[Josh Z]

I tried this in the projector forum and didn't get many responses, so I'll try here as well.


This weekend I finally received my Motorola DCT-5100 cable HD box. I'm running it into my NEC LT-240, which is an XGA resolution projector. So in 16:9 mode the projector has a resolution about 576p.


Is it better to set the HD box for 1080i output or 720p? My first thought was that 720p is closer to the projector's native resolution and would involve less scaling, which should be a good thing. But then I'm thinking that stations broadcast in 1080i have to be scaled to 720p by the cable box and then scaled again to 576p by the projector. So maybe that's not such a good idea.


I tried playing around with both, but I've only had one day to experiment and didn't see that much of a difference. I suppose there must be subtle differences I haven't spotted yet.


Has anyone tested this more extensively?

 

[Paul_Seng]

I have and could tell you that if your PJ can handle 720P then use it because all your PJ is doing is scaling, with 1080i it would have to scale and deinterlace. However if PQ is the same I wouldn't worry about it, your PJ is doing a great job.

 

[Josh Z]

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul_Seng I have and could tell you that if your PJ can handle 720P then use it because all your PJ is doing is scaling, with 1080i it would have to scale and deinterlace. However if PQ is the same I wouldn't worry about it, your PJ is doing a great job.

That's a good point, Paul. Thank you.


I don't see much difference in PQ based on limited testing, but switching resolutions on this box is a pain and of course there is no way to back up and rewatch a scene both ways with a live cable feed, so it's difficult to do a one-to-one comparison.

 

[Kent_L]

I think you would get some kind of croping on a fixed pixel projecter useing 1080i. Go for the lower rez..


Cheers