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27" iMac Video Input With Xbox 360?
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Ok,
I cannot get it to 1080p but I am getting exhausted and stopping for the night. AFAIK its not possible, but I will spend more time. Basically I am starting at 720p or 1280*720 - both work reliably. As soon as I go up to either 1080i, 1080p, 1650*1050, 1920*1080 etc etc I cannot get an image. However, I am willing to keep going (tomorrow!).
Now for the interesting bit. The quality is... interesting. From far away it looks REALLY good. The quality of thescreen is way better than my 42" Panasonic Plasma. However, up close its a different story and sadly I think most of have a iMac in a Office environment and tend to sit quite close. I am short sighted and without my glasses I need to be about 5 foot back to not see the problems and ideally more like 6 or 7 foot.
Here is a image taken about 5 foot away (sorry there is not much going on but Ezzio in this picture looks about right):
Up close its very pixelated (note that this is not a computer zoom - its a separate photo with a Optical zoom in on a DSC WX1)
I know my Plasma doesn't look quite that pixelated up close.. Mind you, I don't have a expensive LCD to compare it against.
So, make your own mind up. Tomorrow morning before work I will try to load up MW2 but the MRS is demanding I stop this now... :-(
Oh and there is ZERO controller lag. I played a game of FIFA 10 (the pictures came out terribly as you cannot easily 'stop' the action). Assassins Creed 2 is felt perfect too...
I cannot get it to 1080p but I am getting exhausted and stopping for the night. AFAIK its not possible, but I will spend more time. Basically I am starting at 720p or 1280*720 - both work reliably. As soon as I go up to either 1080i, 1080p, 1650*1050, 1920*1080 etc etc I cannot get an image. However, I am willing to keep going (tomorrow!).
Now for the interesting bit. The quality is... interesting. From far away it looks REALLY good. The quality of thescreen is way better than my 42" Panasonic Plasma. However, up close its a different story and sadly I think most of have a iMac in a Office environment and tend to sit quite close. I am short sighted and without my glasses I need to be about 5 foot back to not see the problems and ideally more like 6 or 7 foot.
Here is a image taken about 5 foot away (sorry there is not much going on but Ezzio in this picture looks about right):
Up close its very pixelated (note that this is not a computer zoom - its a separate photo with a Optical zoom in on a DSC WX1)
I know my Plasma doesn't look quite that pixelated up close.. Mind you, I don't have a expensive LCD to compare it against.
So, make your own mind up. Tomorrow morning before work I will try to load up MW2 but the MRS is demanding I stop this now... :-(
Oh and there is ZERO controller lag. I played a game of FIFA 10 (the pictures came out terribly as you cannot easily 'stop' the action). Assassins Creed 2 is felt perfect too...
My guess is that the Atlone is giving problems. RealEvil was facing problems with his MBP and the 1920x1080 resolution(right?). When he connected his MBP via the mDP cable to his iMac he was able to use that resolution, well, that's what I understand from his postings.
Keep up the great work RealEvil, it's really appreciated by the few of us. And we will help to spread the word 🙂
@RealEvil: The screen indeed looks pixelated but that's because it will use 4 pixels to show 1 pixel outputted by the xbox. With 1280x720 1 pixel is as huge as 2x2 pixels on a screen with a native resolution of 2560x1440. And you're saying you have a 42" Panasonic Plasma which is 1080p capable? That's a comparison that can't be made actually. And expensive LCD TV's, they're a waste of money if you'll ask me 🙂 Unless it's near the quality or has the same technology as the now used displays in the iMac.
But, As you said, in office use you're leaning forward to the screen ( at least I do ) and when I'm gaming it's a more laid back position, unless it get's really exciting 😛
For now this looks great. But I think there might be some way to push it to 1080p... I hope 🙂
Great to here about the lag. I played with a friend of my some Wii games on his older white iMac via composite in... What a mess, delays of .5 - 1 second! Not fun at all!
I just managed to do these before I have to go:
Again, from a distance (no zoom, about 5 feet away) it looks good. When I am 6 or 7 feet away it looks great. Up close... not so much! very blocky and pixelated. BUT if you sit back, its a lovely screen.
