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Videogames, HDTV and Widescreen 16:9?

Posted by simoniker on from the many-tiny-pixels dept.

Swerbo writes "I've been thinking about buying a widescreen HDTV-ready television for quite some time now, but being the geek that I am, I'm more interested in playing video games on it than on watching DVDs or HDTV. I couldn't find much on Slashdot about this (except some material on the new GTA3/VC box set), and most of the info on the Net is superficial or fact-based such as which games are available in 480p, 720p, 1080i, and/or 16:9. So, I couldn't think of a better place to ask: Has anyone been playing video games on HDTV and/or in 16:9 widescreen format? If so, what have your experiences been? Is it awesome? Does it suck? Does it justify the additional cost of an HDTV just to play 4:3 using 480p (since not much else is supported yet like 720p or 1080i with/without 16:9?) Or does your framerate drop and the games get choppy? What's the availability of HD games on the various console platforms, and why don't more games handle native 16:9 widescreen format (with extras like side-by-side split screen rather than vertical split-screen)?"

2 of 118 comments (clear)

  1. I did the same last year by dogbowl · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I was buying a HDTV, Initially I wanted the 16:9 format television but after much soul searching and back account checking, I realized that the majority of my TV use is for video games and regular television. Not too much 16:9 support there.

    I went with a 36' Toshiba 4:3 format screen and it definitely rocks. FOr the once a month when I watch a widescren DVD, I can handle the black bars. For the rest of the time, I get my games in 480p (taking up the whole screen). 480p definitely looks much better, but you do notice the jaggies more often. Don't regret the purchase at all .. I'd buy it again if I had to.

    (For the record, I've got a Gamecube, can't really speak for the xbox or PS2 HD support)

    --

    These pretzels are making me thirsty.
  2. Look to the Future! by Dormous · · Score: 4, Insightful
    This generation of consoles support limited HDTV features. The GameCube supports 480 lines progressive scanned (480p)(with a special video adapter) as mentioned above. The Xbox supports 1080 lines interlaced (1080i) on some games. Sony is planning on releasing a version of the PS2 that will support HDTV modes. Yes, games on all these platforms look great on a hi-res HDTV display, even if they don't support the hi-res features. Even the N64 looked great on a 16:9 HDTV. Everything is brighter and looks cleaner, period.

    OK, here is the trick, this generation of consoles doesn't support HDTV, but the next generation will. Also, the HDTV Spec calls for a 16:9 formatted television. If you have bought a progressive scan 4:3 tv, you will have to watch TV letterboxed.

    So the answer is, go ahead and buy your HDTV. You will love it. Your games will look great. Your next gen games will look even better. :-)

    Dormous