Playable on SDTVs?

[lwelyk]

Hey, I've been holding out on this generation of consoles outside of the wii for several reasons. First I thought the Wii would suffice(I was wrong), and second, I don't have an HDTV. I frankly don't want to buy one until my current TV finally gives up the ghost.

I'm running out of last-gen games now, and I'm ready to move forward, but I need to know if I can actually see what's going on on an SDTV. Basically, does the Dead Rising SDTV problem exist on a lot of PS3 games, and if they do is there a cheap alternative? Thanks in advance guys.

[distgfx]

No, it's just an issue with Dead Rising and I think the new Banjo game, but that was fixed in a patch. Haven't heard of it happening with any PS3 games in particular.

[V4oLDbOY]

cheap alternative. get a HD monitor. I got a 24" 1080p for around $240. Use it as my television.

[Logain8955]

cheap alternative. get a HD monitor. I got a 24" 1080p for around $240. Use it as my television.

Second this, I run my PS3 through my LCD monitor. Easy as crap to do too. Just make sure you have a HDCP-compliant monitor and you're good.


Also, I've had a few problems with "Dead Rising" style text. 95% of them are Capcom games.

[QiG]

Odds are that you'll force yourself to buy a HDTV anyway after the fact (like I did)

[shadowkast]

Yeah I would just buck up and go HD man. If you can manage to find an older rear-projection HD tv, they're dirt cheap IMO. I know my 51" Hitachi is around the $500 price range. And alot of games can be picked up cheap as well. (look at last weeks $10 bestbuy sale.) Just saying for under $1,000 you could have pretty damn good setup (tv, system, and small lirary of games to get started with.) Or go the monitor route as others have suggested.

[lwelyk]

Yeah, I may go the monitor route eventually, but in the meantime it seems from what I've managed to find 'round the 'net that the PS3 doesn't have too many problems like that. So I guess I'll go with that. I know I'll buck up and go HD sometime soon, but you know that costs money and stuff.

[Serpentor]

so, here's a question for you guys... how do you hook up a PS2 on the LCD monitors? There's no AV inputs, only accept DVI and VGA inputs. Also, how do you watch TV on the LCD monitors w/o a computer?

[tankass]

Tell you the truth, you can find a good LCD tv for around 500 nowadays ("good" being subjective). I personally dropped a G on the visio 47 inch, but I have seen the 42 go for much cheaper. I think I saw it for 500-600 somewhere. And if you waited this long, and you can wait a little longer you can snag even better deals now that LEDs are starting to come out. As for SDTVs, you can play current gen systems on it (hooked up my ps3 to my 37' SDTV) but the problem is just pure size. I played MGS4 on it and its playable but you miss out on lots of details and some smaller numbers on the HUD that arent really important.

As for buying a monitor, I know a lot of people go for this, but my only suggestion would be how long do you plan on using it. If you upgrade within the year you might as well save a little more and just get a bigger TV. If your content with a smaller screen then spending a few hundered on one might not be a bad idea.

[Teh Nitwit]

so, here's a question for you guys... how do you hook up a PS2 on the LCD monitors? There's no AV inputs, only accept DVI and VGA inputs. Also, how do you watch TV on the LCD monitors w/o a computer?

A better question is: why would you want to [hook up PS2 to monitor]?

As for actually answering your question:

S-Video to VGA converter:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011407&p_id=4722&seq=1&format=2

Component (YPbPr) & S/PDIF Digital Coax/Optical Toslink Audio to HDMI Converter:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011406&p_id=4631&seq=1&format=2

[MSUHitman]

Biggest problem with small text is on a lot of 360 games, especially with Capcom games. Provided, of course, you're playing on a TV at least 20" in size; unlike my podcast co-host, who is gaming on a 14" TV.

[hypertek]

im rockin it on my 22 acer lcd montior with a hdmi to dvi cable *purchased cheap on ebay just a few bucks compared to what you would pay at BB etc*.

Sadly i can only go 720p since 1080i and 1080p arent supported by my monitor, but no complaints, budget HD gaming!

[Logain8955]

I bought one of those HGMI to DVI cables that Hyper's talking about for like, 10 bucks at Fry's. Then, I needed something for the audio, so I bought a Stereo Audio (where I plug in the white/red of the normal AV cable) to male 3.5mm adapter for about 3 bucks, a female/female 3.5mm for about 2 and a half and finally, because I'm lazy, a female-to-male 3.5mm cord for 5 or so. I have it setup so I can use my computer speakers and just switch the plug between the two systems without climbing behind the computer.

