Optimized Graphics and Sound for XBox
07-23-04 | 08:11 PM
#1
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Optimized Graphics and Sound for XBox
I want to give my XBox the best chance to produce the best sound and graphics. I often hear people referring to 480i and things of that nature but I am rather clueless as to what those things mean. I will tell you what I have and what I currently do to give myself what I think is the best for graphics and sound.
My Equipment:
XBOX
27" Akai Flat Screen TV with 16:9 support (Akai is the EXACT same as Samsung, same setup, controller, etc...)
Comcast Cable Box (probably doesnt matter)
Aiwa Boombox
My Techniques:
I hook up audio inputs frpm my tv to boombox to enhance sound.
I always use the widescreen mode on the tv.
Ive heard that getting S-Video Cables improves graphics but wasnt sure if thats true and I also would like to know what other adjustments I could make (possible tv or XBOX settings such as setting it to 480i?)
Thanx in advance
My Equipment:
XBOX
27" Akai Flat Screen TV with 16:9 support (Akai is the EXACT same as Samsung, same setup, controller, etc...)
Comcast Cable Box (probably doesnt matter)
Aiwa Boombox
My Techniques:
I hook up audio inputs frpm my tv to boombox to enhance sound.
I always use the widescreen mode on the tv.
Ive heard that getting S-Video Cables improves graphics but wasnt sure if thats true and I also would like to know what other adjustments I could make (possible tv or XBOX settings such as setting it to 480i?)
Thanx in advance
Last edited by gmal2003; 07-23-04 at 08:15 PM.
07-23-04 | 11:14 PM
#2
DVD Talk Special Edition
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Component video > S-Video > composite video
The difference between S-Video and composite (on a decent TV) is significant. Component is even better than S-video, but the difference is not as dramatic (unless you are using the component hookup with an HDTV).
480i (480 interlaced) is what you are already getting. That is just the standard TV format (SDTV), which the Xbox outputs by default. However, the Xbox also supports EDTV, which is 480p (480 progressive), as well as 2 HDTV formats, 720p and 1080i. Basically, 1080i > 720p > 480p--well, actually in practice 720p is often better looking than 1080i because the latter is still interlaced. HDTVs usually support all of the above formats (480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i). The 1080p HDTV format is not yet common place. For more on SDTV vs. EDTV vs. HDTV, please see this article.
All (almost all?) Xbox games support 480p. Some support 720p and/or 1080i. To take advantage of this, you need a TV that supports HDTV or at least EDTV and must use the Xbox "HD pack," which has the necessary component video outputs. I know your TV isn't an HDTV, and I doubt it supports EDTV either (though I'm not sure because a few non-HDTVs do support 480p). Therefore, the answer to your question as to how to get the best graphics from your Xbox is, "Buy an HDTV." If you want the best possible with your existing TV, then you should use component video (particularly if your TV happens to support 480p) or S-video. You should ensure that the Xbox has widescreen support turned on in the dashboard since you always play in widescreen mode.
As for optimal sound, the answer isn't much different. The Xbox fully supports Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1. Most games include DD5.1 sound. Thus, an Aiwa boombox is prety far from optimal for Xbox sound, though I guess it is one step up from just using your TV's speakers. To improve the audio experience, you should invest in a decent 5.1 system that supports Dolby Digital (and preferably DTS as well). Failing that, I'm afraid the sound is about as good as it can be with your current equipment.
The difference between S-Video and composite (on a decent TV) is significant. Component is even better than S-video, but the difference is not as dramatic (unless you are using the component hookup with an HDTV).
480i (480 interlaced) is what you are already getting. That is just the standard TV format (SDTV), which the Xbox outputs by default. However, the Xbox also supports EDTV, which is 480p (480 progressive), as well as 2 HDTV formats, 720p and 1080i. Basically, 1080i > 720p > 480p--well, actually in practice 720p is often better looking than 1080i because the latter is still interlaced. HDTVs usually support all of the above formats (480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i). The 1080p HDTV format is not yet common place. For more on SDTV vs. EDTV vs. HDTV, please see this article.
All (almost all?) Xbox games support 480p. Some support 720p and/or 1080i. To take advantage of this, you need a TV that supports HDTV or at least EDTV and must use the Xbox "HD pack," which has the necessary component video outputs. I know your TV isn't an HDTV, and I doubt it supports EDTV either (though I'm not sure because a few non-HDTVs do support 480p). Therefore, the answer to your question as to how to get the best graphics from your Xbox is, "Buy an HDTV." If you want the best possible with your existing TV, then you should use component video (particularly if your TV happens to support 480p) or S-video. You should ensure that the Xbox has widescreen support turned on in the dashboard since you always play in widescreen mode.
As for optimal sound, the answer isn't much different. The Xbox fully supports Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1. Most games include DD5.1 sound. Thus, an Aiwa boombox is prety far from optimal for Xbox sound, though I guess it is one step up from just using your TV's speakers. To improve the audio experience, you should invest in a decent 5.1 system that supports Dolby Digital (and preferably DTS as well). Failing that, I'm afraid the sound is about as good as it can be with your current equipment.
Last edited by JM; 07-23-04 at 11:17 PM.
07-24-04 | 02:56 PM
#3
DVD Talk Godfather
I'm not sure by your description if your TV is HDTV or not. Is the 16:9 support just an anamorphic squeeze, similar to Sony Wegas? In that case, running games in widescreen won't necessarily give you better graphics, and in fact, on a 27 inch tv, it could make the game harder to play. I know I used to use the squeeze when I first got my non HD Wega, but I found that there was very little change in resolution (as opposed to something like an anamorphic DVD).
