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    FW-series vga output fuzzy on large monitors?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by jh2, Sep 26, 2008.

  1. jh2

    jh2 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I noticed that my FW170 vga output looks noticeably unsharp on my Samsung 22" LCD (1680x1050) Syncmaster 225BW. My desktop is connected to the other input (DVI) and it is clearly better. I'm a techie so I know the setup is all correct and the monitor has been auto adjusted to sync to the vga signal.

    Is this normal for the FW series? This owner seems to notice the same thing:
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member..._pr_auth_rev?ie=UTF8&sort_by=MostRecentReview

    Anyone else tested the vga on a large LCD and based their assessment on comparing to the output from another computer on the same monitor? I think if you didn't compare to another computer, you wouldn't notice the degradation. There is native pixel alignment but there is also a 'haze' which is difficult to describe, almost like if you used a bad or too long VGA cable. I used the same configuration and cable with an HP laptop and the picture was fine unlike the Sony so I don't think it is attributable to the VGA vs DVI difference on my monitor. Maybe the Sony is optimized to output video through a HDMI to DVI connector instead.
     
    jh2, Sep 26, 2008
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  2. jh2

    jh2 Notebook Enthusiast

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    jh2, Sep 26, 2008
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  3. jh2

    jh2 Notebook Enthusiast

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    To answer my own question, I would unfortunately have to say yes, Fw-series VGA output is less than optimal. I tried another unit from another store and got the same fuzzy results.

    Judging from some other posts, maybe this is a common issue with Sony laptops in general - they just don't do VGA out very well. Probably the best solution is to use an HDMI to DVI connection if you are lucky enough to have HDMI. I say 'probably' because I have not confirmed this myself. Perhaps someone can chime in if they have direct experience with HDMI to DVi conversion on a Sony.
     
    jh2, Sep 28, 2008
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  4. ShinyFalcon

    ShinyFalcon Notebook Consultant

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    Last month I tried the VGA out on my 42" HDTV with my SR, but I didn't notice anything too off from the distance. But on closer inspection, I noticed that text (ie on NBR) seemed to have pixels moving around, maybe the fuzziness you're seeing.

    Here's a bit more on clock and phase: http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/clock_phase.php
     
    ShinyFalcon, Sep 28, 2008
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  5. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    I have connected SZ and TZ through VGA to a 1680*1050 and both were not very good signal quality.

    C'Technik (german magazine) measured the Z VGA quality and also found it mediocre.

    Better use HDMI.
     
    Phil, Sep 28, 2008
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