So, here's the basic setup:

Video:

PS3 (HDMI to DVI Cable) -> Computer Monitor

Audio:

PS3 (Normal AV Cable, hook up White/Red, leave Yellow alone) > Stereo to 3.5mm Adapter > Female/Female Audio adapter > Computer Speakers

It's easier than I'm explaining, honestly.

[hypertek]

oh yeah i forgot to mention that, yeah i have my computer speakers (logitech 5.1), using the adapter block for it with teh ps3 av cable. Works great.. not true 5.1 though, i think you need something else to get surround on a ps3.

[option.iv]

There are LCD monitors with HDTV tuners or at least an HDMI in. You can always hook up that way. Someone showed me this, and it looks decent.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236051

I am currently running a Samsung T200hd (20") (http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-T200HD-20-inch-Widescreen-Monitor/dp/B0019HDAP0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1241503120&sr=8-1) (there's also a $50 rebate). It's not true 1080p, but it can handle that signal and either crop or compress the picture to fit. The picture is awesome and it's relatively cheap, not to mention fairly portable. Often doubles as a second screen to my netbook. You can also go for the 26" and up for true 1080p (no cropping, resizing). The 26" ones have been fluctuating around the $330 and up mark lately. These Samsung LCD w/HDTV tuners come with a three year warranty since they qualify as monitors, plus they do not have any noticeable input lag (tested with rhythm and fighting games).

Going HD was a good choice I thought. Whenever I hook up my ps2 component, it honestly doesn't feel the same.

[Serpentor]

A better question is: why would you want to [hook up PS2 to monitor]?

As for actually answering your question:

S-Video to VGA converter:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011407&p_id=4722&seq=1&format=2

Component (YPbPr) & S/PDIF Digital Coax/Optical Toslink Audio to HDMI Converter:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011406&p_id=4631&seq=1&format=2


Hey thanks for the monoprice links, i know the site, but trust me, there are a lot of stuff...

anyhow, i'm not quite sure i understand your question in BOLD. The LCD monitor (just bought a new computer) doesn't have AV inputs... It's a 23" Samsung, i would like to use it to play PS2 RPGs.

Personally, i think the LCD TVs are fine (they have AV inputs), but they're somewhat bulkier than LCD Monitors. They're not good enough for computering (depends on the resolution) and they just don't look good on the computer desk (in my case, 80% of the time is computing).

[Serpentor]

There are LCD monitors with HDTV tuners or at least an HDMI in. You can always hook up that way. Someone showed me this, and it looks decent.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236051

I am currently running a Samsung T200hd (20") (http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-T200HD-20-inch-Widescreen-Monitor/dp/B0019HDAP0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1241503120&sr=8-1) (there's also a $50 rebate). It's not true 1080p, but it can handle that signal and either crop or compress the picture to fit. The picture is awesome and it's relatively cheap, not to mention fairly portable. Often doubles as a second screen to my netbook. You can also go for the 26" and up for true 1080p (no cropping, resizing). The 26" ones have been fluctuating around the $330 and up mark lately. These Samsung LCD w/HDTV tuners come with a three year warranty since they qualify as monitors, plus they do not have any noticeable input lag (tested with rhythm and fighting games).

Going HD was a good choice I thought. Whenever I hook up my ps2 component, it honestly doesn't feel the same.


The ASUS from Newegg doesn't take AV inputs. If you're hooking up older consoles like the PS2, you'll need the VGA converter supplied by NitWit's monoprice links.

The Samsung from Amazon can hookup older devices. But see, that's where the different decisions are made... The Samsung T200hd (20") (http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-T200HD-20-inch-Widescreen-Monitor/dp/B0019HDAP0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1241503120&sr=8-1) is not true 1080p and most importantly it's 20". I was thinking about that for my computer and console gaming needs, but eventually went with the 23" Samsung LCD monitor (forgot what the model#) which is free with the computer (DELL deal). So, i'm hoping that the VGA converter boxes will do a good job when hooking up my PS2...

[Eviltude]

Hey, I've been holding out on this generation of consoles outside of the wii for several reasons. First I thought the Wii would suffice(I was wrong), and second, I don't have an HDTV. I frankly don't want to buy one until my current TV finally gives up the ghost.

I'm running out of last-gen games now, and I'm ready to move forward, but I need to know if I can actually see what's going on on an SDTV. Basically, does the Dead Rising SDTV problem exist on a lot of PS3 games, and if they do is there a cheap alternative? Thanks in advance guys.

I bought my PS3 in November and just recently got an HDTV. The biggest problem I saw on my SDTV was that it wasn't wide screen so I was constantly missing shit on the far sides of the screen. I never really had any problems reading any text, but I do notice that playing through MGS4 in HD, I realized that there is a stress % under your health. I never noticed that before :lol:.

