420°

When 480p Is Not Enough

Pressthebuttons.com writes "There's some interesting discussion going on around the Internet (first time for everything, right?) about how some of this generation's video games are leaving players with "only" a non-HDTV in the dust when it comes to being able to pick out the little details and tiny text. MTV's Stephen Totilo spoke out about working in the game journalism industry armed with only a SDTV, while my Kombo cohort David Oxford picked up the ball and ran with it with his own tale of being trapped with 480i in a 1080p world. Stephen says..."

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pressthebuttons.com
marionz6149d ago

thank god for true HD gameing, i played the wii lastnight and it looks horrible, why they didnt make it atleast 720p ill never know.

im currently gameing on my 40' true 1080p HD samsung and damn thats the way games should be played! its not even expencive to upgrade from old SDTV.

lsujester6149d ago (Edited 6149d ago )

I was playing COD4 on my old 24" SDTV for quite a while. While it was fun, I having problems picking out people online from any distance off. When I upgraded to my new HD, I could immediately see a huge difference. It was enough of a difference that I even went to using a G3 and M14 as sniper rifles with dot scopes and was pretty effective.

That's not to even mention getting to watch spiffy Blu-ray movies.

TheIneffableBob6149d ago (Edited 6149d ago )

I went from COD4 (PS3) on a 30" SDTV to a 52" Samsung 7 series HDTV and I thought that it actually looked better on an SDTV. I played better on the SDTV as well, but I probably just had to get used to the HDTV. The blur of the SDTV masks COD4's low 600p resolution well, whereas a 1080p HDTV really brings out all of its flaws.

Most other games that run 720p or higher look fine, though.

TABSF6149d ago

at first when i got my HDTV i was stunted how clear the picture was but like you said, you can see all the imperfections on some games.

i could not going back to SDTV only if i really had to. for me its 1280 X 720 P minimum on consoles and 1280 X 1024 P on my PC. only wish that nintendo give us a 720P support because like marionz said it can be horrible.

mario galaxy looks great at 576P
but zelda at 576P is shocking i have to play on a SDTV for it to look better.

JsonHenry6149d ago

I always try playing my games in SD/HD to see what a difference it makes. The only game I played where I felt the graphics were really good in Standard Definition was Gears of War and Resistance. Every other game really needs to be played in HD from what I have witnessed first hand.

However, if you are a PC gamer, then you are used to having the highest possible NATIVE resolution (none of that 600p crap) on your computer monitor. Or in my case running on my HDTV @ 1920*1080(p) natively!

sloth4urluv6149d ago

I never understood the whole "true" HD marketing thing. Whats going to happen when a new higher resolution standard comes out? Is the tv going to be a false HD tv then?

mfwahwah6148d ago

I played Burnout Paradise on an SDTV and I couldn't tell the events I completed on the map where check marked, I downloaded a map and colored in the events I did in MS Paint.

Then I got an HDTV and couldn't believe it, it was my biggest gripe about the game :P

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 6148d ago
hfaze6149d ago

HD gaming is what brought me back to home console gaming. Coming from a PC gaming background, I got used to gaming in 1024x768 or better... Which happens to give you a BIG advantage in FPS games (where you can see other players from WAAAAAY off).

After getting my PS3 in December '06, it only took me a month before I had a 37" 1080p HDTV, and never looked back. Gaming is DEFINITELY better in HD.

Ozzyb6149d ago

I have a 32" Sony SDTV and I have problems reading some of the instructions and menus in games. I had to look in the instruction manual for Army of Two when I couldn't tell what they wanted me to do in training. The TV is big enough, and the picture is not messed up but the games just expect you to have a set that defines those edges so much better than SD. Hopefully a 42" 1080p soon.. at least a 720p.. but we shall see. Will I really notice the difference between 720 and 1080?

arakouftaian6149d ago

but they r all the same whit a 42" tv 720p is good u don't need no more, but if you have the money 1080p is the best... it depend on if u r goign to play GT5 the best thing is a 1080p tv for it but if u r going to play KZ2 720p is good, if u r going to play movies (blueray)1080p whit 120mhz is the best...

Ozzyb6149d ago

lol Thanks for the reply. The funny thing is, I think I am enough of a freak for 1080.. But I don't know if my wallet agrees with me. The price difference for equal sized sets, one being 720 and one being 1080, is around 1000 dollars, if not more. I would love 1080, but I don't know if I can justify an extra 1200 bucks.

