ATI AIW 9800 Pro: Viewing DVDs using component video

[Mark Jenison]

Hi all,

I built an HTPC using ATI AIW 9800 pro running MMC 8.7 on Asus A7V8X with an
AMD 1800+. I've used it for some time now for watching TV and watching DVDs
via the DVD-ROM drive, outputting the video from the ATI 9800 Pro using
S-Video to my plasma TV.

I recently decided to try the component output of the AIW using the adapter,
and the increase in quality of the picture was excellent! The resolution of
my desktop was set up at 800x600 so I could still read the fonts, and I
could see the entire desktop. However, when I pressed the DVD button on my
remote wonder, I got the message "DVDs can only be played back at 480i or
480p format".

It appears the best resolution I can select at 480i / 480p is 720 x 480 and
still be able to see the entire desktop. Can someone tell me (if there is a
way) how to increase the desktop resolution and still see the entire desktop
AND still be able to play DVDs?

This particular plasma TV can take S-Video, component on DB15 input, or RGB
video on DB15 input. Am I better off using RGB inputs instead so that I can
have the resolution I want, and not be limited to the 480i / 480p DVD output
of the ATI card? Can I assume the picture quality will still be comparable
to the component input?

I've been looking for forums regarding using ATI AIW products with HTPCs.
Any recommendations?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

[Chris Beaulieu]

I saw a post earlier that said DVD's encoded with Macrovision could only be
played at 480i on the AIW.
Is this a true statement?