And just to reiterate - there is no controller lag at all.
This third picture is a optical zoom very close in to the screen. Its not a digital zoom etc, this is what the screen was displaying:
Stay Frosty 🙂
Again, from a distance (no zoom, about 5 feet away) it looks good. When I am 6 or 7 feet away it looks great. Up close... not so much! very blocky and pixelated. BUT if you sit back, its a lovely screen.
And just to reiterate - there is no controller lag at all.
This third picture is a optical zoom very close in to the screen. Its not a digital zoom etc, this is what the screen was displaying:
Stay Frosty 🙂
Yes, RealEvil, this is really appreciated. I think we should petition an e-mail to Atlona demanding a reward for this priceless (and, I can imagine, exhausting) research you have conducted on their behalf.
As for the pixels there does seem to be a massive difference there! What is your opinion RealEvil, is it decent at a generous distance (i.e. 2-3 feet)? It does look really good from a distance. I'm just trying to think whether I would notice the pixels from where I sit or not.
Is there a way we can get an idea what it would look like using OSX? I mean see whether we'd notice the pixels from where we have the iMac placed now using some program?
Surely there must be a way to get 1080p!
As for the pixels there does seem to be a massive difference there! What is your opinion RealEvil, is it decent at a generous distance (i.e. 2-3 feet)? It does look really good from a distance. I'm just trying to think whether I would notice the pixels from where I sit or not.
Is there a way we can get an idea what it would look like using OSX? I mean see whether we'd notice the pixels from where we have the iMac placed now using some program?
Surely there must be a way to get 1080p!
Wow, it looks like MW2 is showing better image quality than AC2. In some way this is strange 🙂
It looks like MW2 has a better Anti Aliasing feature or something.
It's soo AWESOME. I'm all excited!
Hehe, don't let the MRS wait to long okay 😉
It looks like MW2 has a better Anti Aliasing feature or something.
It's soo AWESOME. I'm all excited!
Hehe, don't let the MRS wait to long okay 😉
I know! I can just picture myself playing it right now! Can't wait to pick one of these up!
shadowbird423
macrumors 6502
I think you should try lowering your screen resolution in system preferences. Like someone said earlier, they could be interfering with each other since the system needs to be powered on.
Scaler needed
The reason that there may be a problem with 1080p resolution is because a scaler is needed in addition to the converter above. If you look at the original link:
http://www.atlona.com/Atlona-DVI-to-Mini-DisplayPort-Converter-p-17859.html
You can note that the converter descriptions says the following: "Note: HDMI source such as PS3 or Apple TV could also be used; however since output resolutions of the sources don`t match with the display you would also need to add an HDMI to HDMI scaler AT-HD560 between source and AT-DP200."
Well, I found the AT-HD560 at http://www.atlona.com/Atlona-Pal-HDMI-to-NTSC-HDMI-Converter-1080p-p-17375.html
This will scale the resolution properly to allow full 1080P and beyond, but adds an additional $239 to the cost. I think I'll end up biting the bullet and doing this just to get the full resolution.
The reason that there may be a problem with 1080p resolution is because a scaler is needed in addition to the converter above. If you look at the original link:
http://www.atlona.com/Atlona-DVI-to-Mini-DisplayPort-Converter-p-17859.html
You can note that the converter descriptions says the following: "Note: HDMI source such as PS3 or Apple TV could also be used; however since output resolutions of the sources don`t match with the display you would also need to add an HDMI to HDMI scaler AT-HD560 between source and AT-DP200."
Well, I found the AT-HD560 at http://www.atlona.com/Atlona-Pal-HDMI-to-NTSC-HDMI-Converter-1080p-p-17375.html
This will scale the resolution properly to allow full 1080P and beyond, but adds an additional $239 to the cost. I think I'll end up biting the bullet and doing this just to get the full resolution.
Boy Abunda, it's a good thing I caught you before you get told to read the thread...
From our understanding if the scaler was needed the Atlona AT-DP200 wouldn't work at all. It was gainly's posts earlier on in this thread that gave us the hope that it should work without a scaler with the 27inch iMac!