TheDeadMetalhead6149d ago

I may need to get an HDTV before I should get my PS3, huh?

...ALTHOUGH I'm pretty sure my SDTV can be converted from 480i to 720p with one of those Convertor Boxes. Hmmmm...I don't know... :/

arakouftaian6149d ago (Edited 6149d ago )

but if u live in the us wait for Black friday, in all the big stores like bestbuy, circuit city n etc they have big specials sale u can get a good tv for a chip price example a $1200 for about $800 that a good saving...

madjedi6149d ago (Edited 6149d ago )

I really hope that is sarcasm dead, if not wow, the converter boxes you are refering to basically intercept the digital signal and convert it into a analog signal that those dinosaurs can process.

Just because it is a digital signal doesn't mean it's in hd.

TheDeadMetalhead6149d ago

I don't have time to research TVs all day!!!!

I'm not some kind of TV expert!!!!

I know computers and Video Games!!!! DAMN!!!!

How the hell am I supposed to know about this crap!!? A TV is a TV!!!!

My god!! Can't I be clueless about one thing!!? JUST ONE THING!!!!?

Damn!!!

madjedi6149d ago (Edited 6149d ago )

Nobody here is, but an hr or 2 of research could not kill you, plasma/lcds are nothing at all like caythode ray tube/crt tvs.

Is it really nesscary to act like teenage drama queen with that post???

Fine ill make it easy on you

name brand tv
32+
hdmi version 1.3 at least
contrast ratio 2000-5000+
Lcd or dlp if you want it to be cheaper
720p or 1080p support, if it supports 1080i only don't even touch it.

2 perferably hdmi ports, av jacks, optical output for sound systems, component ports.

Warranty and purchase at an online retailer, like amazon.com is a good way to save money. I got my 40 inch 1080p samsung for $1150(income tax refund helped) and no shipping costs/no tax took about 2-3 days to arrive.

Frys electronics stores maybe be a good choice as well, avoid best buy they wanted $1699.99 for the same tv i bought from amazon for $1150 maybe it if is on sale.

Karebear6149d ago

They picked up a converter box that has a built in dvd player and they keep telling me how they love watching hdtv now. I took me flying my mom across the country and showing her real hd on my 72" Samsung before she would admit theirs wasn't hdtv.

I've found this is a HUGE problem in the US. People want hdtv but have no idea what it is. Stores like Best Buy and Circuit City aren't doing us any favors when they put crappy non hd signals to hdtvs in the store and people say they can't see a difference.

UltimateIdiot9116149d ago

If you're poor, you can use a monitor. That's what I did.

First thing you need to know is get a monitor with HDCP support. Most monitor made during 2007 and later should have it as standard. If the monitor has HDCP but no HDMI port, you can use a HDMI to DVI. The only problem is sound, you will have to plug in the composite cable and output sound to a speaker. If you want 1080p using a monitor, it's going to cost you at least 300.
19" will give you 720p
24" will you 1080p

wallace10006149d ago

You guys were pretty harsh on TheDeadMetalhead.
@ TheDeadMetalhead - you would get more out of a PS3 if you have an HDTV but it will work fine without one. Personally i played my 360 on an 24-inch SDTV for just over a year and a half before i got my 32-inch HDTV. Once you get an HDTV you will be amazed by the difference you see. I am not sure why those guys are being the way they are because most people know very little about tvs. If you are going to get an HDTV then i have a few tips if you wish to use them.
If you are buying under 40-inch then don't waste your money on getting a 1080p set (if you are swimming in cash then go crazy and buy the best you can :-P). If you have the money, then you want to buy screen size based on viewing distance. For example, if you buy a 32-inch tv, you want to be sitting between 48 and 96 inches away from the screen. This will give you the best picture quality.
If possible don't buy cheap to get a bigger screen size, because you can see a big difference in picture quality between cheap and quality sets. For gaming LCD is great because LCD and has almost caught up with the likes of plasma for black reproduction, but you will pay more per inch of TV when buying an LCD compared to a plasma for example. If you do get a plasma just to be safe for the first 100 hours or so you should try and not use games with stagnant images (Halo 3 hud) or watch news channels with ticker tape along the bottom (CNN) for a long period of time. Plasmas now have technology to prevent burn-in but when they are new out of the box it is best to break them in and be safe because tvs aren't cheap. The likes of CNET has very comprehensive reviews of tvs when you are deciding. If you have read this far then i hope some of that was useful and if you want more info just PM me.

