hdtvs and gaming

[sheath]

I picked up a Toshiba 40" LCD a couple of years ago. It has a "game mode" that almost completely eliminates input lag, but the TV only lags when it's doing its 120hz upscale thing called Clearframe I think. I'll have to do a video sometime with my CRT and LCD running the same game to see if there is still any lag with game mode on, but it doesn't feel like it. This set doesn't have S-Video either, so I've bought an RGB to Component converter, and an RGB to HDMI 720p upscaler. One works better for some systems than others, and one works better on the CRT I have hooked up and the HDMI works better on the LCD.

That said, I also have the Composite and S-Video cables hooked up for all of the systems that normally used them and I found a decent compromise for the S-Video problem. Radio Shack sells an S-Video/Composite distribution amplifier that will take Composite or S-Video signals and output both amplified and in really nice fidelity. Through this thing S-Video downconverted to Composite on my Toshiba still looks great and better than Composite output on that system does. It also enhances Composite signals very nicely whether you use the S-Video or Composite output, and that makes things a lot better for me since I've got most of my systems going through at least two Switcher boxes.

[kainemaxwell]

Ok, im stuck on what tv to get. Thinking of getting the Seiki SC-402TT 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV - Black cause its a good price and has s-video. Or I can get a more mordern one and get a new switch box (which I planned to anyhow) with component, s-video, etc, and jack everything through there if there's only one set of plugs (and dvd player). Any other suggestions on tvs, or ones with a "game mode"?

[Zing]

If you seek a TV for the systems you mention in the OP (snes, n64, etc), basically anything PS2 or earlier, then you shouldn't be getting an LCD. Just find a good, used Sony CRT.

[kainemaxwell]

Looking for something that would look decently mainly for PS2 (and up when the time comes), n64 and dreamcast. Other systems I can deal with later. Ok let's make this simple for some people, what's a good 40" lcd that has a game mode option.

[sheath]

It has been a while since I researched LCDs, but I would just go to google and type LCD TV review game mode and see what popped up. What you are really looking for is stats on how much lag the LCD set introduces, you want that to be as low as possible.

As for the PS2 looking decent, God help you.

[kainemaxwell]

thanks! Is "game mode" really all it's cracked up to be, or is adjusting settings yourself the way to go?
(talking in general)

[RCM]

thanks! Is "game mode" really all it's cracked up to be, or is adjusting settings yourself the way to go?
(talking in general)

You can do both. After you've selected the model or models you're interested search for reviews. CNET in particular has a great method of reviewing TVs, and the AVS Forums are a good place to check too.

[sheath]

thanks! Is "game mode" really all it's cracked up to be, or is adjusting settings yourself the way to go?
(talking in general)

I do both, depending on the game. For RPGs I don't bother with any setting changes, for a quick action game I turn on game mode. If I wanted some of the image enhancing features without the lag I'd turn off clearframe. CNET and AVS is where I researched this set before buying it, but what you really want is to find out how much lag the screen creates with all settings on and all settings off and see if you can live with that.

The Toshiba set I have had reviews online from gamers who claimed they could play fast action games with no problem. I also tested another cheaper set with my Nomad and games like Sonic and Street Fighter II before accepting that whatever lag in the input might be in LCDs is minimal on the good sets. If you get a model in mind and can find it in a store locally you might bring a game console with you and see if they will let you test it first. Don't feel obliged to buy it there if they do, just give it a good run in a fast paced platformer, racer, or fighting game not made by Namco.

Also keep in mind that most popular games from the PS2 on depend on analog stick deadzones and controller lag to maintain the graphics they are displaying. If what you want to play predominantly is on the Playstation consoles or the Xbox, and you aren't into niche action titles like Golden Axe Beast Rider, then the lag introduced by HDTVs is miniscule compared to the consoles themselves.

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/featur...o_.php?print=1
http://www.gamasutra.com/view/featur...onsiveness.php

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...gainst-latency

[theclaw]

As for the PS2 looking decent, God help you.

Ah yes. Multiple supported resolutions inside PS2, at 50hz or 60hz for importers... *sigh*