got a hardware question
 

I have a hp 2511x monitor and a cheap ass video card. Im not gamer so I never spent real money on one. Im going to be doing some upgrades to my tower. When I watch frontline on my computer and make it full screen. The picture isnt sharp. If I got a better video card would that make a difference? Or does it all depend on the monitor? thx

take the card back if it's not doing the job

The lowest of low end video cards (of the past few years) should be able to handle standard HD videos without a hitch so chances are, you need a better monitor.

Thanks guys. The video card is 4 yrs old. the specs on the monitor are:
I use the hdmi out.
Native resolution
1920 x 1080
Contrast ratio
1000:1 static; 3000000:1 dynamic
Brightness
250 cd/m²
Pixel pitch
0.011 in
Response rate
5 ms typical
Signal input connectors
VGA; DVI-D (with HDCP); HDMI (with HDCP)
Dimensions
23.82 x 7.26 x 17.41 in
Weight
11.31 lbs

What I really want to know is:

What resolution are you running the monitor at? What kind of cable are you using to connect it to your computer?

4 year old video card... in that case, since you also said it's cheap, I'd go with upgrading to even a low end nvidia 6 series card (or amd if you prefer) first.

Something like this would be great for all around price:performance: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121686

I also just looked up your monitor, and it has pretty good overall reviews so that likely isn't culprit.

And hell, it could very well be the videos you're watching are 720p, which is still HD, but doesn't look all that great on a 1080p screen...

Then, what is your graphics card? What operating system are you using?

Why would he want a Dual DVI graphics card if he has only one monitor under 27"?

Most, if not all, modern cards come with some variation of multiple outputs... dual dvi, dual hdmi, display port... it's not like there's much of a choice unless you want to go backwards...

Yeah, does seem that the med/high quality cards are putting two on them now. Hard to find a decent pixel fill rate card with only one.

Maybe he will get another monitor and rock out with his cock out.

Yeah... sign of the times. The days of $50 videos cards are pretty much gone.

As it is right now, I could run 6 monitors together from my PC... from from the video card and another 2 from the onboard intel 4000 if I really wanted. Can't say how bad the performance would be from doing so as I only hooked up 4 (2 on gpu and 2 onboard) just to test if it would work... I'd need a multiple monitor mount if I want to run more than 2 full time.. and as of right now, I can't see myself shelling out $400+ for a monitor stand. The choice is there though nonetheless heh... sign of the times.

http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desk...geforce-gt-430 win 7 64 bit

Oh my...

Oh my like thats a great card? Or oh my its so old you minds well be using monochrome?

Definitely not the first heh... It's pretty bad for this day and age.

What's your price range for a new card?

as low as possible lol I figure around $100 I would be comfortable. its more of a want than a need.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130795
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121442

Should be fine... But, you also have to consider that maybe it's not your gpu card. Are you sure the videos you're watching are 1080p and have high enough bitrate for clear playback at full resolution?

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/view/ here is an example of what I will watch online and full screen it looks weak. Thank you for your help.

Also, are you running your monitor at the highest resolution?

yes I am. 1920x 1080

Ahh... I see your problem.

That program is in HD, but it is also only 664x336 or so in size. So it has the amount of pixels required for a crisp and clear picture if you only watch the framed version on their web page. When you grow it to by full screen you are stretching it and it will look like crap compared to a video shot in HD and with a frame size of 1900x1080.

Look at this video. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ou6_MkIvKOo

Make sure to set it to 1080. It will start in 480. Once the aircraft lines are perfect pin stripes, move it to the middle of the movie where there are more cutaways. Do those look good? Did the airplanes lines become crisp in 1080? (you will click the little gear/cog icon on lower right of video).

If so then you have what you need. It is just the source sucks.

It may take a few seconds for the stream to catch up and actually go HD. Wait 10 seconds before judging the plane.

ok it looks 100x better.

Thanks vvvvv , I now have to think. I may still upgrade.