TheDeadMetalhead6149d ago

@MadJedi

...Teenage drama queen? Is that the best you can come up with?? All I was saying is that not everyone is a TV Wizard like you.

Moron.

@Wallace1000

Don't worry about MadJedi. He's always hated me because I think that RE5 will come to Wii. He really does act like a 5-year old a lot.

Oh, yeah. And thanks for the info. But I think I'm gonna go for the PS3 first and see how it works for me (I have a 23" SD. It's only a few years old, and I'd hate to get rid of it so soon. Especially when it works so well). Because when I went to my friend's house we were playing some of his old SNES games on an HDTV, and they looked all messed up! And I still like my old games, too!! D=

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 6149d ago
Shankle6149d ago

I'm still playing happily on my 26" SDTV. One thing that makes a MASSIVE difference is getting a proper scart cable.

madjedi6149d ago (Edited 6149d ago )

That is assuming you have a 480p tv and not a 480i, trust me a hdtv makes a hell of alot more difference, once you switch there is no going back.

edit
I had an sdtv with monster cables, an hdtv wipes it's ass with an sdtv, all of my ps3 games look alot better on my hdtv than my old 480i sdtv, even some of my ps2 games had a ever so slight upgrade.

Either you have never actually seen ps3 games running on a decent hdtv or we are talking about 2 different things all togather.

Shankle6149d ago

Upgrading the scart cable (from the one that comes with the PS3) makes a bigger difference than upgrading from an SDTV with good scart cable to an HDTV with HDMI.

TABSF6149d ago

i sorry mate but any one will tell you that. SCART is one of the worst in the market the only reason it is used is because its one of the cheapest digital cables out there.

DVI, HDMI, YPbPr and D-Terminal 4 are the best cable for high resolutions (HD).
the max SCART can output is 576P (PAL 576P is higher than 480P and I)were as the max HDMI can output is 1080P plus there is firmware coming so to support more resolution.

Shankle6149d ago (Edited 6149d ago )

You're a fool. I'm talking about SDTVs. They only use SCART.

And Madjedi, I'm not saying HDTV doesn't look better than SDTV, but I am saying that the scart cable that comes with a PS3 is utterly kack, so upgrading the cable improves the picture quality dramatically, to the point where an HDTV of the same size doesn't look that much better.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 6149d ago
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260°

AMD CEO Shares Vision Behind Xbox Partnership and Next-Gen Chip Roadmap

AMD CEO Lisa Su talks about the Xbox AMD partnership, next-gen Ryzen + Radeon chips, and AI rendering tech coming to all Xbox devices.

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clouddosage.com
Obscure_Observer6d ago

AMD is really building hype around their unique partnership with Microsoft to help and build an advanced and seamless Xbox ecosystem across all Xbox consoles and devices.

I wonder what she meant by "full roadmap of gaming optimized chips" though? Seems ambitious.

Next year´s Xbox Showcase already looks promising and exciting. Here´s hoping they deliver.

InUrFoxHole6d ago

They had best show 3yrs in a row. Heading for another

VenomUK6d ago

Obscure_Observer said “I wonder what she meant by "full roadmap of gaming optimised chips" though? Seems ambitious.” To me, I interpret this to mean rather than having a couple of X/S products for launch and a handheld there is a longer term plan to release new products with higher specs at timed intervals. I’m speculating of course, but this could mean a spec bump every year or two, so that even if the PS6 or Steam Deck Home is released a year after ‘Xbox’ Microsoft can release an updated model that has a higher spec.

Agent755d ago

But Microsoft forgot the games.

KwietStorm_BLM6d ago

It's X3D chips for console. Everyone knows this. And it's been rumored in the PS6 forever.

Ganif5d ago

Correct.

"Sony's PlayStation 6 reportedly will feature an AMD semi-custom APU with a Zen 5 CPU and UDNA GPU, capable of 4K 120FPS and 8K 60FPS gaming. The console will include X3D cache and advanced AI upscaling technology."

https://www.tweaktown.com/n...

Obscure_Observer5d ago

"It's X3D chips for console. Everyone knows this. And it's been rumored in the PS6 forever."

