Projector with next gen consoles - will it look awful?

[Wadeski]

chaps - I have a Sony CX-70 (XGA resolution) projector which we use for DVDs and games. Currently i run a PS2 and my Neo Geo through it, and it looks outstanding, even in daylight as long as the curtains are closed. Bright, colourful, no-lag pictures using composite video.

The 120" picture with surround sound is hard to beat for impact

Thing is, my PS2 is looking a bit aged, and I am thinking of upgrading. Now i know XGA isnt quite a "True HD" resolution, as its just 1024x768 and it also runs in 4:3 not 16:9 native.

Also, it has composite, VGA (15 pin d-sub) and S-video inputs.

Simple question: will an Xbox 360 or PS3 look completely awful on it? Will i even be able to get the right leads?

[Mr_Yogi]

First off if you are happy with the PS2 on a projector there is no reason why a next gen console should be any worse.

Personally I found the PS2 connected to by 36" CRT quite bad and when I plugged it into my HD (720p) projector I thought it was even worse, but if you are happy with the image you should be in for a treat with a next gen console.

I would recommend to use the VGA, as the composite (you didn't mean component do you? three phono leads; red, blue, green) and S-Video are interlaced and can't carry your projectors native resolution.

I use my PS3 with my projector and the picture is fantastic.

I would say for your projector an XBox 360 would be best as it supports 1024x768 screens and also has a VGA connection. Whereas the PS3 only outputs widescreen resolutions (576p, 720p or 1080i/p) and requires an extra dongle (of questionable legality ) to output a VGA signal.

Normally I would recommend you base the purchase of the console on its exclusive games you want to play and the features of the console, however in your case a new projector will cost much more than the console itself...

Edited by Mr_Yogi on Monday 19th May 23:42

[Wadeski]

Aha, thanks for the tip - thats great to know the 360 can do XGA native. And yes i meant component, d'oh!

PS3 vs Xbox seems to be much closer than last year, when the PS3 was frankly a load of old balls. GT5 prologue is great, as does Wipeout HD.

[Mr_Yogi]

The PS3 can output over component and the quality is very good (only thing it wont do is upscale DVD's over component).

So providing your projector can accept a 720p signal over component and rescale/display it with the black bars top and bottom, i.e. not stretch/ distort it to fullscreen 4:3, then you may have a tougher desicion on your hands

[Wadeski]

actually ive looked it up and i do mean composite - its three leads but its audio L, audio R, and video.

which is crappy quality i know!

VGA input seems the best idea...

[franv8]

Run my projector with VGA from a 360. If it has to rescale (i.e. because of other than native resolution) then the picture looks soft, so I'd recommend VGA output and set it to what your projector is happiest with - cue nice sharp image!

120" is hard to beat! Wheels, pedals, Forza 2 job done!

This is for a 360 set up - I've no axe to grind either way, but don't have a PS3 so can't comment on set ups with that.