That is because the output resolution does match the display. Output resolution of 1920x1080, and the iMac 27inch can display at 1920x1080. The scaler however is needed for the 24inch LCD display which is a 16:10 display, not a 16:9 display like the new 27inch iMac.
Who knows though, maybe....
From our understanding if the scaler was needed the Atlona AT-DP200 wouldn't work at all. It was gainly's posts earlier on in this thread that gave us the hope that it should work without a scaler with the 27inch iMac!
That is because the output resolution does match the display. Output resolution of 1920x1080, and the iMac 27inch can display at 1920x1080. The scaler however is needed for the 24inch LCD display which is a 16:10 display, not a 16:9 display like the new 27inch iMac.
Who knows though, maybe....
fruitpunch.ben
macrumors 6502a
Thats a really good point.
Lower your iMac resolution in system preferences to 1080p and then try again to get the xbox at 1080p.
This is looking good!
Unfortunately no good for me since i want to display a Wii which doesn't have HDMI or DV out, just composite video which will not work with the cable as far as I know. I'll have to wait for the Wii 2. here's hoping it has DP out!!!!
Wow amazing. Yea try changing both the xbox and imac to 1080p resolution. Can't wait to see the progress that is made tomorrow!
Fozzybadfeet
macrumors 6502a
Good morning!
I just checked my email and I may have to work late tonight so I thought i would so some more on this now. I am starting to think that the DP200 only copes up to 720p. Here are the only resolution options I get when I plug into my 13"MBP:
Note that I am using a MDP to DVI adaptor (which I use to hook up to projectors etc at work). I then go from the DVI adaptor to the DP200 then into the iMac. This is probably a unusual setup (no-one with MDP would go to DVI then back again) but I do find it interesting that the resolution options roughly match what I know works from the 360.
I just checked my email and I may have to work late tonight so I thought i would so some more on this now. I am starting to think that the DP200 only copes up to 720p. Here are the only resolution options I get when I plug into my 13"MBP:
Note that I am using a MDP to DVI adaptor (which I use to hook up to projectors etc at work). I then go from the DVI adaptor to the DP200 then into the iMac. This is probably a unusual setup (no-one with MDP would go to DVI then back again) but I do find it interesting that the resolution options roughly match what I know works from the 360.
Some more info...
- Changing the iMac resolution has zero effect on the 'other input'. The screen goes black for about 5 seconds and you can see the screen change resolution. BUT I did try it at 1920*1080 and 1280*720. NO change at all. Although I did have to reboot my iMac after going back to the full 2560*1440 resolution as it would no longer switch via CMD F2 (that felt more like a bug than by design).
- I will email Atlona today and provide some links to these posts. I *think* the DP200 is not going above 1280*720 but the manual and website say it should so I will ask them if they know whats up.
- I dont have a DVI computer to test it with, just a VGA hackintosh netbook which I may hook up over the weekend via a VGA->DVI adaptor.
- I have gone back and added 'UPDATE' notes to the early posts to make things clearer
I probably wont be around tonight but I am on email all day. If anyone has any good (technical) suggestions/questions that I can put to Atlona please let me know this morning.
Oh and thanks for all the nice comments - they are appreciated. I think it looks great at 720p if you sit back - and I really do mean 6 foot or so (2 metres). Up close it looks like a old LucasArts point and click ;-) If we can get to 1080p hopefully that will help a lot.
- Changing the iMac resolution has zero effect on the 'other input'. The screen goes black for about 5 seconds and you can see the screen change resolution. BUT I did try it at 1920*1080 and 1280*720. NO change at all. Although I did have to reboot my iMac after going back to the full 2560*1440 resolution as it would no longer switch via CMD F2 (that felt more like a bug than by design).
- I will email Atlona today and provide some links to these posts. I *think* the DP200 is not going above 1280*720 but the manual and website say it should so I will ask them if they know whats up.
- I dont have a DVI computer to test it with, just a VGA hackintosh netbook which I may hook up over the weekend via a VGA->DVI adaptor.
