Forums-> Main forum-> HD over VGA Revisited (Xbox 360):
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Acert93

Mr. Bad Cop Since 1094 Days

2008-07-20 12:32:28 HD over VGA Revisited (Xbox 360)

What is the current state of HD (720p) over the HD VGA cables?

In the past Halo 3, PGR3, and so forth had issues where they would get all stretched instead of "letterboxing" on a 1280x1024 display (so instead of 1280x720 image with black bars above and below on a 12x10 screen it would stretch all ugly).

Supposedly MS has added more support features, so could someone offer up some feedback on how the VGA cables are working these days, especially on the uber common 1280x1024 displays? Did MS fix all this as the E3 PR remarks, or is just business as usual (ie most games work, but a lot of the blockbuster ones do not).

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Jollipop

Jollipop
Since 1006 Days

2008-07-20 17:35:20

I don't think those new resolutions will be avalible until the next update right ?

It's not a resolution I play in so I wouldn't know TBH, time to get a widescreen monitor me thinks ;)

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szaromir

szaromir
Since 879 Days

2008-07-20 17:56:21

It still stretches the image over the entire screen, sometimes even native 720p games are stretched, too (Orange Box and PGR4).

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Jollipop

Jollipop
Since 1006 Days

2008-07-20 18:57:49

Ok just tried PGR4 (don't have PGR3) and Halo 3, both work fine.

You have to set the screen format to 4:3/normal otherwise it will stretch the image. (changing the resolution isn't enough)

PGR4 = letterboxed image 1280x720
Halo 3 = full screen image 1280x1024 (not strecthed)

Duno if that helps.

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FreeSwag

FreeSwag
Since 347 Days

2008-07-21 04:44:57 In reply to Acert93 (2008-07-20 12:32:28)

Posted by Acert93
What is the current state of HD (720p) over the HD VGA cables?

In the past Halo 3, PGR3, and so forth had issues where they would get all stretched instead of "letterboxing" on a 1280x1024 display (so instead of 1280x720 image with black bars above and below on a 12x10 screen it would stretch all ugly).

Supposedly MS has added more support features, so could someone offer up some feedback on how the VGA cables are working these days, especially on the uber common 1280x1024 displays? Did MS fix all this as the E3 PR remarks, or is just business as usual (ie most games work, but a lot of the blockbuster ones do not).
To hell with it all, man. Just get a new monitor and have done with it. Most new monitors come with HDMI, and the 360 outputs properly to those via the HDMI with no problems.

Shoot for a 1680x1050 (or higher) and you should be a very happy camper. And with Microsoft adding proper 1680x1050 support in the fall update, it should get even better.

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KORNdog

KORNdog
Since 527 Days

2008-07-21 05:22:06

what i want through VGA is support for some of the BC games like halo. 90% of the games that work, dont work through VGA, meaning i have to switch to component whenever i wanna play any older games.

Jollipop

Jollipop
Since 1006 Days

2008-07-21 05:43:30

MS should make an Xbox emulator for windows :P

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Acert93

Mr. Bad Cop Since 1094 Days

2008-07-21 15:34:50 In reply to Jollipop (2008-07-20 18:57:49)

Posted by Jollipop
PGR4 = letterboxed image 1280x720
Halo 3 = full screen image 1280x1024 (not strecthed)

Duno if that helps.
Thank you very much Jolli. I appreciate the time you took to test this for me! :)

It sounds like Halo is probably 800x600 (or 640x480) upscaled.

[swagless]To hell with it all, man. Just get a new monitor and have done with it. Most new monitors come with HDMI, and the 360 outputs properly to those via the HDMI with no problems.[/quote]

#1, live up to your name baby! Where is my free swag?! If you ain't gonna walk the talk...

#2, People buy $20 VGA cables because they cannot justify the cost/space of a new $200+ monitor (or already have a great quality LCD that just happens to not be an HDTV monitor/HDMI ready). You know how many games $200 is? And where would I put this new monitor as surely no single affordable monitor can replace my dual 19" LCDs in sheer pixel count (2560x1024).

