[John151]

The A/V room is being constructed as we speak, and I am trying to plan all of the goodies. So far I have a WM optmized SX21, a 116" Carada 4:3 screen, approx 20' throw, 12 foot seating distance from screen, NAD audio and video gear, and a PC with DVI output (not sure if I will use this for movies or not).


Video sources are analog cable (non-HDTV) and DVDs.


Would I benefit from a Faroudja scalar? Note that I have a 4:3 screen, and do not have a anamorph lense.

 

[thirdkind]

I had an SX21 and thoroughly tested all available inputs with different types of components (scalers, DVD players, HD cable box, PC via VGA and DVI).


The internal scaler on the SX21 is adequate, but a PC set up for 1400x1050 connected via DVI will smoke any other combination you can find. If you had to scale HDTV, and it was your primary viewing source, then I'd suggest a scaler because only an external scaler can capture HD via component video connections at the moment. Since you're dealing strictly with DVDs and analog cable, get a capture card for your PC and try processing your cable signal with that, and stick to a software player for your DVDs (Zoom Player, WinDVD, etc.).


Someone might chime in and recommend the HD Leeza, but I'd recommend you not bother with that one. Your PC will do a much better job with DVDs.

 

[Jason Turk]

Well I wasn't clear if the room is setup for watching yet, but if not, I'd recommend trying it out as is first. Then if you find that you are disappointed in any way, possibly consider a scaler. Some of the newer units are pretty good for the money. The HTPC route is a great option as well, and very versatile and upgradeable. However, it is not as simple and requires more tweaking, so just be aware of that.

 

[mdputnam]

I agree before investing in a scaler connect up a PC and explore the world of post processing on the cheap, even if you never intend to use a HTPC to run your home theater in the end. There is a huge about of things you can do to a DVD source that will improve the picture, including scaling, compression artifact removal, noise reduction, etc. Here is a good primer to get you started.

 

[Daniel Hutnicki]

You dont really need it if you are going to use either HD sources or dvi from a DVD player. However, if you are going to use SD sources then a Faroujda will help the picture quality. Having said that, a scaler can only do so much with a SD sources so dont expect miracles

 

[Jon_Patrick]

20 feet is max throw for that screen size, I believe i am at 21 feet throw for a 144 screen, just something to consider, you might go with a bigger screen down the road.


HTPC using Dscaler and Powerstrip, outputing via DVI is the way to go.

 

[John151]

Thanks everyone.


The room is not set up yet, so I can't test out much. I can only project onto a white wall in a small bedroom. Hardly worth the effort.


Wating is good news as the project is already over budget. I look forward to getting into the HT PC craze. I have built several PCs in the past, and enjoy this kind of thing (well, its actually more of a love hate thing as hardware and software probs can drive you nuts).


The PC I will be using is my recently retired main PC. It has a Matrox G450 vid card with DVI output. The Matrox software allows me to specify almost any resolution, so I look forward to driving the SX21. I chose the Matrox years ago when I was driving a SGI 1600 Flat Panel. That was a killer set up back then. Hehe, I look forward to surfing the net on a 116" screen. Not to mention slide shows from the dig camera.