Video optimization

[itaos]

I would like to know what I can do to improve the quality of DVD and game playback, as the picture is pretty grainy and pixelated on my system. I realize this is mainly a business machine, and have searched past threads, but have not found many specifics. I've got a T42 with 14.1" SXGA screen and 9600 video card. Thanks in advance.

[nrj45]

Since Radeon 9600 is enough to run the most part of graphic applications, i guess your problem is with config or h/w problem.

Do you run your game and your windows resolution at the native resolution of your LCD ? I mean if you display a 800x600 (SVGA) or 1024x768 (XGA) image on your 1400x1050 (SXGA+), the "grainy" effect could be caused by the pixel interpolation your thinkpad make to enlarge and display the image on the whole SXGA+ screen.

Do you have the latest ati drivers ?

If you answer yes at the 2 questions, then I have no idea.

[motodude]

My T42 came from the factory set at high color (16 bit), and looked pretty grainy. Check display properties, settings tab, make sure it's set to 32 bit.

[itaos]

ok, so I installed the Omega drivers and that has kimroved the quality a lot. Does anyone have any recommendations for the best settings in the ATI tray tools?

[marvel]

Hi there!

I hope this thread is not dead yet...

My T40p had/have similar problems: The pixellation remained in 16 bpp mode, as if the shift to "higher" (32 bpp) depth never occured. The settings were in 32 bit mode, but the screen showed a pixellated, 16 bit set. When uninstalling the latest 3 drivers (i.e. using original, first or second drivers 6.13.10.6305) everything were fine. I have not tried to use a projector to see if the color settings will stay or not. They tend to change permanently to 16 bpp when I´m using a projector or second screen.