To conclude, it's possible to play PS3 on an SDTV and you won't notice any difference until you pick up an HDTV and see what you've been missing (literally).

[mis0]

If you're going to pay $200-300 for a monitor.. might as well pony up and drop that extra bill to grab an actual TV. I held out for months for my 32" HDTV. Got it for $330 shipped and now I'm so gosh darn happy. :lol:

[enufs8d]

Biggest problem with small text is on a lot of 360 games, especially with Capcom games. Provided, of course, you're playing on a TV at least 20" in size; unlike my podcast co-host, who is gaming on a 14" TV.

I have the same problem on with my 36" sony sdtv less than 7ft away with ps3 games too. I say the problem extends to small and medium sized text. they're really fuzzy and hard to read. Whereas, when I play the same section on a hdtv, its incredibly sharp and focused. i have learned to read fuzzy engrish. sort of. or just ignore it. The problem comes down to the developer, if they intend that most people are using a hdtv to view the games or if they're cramming so much stuff onscreen that the text size has to be small.

[Wolfpup]

Second this, I run my PS3 through my LCD monitor. Easy as crap to do too. Just make sure you have a HDCP-compliant monitor and you're good.

I bought one of those HGMI to DVI cables that Hyper's talking about for like, 10 bucks at Fry's. Then, I needed something for the audio, so I bought a Stereo Audio (where I plug in the white/red of the normal AV cable) to male 3.5mm adapter for about 3 bucks, a female/female 3.5mm for about 2 and a half and finally, because I'm lazy, a female-to-male 3.5mm cord for 5 or so. I have it setup so I can use my computer speakers and just switch the plug between the two systems without climbing behind the computer.

So, here's the basic setup:

Video:

PS3 (HDMI to DVI Cable) -> Computer Monitor

Audio:

PS3 (Normal AV Cable, hook up White/Red, leave Yellow alone) > Stereo to 3.5mm Adapter > Female/Female Audio adapter > Computer Speakers

It's easier than I'm explaining, honestly.

I actually just asked about this in the main thread before seeing this. What resolutions does the Playstation support? What type of monitor are you using? Anything unusual happen with the image? (And does it need HDCP for games?)

I've got a 1280x1024 monitor right now, and I've no idea if the Playstation could actually output anything for it right like the xbox (more or less) can. Ditto for a typical 1920x1280 monitor that's like 16:10 instead of 16:9.

I mean does it give you more resolution options when hooked to a monitor? And for that matter, when you hook it up, is it smart enough to switch to a lower basic resolution until you re do it through the menus?

I do have to hand it to Microsoft in that regard-they really did a good job supporting a lot of different display types, resolutions, aspect ratios, etc.

Regarding SDTVs though, I don't know for sure about the Playstation as I've never used it on one, but IMO the Xbox is unusable on an SDTV. Some games might technically work, but they look hideous, and most don't work at all really. I'd assume the Playstation would be similar. You need a monitor or HDTV IMO.

so, here's a question for you guys... how do you hook up a PS2 on the LCD monitors? There's no AV inputs, only accept DVI and VGA inputs. Also, how do you watch TV on the LCD monitors w/o a computer?

Dang, I wonder how well those converters work? Last time I was trying to find that out (a few years back), I couldn't find any useable solution. I had some cheap USB adapter that worked with my PC, but it was kind of slow and didn't work that well. I'd buy one of those in a second if I still had much use for one or knew they worked great. Those are so cheap compared to other stuff I saw back then.

We may end up needing adapters like those anyway if HDTVs keep dropping older inputs :(

The salesman at the store was like "WHY WOULD YOU WANT OLD INPUTS!!!!!! THEY ARE THE SUCK AND YOU SHOULD ONLY USE NEW INPUTS!!!!!!" And it's like, I've got all my systems going back to the NES, I want to be able to play them...

[Teh Nitwit]

I actually just asked about this in the main thread before seeing this. What resolutions does the Playstation support? What type of monitor are you using? Anything unusual happen with the image? (And does it need HDCP for games?)

I've got a 1280x1024 monitor right now, and I've no idea if the Playstation could actually output anything for it right like the xbox (more or less) can. Ditto for a typical 1920x1280 monitor that's like 16:10 instead of 16:9.

I mean does it give you more resolution options when hooked to a monitor? And for that matter, when you hook it up, is it smart enough to switch to a lower basic resolution until you re do it through the menus?

I do have to hand it to Microsoft in that regard-they really did a good job supporting a lot of different display types, resolutions, aspect ratios, etc.


PS3 supports 480p 720p, 1080i and 1080p. What would happen would depend on the monitor - if it can accept these inputs. If it can, then it will scale it to its native resolution. PS3 does not support PC resolutions. I thougt MS added that ability to xbox only recently?