I doubt that AMD´s CEO would waste her time making this huge and important partnership announcement over a tech that will be 7 years old by the those next gen consoles will be released.

Notellin5d ago

You should have just lead this comment with the fact that you have zero understanding of technology in the consoles and instead have a Toms Hardware online forum level of education.

Obscure_Observer2d ago

"It's X3D chips for console. Everyone knows this. And it's been rumored in the PS6 forever"

I´d told you were on some bs

https://www.pcgamesn.com/wp...

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 2d ago
Agent755d ago

But Microsoft forgot the games

Obscure_Observer5d ago

@VenomUK

"I’m speculating of course, but this could mean a spec bump every year or two, so that even if the PS6 or Steam Deck Home is released a year after ‘Xbox’ Microsoft can release an updated model that has a higher spec."

Very interesting theory. Still not sure how MS would actually make it work.

KwietStorm_BLM5d ago

"I doubt that AMD´s CEO would waste her time making this huge and important partnership announcement over a tech that will be 7 years old by the those next gen consoles will be released."

How old is the tech in consoles? It's not a huge announcement. It's marketing and you know it is.

Obscure_Observer4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

"How old is the tech in consoles? It's not a huge announcement. It's marketing and you know it is."

Dude, what I know for certain is that a tech as old as X3D chips which is actually *older* than both PS5 and Xbox Series consoles, is hardly the reason behind this new partnership between AMD and MS to build new *custom silicon* for next generation of consoles.

And yes it´s a huge announcement since AMD is working closely with MS to co-develop custom SoC which will allow backwards compatibility across all MS´s next gen devices allowing seamless integration between devices and full backwards compatibility across all generations of Xbox consoles.

I also know is that this announcement don´t have anything to do with Playstation and their strategy with AMD for the PS6, so stop comparing the two pretending that you know what´s going on, because you clearly don´t.

If Sony is working on something remotely similar, that´s remain to be seen.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 2d ago
Fishy Fingers6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

Some odd, deliberate wording, no branding, not 'Xbox consoles, Xbox handhelds' specifically, feels and sounds like they're building towards hardware that anyone can be used or licensed to/by themselves and other manufacturers.

Multiplatform software and hardware 'Xbox/AMD APU'.

Obscure_Observer6d ago

I guess you missed Sarah Bond´s next generation Xbox announcement this week, were she clearly states:

"I´m thrilled to share that we´ve established a strategic multi-year partnership with AMD to co-engineer silicon across a portfolio of devices, including, *our* next generation *Xbox consoles*."

But hey, I don´t think you´re entirely wrong, maybe MS will build their own Xbox consoles while licencing other manufactures to build and sell their own Xbox branded consoles. Who knows

BeHunted6d ago (Edited 6d ago )

I think you watched the wrong video. It's below the description, or you can watch it directly on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/kprpRvsOua...

HyperMoused6d ago

Shares vision....we provide chips for money, this deal will sell many chips, we will make lots of money...good vision

Christopher6d ago

The marketing behind this is so heavy that I worry about the actual outcome. Why are they just not showing us the product, why all this talking in market speak?

Lightning776d ago

Probably because the next xbox isn't ready to release yet?

The marketing and rumors seem to be heavy out of no where. The rumor was a 27 release but it maybe it could be 26 new console launch instead.

Who knows.

Eonjay6d ago

There PR is alrways super heavy handed. No one is acutally buying an Xbox as is.
Also it is very early to be talking so much about a next gen console.

Obscure_Observer5d ago

There´s a lot of people interested on Xbox Next and its ability to run games from major stores like Steam.

We know that the PS6 is just around the corner as well, but so far, no news on what it might improve over the PS5 or PS5 Pro.

However, Sony already made public that their priority and actual focus is the PS6. So its not "very early" to talk about next gen when the very console manufactures are talking about it.

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170°

Switch 2 accessory makers are “working hard” on magnetic analogue sticks to combat stick drift

Nintendo Switch 2 stick drift is already an issue, but accessory makers are already working on magnetic joysticks.

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videogamer.com
Neonridr13d ago

I've never had stick drift in any controller I've ever owned. All my joycons (3 sets) from my Switch are perfectly fine. My Switch 2 ones are good. Never had a dualshock / dualsense have it (did have a dualshock get a stuck trigger once). Even my Valve Index controllers which were notorious for drift were fine for me.

