Widescreen DVD Questions/LCD Monitor advice...

[bigsteve3]

Okay folks,

I'm in the market to buy an LCD monitor to hook up to my 12" Powerbook (DVI). The model I'm considering is a 17" widescreen one by Sony (HT75W) which will be released in February. It is a combination TV and LCD.

The Sony LCD's native resolution is 1280 x 768, which from my understanding is not exactly traditional widescreen resolution. For comparison, the 17" PB has 1152 x 720 as one of it's options. If I buy the Sony, will Apple's DVD Player software be smart enough to play widescreen DVD's in Widescreen mode at 1280 x 768???

-S

 

[Bear]

The resolution the DVD is played at is partially dependent on the format of the movie on the DVD.

What DVD player will do is if you've chosen "full screen" is pick the resolution that makes the most sense and either have black bars on the sides or on the top and bottom. It won't stretch the video image out of shape nor will it cut off excess image so it can fill up the screen.

 

[cluthz]

The 15-inch PB has 1280x854.

The 17-inch PB has 1440x900.

 

[3Memos]

If I buy the Sony, will Apple's DVD Player software be smart enough to play widescreen DVD's in Widescreen mode at 1280 x 768???

Yes, Apple's DVD player will automatically scale the video to the correct aspect ratio for display. Press Command-0 or Command-F (one of the two) for fullscreen playback.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

You might look at the Dell 2005FPW at about $750, though during the holidays it was as low as $550 with Dell coupons. It is a 20" wide monitor with 1600x1050 resolution.