I am not sure about HDCP. I thought it was for movies only, but PS3 definately does handshakes with other HDMI nodes. I was able to connect my PS3 to a DVI input on my projector, but I didn't test it with a bluray. It is possible that the projector supports HDCP through the DVI input, so take that with a grain of salt.

[Wolfpup]

PS3 supports 480p 720p, 1080i and 1080p. What would happen would depend on the monitor - if it can accept these inputs. If it can, then it will scale it to its native resolution. PS3 does not support PC resolutions. I thougt MS added that ability to xbox only recently?

Oh, okay. So it sounds like MAYBE on my current monitor it would only be able to do 480p, since the others are all widescreen and it wouldn't add bars (maybe). Oh well, that would still be much better than nothing :)

MS recently added a bunch more video modes to the Xbox, but its actually had really good monitor support since launch-I mean sounds like its had better monitor support since 2005 than the Playstation has now.

I may have played a handful of games in...um...yeah. like Farcry and Tomb Raider: Legend and stuff :D

[ma]

Wolfpup- it totally depends on what your monitor supports. It almost certainly will accept non-native resolutions, but what does with it is another story. It might scale it, it might add black bars, and it might cause lag. Some monitors handle everything perfectly--mine does. I have a 26" 1920x1200 and it scales everything perfectly w/ no lag. (Unfortunately it does not do 1:1 for 1080p, but I don't notice the stretching.)

Do you have any games on your PC? Just set them to HDTV resolutions and see how it looks and plays on your monitor. That should tell you how it will work with the PS3.

To the OP- I had my PS3 hooked up to my SDTV for a while (via S-video), and some games look fine, while others are difficult to play due to small text or graphics. You'd probably be ok if you tried out demos before buying games, but I'm with everyone else in recommending that you don't buy a PS3 for an SDTV.

[Wolfpup]

So like on your 1920x1200 display, it's basically displaying 1920x1080 (ie 1080p) as full screen, rather than adding bars?

That's a good idea about trying a game at like 720p or something to see what happens...hmm. One issue though is I think Nvidia's drivers handle stuff like that automatically. I'll have to think this through, but that's a good idea.

[ma]

So like on your 1920x1200 display, it's basically displaying 1920x1080 (ie 1080p) as full screen, rather than adding bars?

That's a good idea about trying a game at like 720p or something to see what happens...hmm. One issue though is I think Nvidia's drivers handle stuff like that automatically. I'll have to think this through, but that's a good idea.

Most games on PS3 output at 720p (not 1080p), and my monitor scales from that to 1920x1200. There are a few that run at 1080p, and it scales those to 1920x1200 too. Purists will insist on a monitor that adds black bars to 1080p content, but it looks fine to me and there is no noticeable lag.

YMMV-it's totally dependent on the monitor.

[Wolfpup]

Yeah, see my monitor is an older 5:4 one, sooooo probably I'd get stuck at 640x480...which still isn't terrible, but...

If I pick up this one Dell next month, I'd be in the same situation as you where it's distorted a bit (I assume).

[Logain8955]

I actually just asked about this in the main thread before seeing this. What resolutions does the Playstation support? What type of monitor are you using? Anything unusual happen with the image? (And does it need HDCP for games?)

I've got a 1280x1024 monitor right now, and I've no idea if the Playstation could actually output anything for it right like the xbox (more or less) can. Ditto for a typical 1920x1280 monitor that's like 16:10 instead of 16:9.

I mean does it give you more resolution options when hooked to a monitor? And for that matter, when you hook it up, is it smart enough to switch to a lower basic resolution until you re do it through the menus?

I do have to hand it to Microsoft in that regard-they really did a good job supporting a lot of different display types, resolutions, aspect ratios, etc.

Regarding SDTVs though, I don't know for sure about the Playstation as I've never used it on one, but IMO the Xbox is unusable on an SDTV. Some games might technically work, but they look hideous, and most don't work at all really. I'd assume the Playstation would be similar. You need a monitor or HDTV IMO.



I'm using a LG 22" Flatron monitor, 1680x1050. I can do 720p and 480p on it, neither 1080 works (obviously.) The monitor absolutely *needs* to support HDCP, otherwise the PS3 wont work.

When I hooked it up, the PS3 defaulted to 480p until I set things up.

[HumanSnatcher]

Just found out that my 22" WS Viewsonic LCD (model vx2255wmb) is HDCP compliant. I'll CERTAINLY be bringing it over to my ex's apartment. I spent my time over here anyhow with my PS3. I may need to order a longer HDMI-DVI cord than I have currently...monoprice here I come!