LCD Monitors and the quest for the holy sharpness at DVinfo.net

Kurt August · December 1st, 2005, 06:59 PM

I have a LCD monitor that has a native resolution of 800x600 pixels.

Since it resizes my pal image from 720x576 with a non-square aspect ratio to this 800x600 size, it loses resolution. The image gets soft.

Given the fact that it didn't cost more than 200 euro, I don't expect too much hi-fi from it's video signal in any way.

But it's VGA signal should be good if you stick to 800x600. For instance, the menu looks really really sharp.

Now the ten dollar question:

Does anybody think it is possible -and within reason- to find a portable solution to go from a composite, s-video or dv/firewire signal to a vga signal that translates in a one to one pixel ratio? Resulting in a black frame around the image and getting the shots as sharp as possible. Also it shouldn't stretch the image to square pixels, als NLE's do. If it creates jagged lines, it's no good.
Another nice side effect is that we can say good bye to overscan.

Of course, this is intended for use with a 35mm adapter, so zooming in to check sharpness doesn't work, and the scales on SLR lenses are too imprecise. I don't feel like dragging a laptop with me. I did it in the past, and on location it can really be a hassle.

Does anyone have clear ideas or experiences?

Note: Yes, I know there is DV rack and Redrock is working on something similar, but I want to squeeze the best out of this small investment I did. Don't we all?
And a hint why this is no easy job: http://www.questronix.com.au/info/info_videotovga.htm

December 1st, 2005, 06:59 PM	#1
Kurt August Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Belgium Posts: 94	LCD Monitors and the quest for the holy sharpness I have a LCD monitor that has a native resolution of 800x600 pixels. Since it resizes my pal image from 720x576 with a non-square aspect ratio to this 800x600 size, it loses resolution. The image gets soft. Given the fact that it didn't cost more than 200 euro, I don't expect too much hi-fi from it's video signal in any way. But it's VGA signal should be good if you stick to 800x600. For instance, the menu looks really really sharp. Now the ten dollar question: Does anybody think it is possible -and within reason- to find a portable solution to go from a composite, s-video or dv/firewire signal to a vga signal that translates in a one to one pixel ratio? Resulting in a black frame around the image and getting the shots as sharp as possible. Also it shouldn't stretch the image to square pixels, als NLE's do. If it creates jagged lines, it's no good. Another nice side effect is that we can say good bye to overscan. Of course, this is intended for use with a 35mm adapter, so zooming in to check sharpness doesn't work, and the scales on SLR lenses are too imprecise. I don't feel like dragging a laptop with me. I did it in the past, and on location it can really be a hassle. Does anyone have clear ideas or experiences? Note: Yes, I know there is DV rack and Redrock is working on something similar, but I want to squeeze the best out of this small investment I did. Don't we all? And a hint why this is no easy job: http://www.questronix.com.au/info/info_videotovga.htm