 Notebook Consultant

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    If I'm not mistaken the only way to display your XPS in HD on your HDTV would be to use an HDMI cable. You cannot replicate HD quality with standard connections such as VGA.

    However your XPS may have an HDMI-out port on it. I'm not too familiar with that line of laptops so I couldn't say for sure.
     
  3. KGann

    KGann NBR Themesong Writer

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    HDMI port is what you need. I've plugged mine in (which supports full 1080) to my 47" LG, and it looks beautiful. Perfect way for me to compare 360 to laptop graphic wise! (Not really competition... my 8400GT runs Call of Duty 4 all high, 1024x768... which isn't really anything compared to the 360)
     
  4. XPS1330

    XPS1330 Notebook Deity

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    What's your gamertag? I got Live ;)
     
  5. KGann

    KGann NBR Themesong Writer

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    KGann :)

    10 charact....
     
  6. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    The VGA interface supports HD resolutions. So, as long as you have the correct drivers installed, you will be able to have your Dell output 720p or 1080i/p to your HDTV.
    However, do note that your HDTV's native resolution is 1367x768, so if you try to output anything higher than the native resolution, it will downscale to 1367x768. Therefore, there is not much point in trying to go anywhere higher than 720p. If you want true HD, you will have to purchase a large plasma panel.
     
  7. KGann

    KGann NBR Themesong Writer

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    I would not recommend Plasma... go for LCD. Obvious difference in HD quality, especially 40" and up.
     
  8. chonga

    chonga Notebook Deity

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    No, you do not need HDMI for high definition. You do not need to spend any more money for an HDMI cable for HD. You can display HD through VGA, component, HDMI or DVI

    Basically, anything running higher than 1280 x 720 can be considered "HD" in the sense that it will be running at the same or higher resolution than current and future HD broadcasts.

    a VGA cable is more than adequate to carry an HD signal. In your case, the tv you are using is displaying at 768p through VGA. The contrast, color, and brightness can all be adjusted through the televisions settings using your remote.

    your x3100 is fine to display at an HD resolution for use as an external display. My 4 year old 7500 32mb can display at this same resolution no problems for streaming video or watching movies on my 32" LCD.

    So to sum it up, your notebook can most definitely output in HD (1366x768) through VGA. Gaming at this resolution may be a different story, but simply displaying your desktop and video watching, it is more than adequate.
     
  9. QuantumPSI

    QuantumPSI Notebook Consultant

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    Can a VGA cable transmit 1080p? Just curious.