#3, your post contributes NOTHING to the thread which could be a good resource/update to the ongoing VGA issues :|
Shoot for a 1680x1050 (or higher) and you should be a very happy camper. And with Microsoft adding proper 1680x1050 support in the fall update, it should get even better.
I wouldn't be happy because that would be smaller and fewer pixels than I have now!

As for "proper" and "full" support... you are aware that they were already supposed to have FULL and PROPER support for VGA. So take it with a grain of salt!

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GriftGFX

He can also
ban your ass! GriftGFX - He can also<br>ban your ass!
Since 1123 Days

2008-07-21 18:35:52

And where would I put this new monitor as surely no single affordable monitor can replace my dual 19" LCDs in sheer pixel count (2560x1024).
30" LCD's are well within your price range ;P

Kidding aside, I'd take one widescreen 24" LCD (1920x1200) over two 19" LCD's, and I could use the extra real estate. Maybe I'll just get another 24" down the line, I was hoping my next monitor would be a 30 though, and you can't have those, mismatched dual monitor solutions.. they're fugly!
mt_sabao

mt_sabao
Since 554 Days

2008-07-23 11:51:53 In reply to Acert93 (2008-07-21 15:34:50)

Posted by Acert93
And where would I put this new monitor as surely no single affordable monitor can replace my dual 19" LCDs in sheer pixel count (2560x1024).
uh? and you use two monitors for gaming?!
Acert93

Mr. Bad Cop Since 1094 Days

2008-07-23 19:41:27 In reply to mt_sabao (2008-07-23 11:51:53)

Posted by mt_sabao
uh? and you use two monitors for gaming?!
I have two monitors on my desk. And getting a 3rd monitor of substantial size (which would be a waste) would render them without a place to function. The cost of a 2GP display ain't cheap, which is the whole point--utilize resources I already have! Why should I drop $400 for a nice new LCD when I already have 2 nice ones? Why not save the $400 and get a PS3 or 360??

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Acert93

Mr. Bad Cop Since 1094 Days

2008-07-23 19:59:19

Btw, anyone with the HD cables (these look cheap enough):

Did you use a Y (or Yoke) adapter to use it with your PC speakers?

Does the 360 accept PC 5.1 plugs (green, light orange, black)?

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GriftGFX

He can also
ban your ass! GriftGFX - He can also<br>ban your ass!
Since 1123 Days

2008-07-23 20:02:45

How would you go from stereo RCA to PC Analog 5.1? I'm going to go out on a limb here and say: no.
Acert93

Mr. Bad Cop Since 1094 Days

2008-07-23 20:22:19 In reply to GriftGFX (2008-07-23 20:02:45)

Posted by GriftGFX
How would you go from stereo RCA to PC Analog 5.1? I'm going to go out on a limb here and say: no.
Re: I haven't touched a TV in... 8 or 9 years? I am not aware of what inputs/ouputs the 360 uses for 5.1. I have 5.1 headphones for my PC, so I was just curious if I could cheat and use those :P

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Jollipop

Jollipop
Since 1006 Days

2008-07-23 20:25:07

Uses Optical Toslink I'm not sure 5.1 audio is supported thought HDMI on the 360 or not though.

As for the headphones it really depends on which ones, and how they work.

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GriftGFX

He can also
ban your ass! GriftGFX - He can also<br>ban your ass!
Since 1123 Days

2008-07-23 20:25:34 In reply to Acert93 (2008-07-23 20:22:19)

Posted by Acert93
Re: I haven't touched a TV in... 8 or 9 years? I am not aware of what inputs/ouputs the 360 uses for 5.1. I have 5.1 headphones for my PC, so I was just curious if I could cheat and use those :P
I was just basing that off the picture of the adapter you posted :P

I think all 5.1 on the Xbox 360 is done over optical (and HDMI?).. so I think using your 5.1 PC headphones is probably out of the question, unfortunately. At least, as a 5.1 device, it's probably not compatible.
Acert93

Mr. Bad Cop Since 1094 Days

2008-07-24 20:47:47

For those who have the Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable, did it come with a Y adapter? If not where did you find the right kind for PC speakers? Red/White stereo plugs aren't gunna cut it. I guess I need female RCA to Female PC (3.5mm?) for my headphones or male to my PC speakers. (Edit: :P)

Did it also come with a VGA gender switcher? The online shops don't give much details on what is in the packages.

