[jameson_uk]

Just wondering whether it is worth looking into ISF on my Panny 42PZ80 plasma when I only have a HTPC as the source?

My concern is that the using a PC as a source introduces a million levels of extra complexity that are not there for standard DVD/BD/PS3 sources. For example I am concerned that my graphics cards is not correctly handling the colour space (I think that is the correct term) correctly and whilst there are settings for 0-255 and 16-235 I am not sure these are working as they should.

[KelvinS1965]

I don't know the answer, but if you did go ahead with a calibration, you would have to make sure that you don't update your graphics drivers, codecs and other media playing software as you never know what changes they have made (or messed up). I use DVB Viewer software and an ATI 3650 card, but I've updated them at various times and noticed changes to the image.

[Gordon @ Convergent AV]

It's certainly possible but, having seen many, many HTPC'...I have to say....there has to be a better way to watch media. I've seen PC's built by IT guy who know all about the drivers and the cards to use etc and many (but not all) have been crap....crap the the point where one software is used for one file type because the sound is good with it but the image is crap...then the one where the image quality is correct the sound wont work....massive differences from one media player to the next in video quality are in my experience common and as has been mentioned, change the drivers and it can all change again...not always for the better.

So, yes, it's do-able...but with the caveat that you could make it all for nout if you keep altering the hardware/drivers/software in the PC afterwards.

[jameson_uk]

Originally Posted by Gordon @ Convergent AV

It's certainly possible but, having seen many, many HTPC'...I have to say....there has to be a better way to watch media.

The one big advantage though is everything is integrated so the misses can turn it on, watch TV, listen to music, play a DVD... My old setup with seperate CD/DVD/Sky+ meant switching inputs on TV and amp and then the volume on one remote not controlling the volume....

I've seen PC's built by IT guy who know all about the drivers and the cards to use etc and many (but not all) have been crap....crap the the point where one software is used for one file type because the sound is good with it but the image is crap...then the one where the image quality is correct the sound wont work....massive differences from one media player to the next in video quality are in my experience common and as has been mentioned, change the drivers and it can all change again...not always for the better.

So, yes, it's do-able...but with the caveat that you could make it all for nout if you keep altering the hardware/drivers/software in the PC afterwards.

I guess that is my worry. I am generally happy with my playback for SD material and I think the HTPC upscales my DVDs better than mid-high-range DVD players my friends have. I do not really have much to compare BD playback to but from what I have seen of my mates PS3 my machine handles it much better.

I am guessing that HAA setup would be less effected as this would be less effected by changing source?

[Liam @ Prog AV]

It's that age-old quality versus convenience question. You won't get both LOL! At least with decent programmed remotes and well thought out setups with seperate sources it will have the appearance of being a single easy to use system since the single remote will be controlling all the various sources in the background. Of course the skill of the programming, and the ability of the kit to be easily controlled will make or break the system.