- I have gone back and added 'UPDATE' notes to the early posts to make things clearer
I probably wont be around tonight but I am on email all day. If anyone has any good (technical) suggestions/questions that I can put to Atlona please let me know this morning.
Oh and thanks for all the nice comments - they are appreciated. I think it looks great at 720p if you sit back - and I really do mean 6 foot or so (2 metres). Up close it looks like a old LucasArts point and click ;-) If we can get to 1080p hopefully that will help a lot.
I guess you're right on that point. If you have some information from Atlona you'll share it with us right?? 😛 Now I'm about to figure out what my order will do! Let's hope the best!
Following this thread with bated breadth. Thanks for doing this! If I could get an xbox I could keep my iMac just for audio recording, keeping it faster. Plus no extra screen = 😀😀😀
I have contacted Atlona support giving them links to this thread and all the info. Fingers crossed they can help out.
They will have more sales of their product if they fix the problem. Can't wait!
I just find out this morning that the Reseller claims to have a pretty huge warehouse so they make a lot of orders and maybe get delivery's faster then the small independent resellers. The salesman said the iMac's with i7 had a delivery time of 3 weeks from date of order. That would mean if that becomes correct I'll get my iMac just before christmas or right after christmas in my vacation! Woot. Keeps fingers crossed 😛
Even without the 360 input, the 27" is lovely. I went for a i7 with 4 GB RAM and 1TB. I upgraded the RAM to 8GB aftermarket and I love it. The screen is amazing and Handbrake FLIES!
What configuration are you going for?
Great computer, and the MDP input is a nice extra.
What configuration are you going for?
Great computer, and the MDP input is a nice extra.
I'm heading for the i7 with 8GB from Apple itself and 1TB. In the aftermarket there are some Kingston Modules that will probably work but I wanted it to be right when I get him.
And I don't have to pay money myself, I already spent lots of time in a project and the iMac will be bought from my company (webdesign). So it only costs me "some" time. About 2 months working in the evening some hours and weekends some hours. So it'll be worth it 🙂
Good morning!
I just checked my email and I may have to work late tonight so I thought i would so some more on this now. I am starting to think that the DP200 only copes up to 720p. Here are the only resolution options I get when I plug into my 13"MBP:
Note that I am using a MDP to DVI adaptor (which I use to hook up to projectors etc at work). I then go from the DVI adaptor to the DP200 then into the iMac. This is probably a unusual setup (no-one with MDP would go to DVI then back again) but I do find it interesting that the resolution options roughly match what I know works from the 360.
There's clearly something wrong with the Atlona. They advertise that it is capable of 1080p, but you don't have that option.
The limited resolutions from the MBP could be due to the MDP->DVI->DP200->iMac bizarre setup... but not sure.
It could be, but I would have thought if the setup was causing any problems it wouldn't work at all. Why allow some resolutions but prohibit others? All those adaptors support 1080p.
Also the resolutions available are exactly the same as what you could access via the XBox which is a bit of a coincidence. It really does look like there's something wrong with the Atlona.
I can see Atlona just writing off your e-mail after reading a few paragraphs by replying with: you need to get the up-scaler. Even though it shouldn't be necessary.
Sacha
Also the resolutions available are exactly the same as what you could access via the XBox which is a bit of a coincidence. It really does look like there's something wrong with the Atlona.
I can see Atlona just writing off your e-mail after reading a few paragraphs by replying with: you need to get the up-scaler. Even though it shouldn't be necessary.
Sacha
So either there is an issue with the DVI>HDMI or there is a problem with the Atlona AT-DP200. Or the whole weird set-up is prohibiting 1080p, but like I said I can't see why this would be. Why would it allow some resolutions but not others?
And...
To test the HDMI to DVI adaptor I tried the following:
FYI thats a DVI cable straight into a monitor I brought into a room. It worked right away - so the HDMI to DVI adaptor is fine.
So we're down to three possible reasons:
1) the DP-200 is advertised wrong.
2) the weird set up is causing a problem.
3) maybe we do actually need this up-scaler after all (but this is the least likely explanation in my opinion)