WMP DVD Quality

Happynoj · #1 11-05-2008, 02:30 PM

Hi there.

I watch lots of DVDs on my PC, using Windows Media Player 11. I have noticed recently that the quality is nowhere near the quality that I get from a similar sized television. It all looks more fuzzy than a TV. Is my PC set up incorrectly, or is all PC DVD playback like this? I know that my monitor can look much better, having recently completed Medal Of Honour Airborne, so I was wondering if anyone knew how to make my DVD playback look better.

Thanks.

i_got_a_mohawk · #2 11-05-2008, 02:39 PM

I think it might be more codec dependant, because I dont think WMP has its own DVD codec anymore? Could be wrong, but mine complained about me having to go and get a DVD codec.

I have to agree tho, im getting pretty poor resolution when playing DVDs (that and fuzz at the top which reminds me of when you had a VHS when the tracking was a little off). I think the problem Im having might be because im using 1900x1200 resolution and standard DVDs, not sure tho.

Sorry to be no use at all

Happynoj · #3 11-05-2008, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

I think it might be more codec dependant, because I dont think WMP has its own DVD codec anymore? Could be wrong, but mine complained about me having to go and get a DVD codec.

I have to agree tho, im getting pretty poor resolution when playing DVDs (that and fuzz at the top which reminds me of when you had a VHS when the tracking was a little off). I think the problem Im having might be because im using 1900x1200 resolution and standard DVDs, not sure tho.

Sorry to be no use at all

I must have some kind of decoder though, because if I didn't I wouldn't be able to watch DVDs at all.

Armueller2001 · #4 11-05-2008, 03:13 PM

Get VLC media player. Free, it kicks ass, easy to use.

DigMe · #5 11-05-2008, 03:34 PM

You don't give much info but my guess is that it's hardware related. What monitor are you using, how big is it and are you set to native resolution? What video card are you using? I'm running an 8800GT video card and a 22" Samsung 226BW set at 1680x1050 and DVDs look great no matter what program I use to play them.

bc

Happynoj · #6 11-05-2008, 04:06 PM

17" Samsung Syncmaster 720n set to 1152x864 and ATI Radeon HD 3650. It isn't amazing, but it isn't too shabby. Ran MOHA no problem and it looked nice.

i_got_a_mohawk · #7 11-05-2008, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DigMe

You don't give much info but my guess is that it's hardware related. What monitor are you using, how big is it and are you set to native resolution? What video card are you using? I'm running an 8800GT video card and a 22" Samsung 226BW set at 1680x1050 and DVDs look great no matter what program I use to play them.

bc

Just like above, I dont think it could be a hardware problem on my end. 8800GTX with a 24" VA monitor.

Syeknom · #8 11-05-2008, 04:46 PM

1152x864 is not the native resolution for 17" TFT monitors like yours - 1280x1024 is. Running at a resolution other than that will cause stretching, distortion and a loss of sharpness due to the way TFT scales.

Happynoj · #9 11-05-2008, 07:23 PM

Well I changed my resolution. Slight difference, but still nowhere near TV quality. I assumed that it was some sort of decoding problem.

DigMe · #10 11-06-2008, 06:21 AM

Is your monitor plugged in with a VGA connector?

bc

Happynoj · #11 11-06-2008, 02:11 PM

i_got_a_mohawk · #12 11-06-2008, 02:16 PM

Try using a DVI cable if you can.

Happynoj · #13 11-06-2008, 02:21 PM

My monitor only has VGA in.

i_got_a_mohawk · #14 11-06-2008, 02:43 PM

Ah right, nm then

Trevor.A · #15 11-06-2008, 03:40 PM

you could try this http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=719041
New codecs, frontend (Theatertek, you have to pay for it), and filters to make things sharper and smoother. It's supposed to make a nice improvement, but I've never taken the time to find out. If your not using your computer as an htpc, then I wouldn't bother.
I notice the same things FWIW. It's something to do with the upscaling.