Goodguy0113d ago

Varies. Just because you've never had one doesn't mean others won't. I've had PS, Xbox, and Nintendo controllers indeed drift on me. Remember the drift lawsuits that Nintendo has had.

Please stop trying to say that traditional potentiometers are absolutely fine when hall effect/tmr sticks are beyond superior lol, not sure why so many people keep trying to defend potentiometers when hall effects are so pro consumer.
Companies like nintendo, sony, and mcsft don't want to implement them simply because they want you the consumer to keep buying them. Most casuals will just buy a new controller if theirs difts, easy money for the big 3.
I've gone hall effects and have never gone back, can leave my controllers out absolutely fine without worry of dust ruining the sticks.

Neonridr13d ago

when did I say that traditional joysticks are absolutely fine? I'm sharing my own experience here. I never said that others don't experience issues, nor that this is somehow acceptable. Strange leapfrog from A to B on that one.

People love to say it's a huge widespread issue, yet you only hear about it because the minority is vocal whereas the majority don't report anything because they are fine.

I'm happy you switched to hall effect sticks, if that's what works for you, then awesome.

Christopher13d ago

Cool? Pretty sure this is for those who are having it happen. Not sure how your anecdote addresses other peoples' problems.

Neonridr13d ago

people around here act like everyone will get drift. I'm willing to wager more people won't get drift than will.

Pyrofire9512d ago

lucky you. I've only had minor drift once in my L Joycon which I fixed with some card stock, but drift is an undeniable problem as a whole.

repsahj12d ago

My 2 sets of Joy-Cons from my OG Switch started to drift with just a month of use. That is why I bought Dobe Joy-Cons with just $25, and until now they are still fine. I hope this will never happen again on my Switch 2.

jznrpg12d ago

My left joy con for the OG Switch got stick drift right away as well. I never had issues with my PS5 controllers since launch until I got my kids PS5’s and they had stick drift with 2 controllers. They drop them because they are kids and although I have them wash their hands before gaming they still get gunk under them somehow. I got their controllers modded because they would have issues no matter what I have them do.

jambola12d ago

"people around here act like everyone will get drift. I'm willing to wager more people won't get drift than will."
no, nobody is acting like that, you're jsut exaggerating it and lying to downplay a problem

-Foxtrot11d ago (Edited 11d ago )

Nintendos biggest defender on here so it figures

gold_drake11d ago

you know, i said the same thing not too long ago and then BOOM both controllers ha.

one on the moving stick and one on the look around stick.

both suck arse. ha

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 11d ago
jznrpg12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

The tech is already there. I had a couple of my PS5 controllers modded with Hall Effect modules and they work great. They should come standard with them these days but they don’t.

OtterX12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

Nyxi already made some fantastic Hall Effect controllers for Switch 1. I don't know why Nintendo couldn't have it by now if Nyxi has had for years.

spoonard12d ago

Cheap, frictionless sensors ALREADY exist. Why are they "working hard to combat stick drift"? Stick drift should be a thing of the past at this point. The technology is here...NOW. It has been...for YEARS! Why is stick drift even still spoken about? It shouldn't exist!

Chocoburger12d ago

Because its a scam for Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft to sell more overpriced controllers.

jambola12d ago

because pathetic fanboys will continue to defend and support

Doomeduk11d ago (Edited 11d ago )

WD 40 if it's shagg.d anyway why not ? I ordered a new ps5 pad after Helldivers 2 and POE 2 became unplayable due to drift but in the meantime I fired a bit of WD on my balls just below my stick rotated in a clockwise fashion massaging it in so to speak and also did the pin reset thingy and all clean no drift and hit that cancel purchase button like I meant it

UltimateOwnage11d ago

Honestly I’ve used my original Switch JoyCons and Pro Controller since launch and only in the last year did I see drift start to show up on one of my JoyCons. I’m sure it happens depending on how much and how firm the joystick is used, but it seems like a minor issue that goes with wear and tear after thousands of hours of play. I wish there had been Hall Effect sticks on Switch 2 just so there’s one less thing to worry about, but I’m not really concerned about it.

110°

PC Gaming Show 2025

Tune in on June 8th for this summer's PC Gaming Show, featuring exclusive trailers, new game announcements, and developer interviews from around the world. Hosted by Sean "Day[9]" Plott, Mica Burton, and Frankie Ward, the showcase will include 70+ of the most exciting games in development, all of which can be found on our Steam Wishlist.