Sadly I am finding some negative reviews for some of the cheaper VGA cables and many are generic so it is hard to tell which are which (the Intec I guess stink). Kind of sad because some of the off brand are waaay cheaper, but without being certain if it is a good cheapo or a bad cheapo, blah.

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KORNdog

KORNdog
Since 527 Days

2008-07-24 20:56:57

i have the offical 360 VGA cable. and yes, it comes with a Y adapter...if by Y adapeter you mean the thing that you plug the red and white cable into which then lets you plug it into the aux-in of your speakers?

dont think it came with a gender switcher, but i could be wrong. i do have one laying about but i dont know if that came with the PC or the VGA cable?!? im pretty sure it doesnt tho.
Isomac

Isomac
Since 890 Days

2008-07-24 21:03:55

At least mine come with the mini gender changer and the Y adapter. I just checked it from my VGA cable box (the Microsoft one) and both of the items are still on the green mini bag.

In the box reads this:

Includes 8-foot-long shielded cable, DB15-S Standard VGA Connector with video female-to-female adapter and audio Y-adapter
I bought that a year ago. I would think they are the same cables and stuff what they sell now too.

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KORNdog

KORNdog
Since 527 Days

2008-07-24 21:08:50

ah, my bad. i knew it came from somewhere, just didnt know where. its just a bit of kit that im probably never going to use...lol
Acert93

Mr. Bad Cop Since 1094 Days

2008-07-24 21:38:52

Thanks guys.

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LEBATO

IS WRONG LEBATO - IS WRONG
Since 1245 Days

2008-07-24 23:02:51 In reply to Acert93 (2008-07-24 21:38:52)

Posted by Acert93
Thanks guys.
You are welcome.

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Viginti_Tres

Viginti_Tres
Since 625 Days

2008-07-25 01:05:35 In reply to GriftGFX (2008-07-23 20:25:34)

Posted by GriftGFX
I think all 5.1 on the Xbox 360 is done over optical (and HDMI?).. so I think using your 5.1 PC headphones is probably out of the question, unfortunately. At least, as a 5.1 device, it's probably not compatible.
As long as the device has Dolby pro logic II encoding you can have 5.1 sound. It's basically simulating 5.1 sound using a stereo source, the audio quality is lower of course but as long as you don't have an audio system worth of at least 1k I wouldn't bother with Dolby Digital because on lower priced systems the diffrences are marginal.
Jollipop

Jollipop
Since 1006 Days

2008-07-25 01:13:11 In reply to Viginti_Tres (2008-07-25 01:05:35)

Posted by Viginti_Tres
As long as the device has Dolby pro logic II encoding you can have 5.1 sound. It's basically simulating 5.1 sound using a stereo source, the audio quality is lower of course but as long as you don't have an audio system worth of at least 1k I wouldn't bother with Dolby Digital because on lower priced systems the diffrences are marginal.
:O What !!

That is simply not true, you can't beat discrete audio channels, regardless of price point, I have seen some really cheap audio options that sound amazing.

Prologic 2 is pretty rubbish in my opinion and isn't much better than regular prologic.

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GriftGFX

He can also
ban your ass! GriftGFX - He can also<br>ban your ass!
Since 1123 Days

2008-07-25 01:13:33 In reply to Viginti_Tres (2008-07-25 01:05:35)

Posted by Viginti_Tres
As long as the device has Dolby pro logic II encoding you can have 5.1 sound. It's basically simulating 5.1 sound using a stereo source, the audio quality is lower of course but as long as you don't have an audio system worth of at least 1k I wouldn't bother with Dolby Digital because on lower priced systems the diffrences are marginal.
The type of headphones/headset that Acert is describing require separate analog inputs for the front, surround and center channels. Some PC 5.1 devices hook directly into those separate jacks on your PC sound card. The Xbox would have to have separate analog outputs for each channel, since the headphones don't actually decode any surround sound on their own.
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