VGX-XL302 blurred text

[Scrivy01]

Hi experts, please help.
I have my new VGX-XL302 connected to a Bravia KDL-32S2010 TV using component cables (I've also tried the HDMI cable) and no matter what screen resolution I try. I find the image quality very disappointing.
It's like a normal PC with a normal LCD screen at too low a resolution, text has a blurred look and then you set it the correct, usually highest, resolution for that screen and everything is pin sharp.
However, I've downloaded and installed all the updates from Sony, and no matter which screen resolution I try it's always blurred, and on some settings disappearing off the edge of the screen.
Any help, advice and guidance will be much appreciated.
Thanks

[ChalkyWhite71]

Hello, and welcome to the forum. I'm no VAIO expert but may be able to start you off;

have you another PC you can connect to the PC VGA connector to see if the image is sharp?

depending on the operating system (I assume you're on Vista), there is a clear-type setting under Display settings, Appearance tab then Effects. Try changing to this from the "standard" setting. ClearType can soften the text edges.

to discount the screen itself, do the onscreen menus appear sharp?

My starter for ten.

[Scrivy01]

Hi ChalkyWhite71,
Thanks for your suggestions.
A good idea to find out if it's the TV or the PC that's the issue, I'll get a chance in the next couple of days to find out, watch this space!
Regards
Simon

[Scrivy01]

Hi ChalkyWhite71

I have tried your suggestion, hooked up a Dell PC to the Sony Bravia TV using the PC input on the back, the Dell auto selected a resolution, it's pin sharp, great to look at, no eye strain there. I'm happy my TV is OK now, just need the right resolution from the Vaio.

Sony support tell me 'they are looking into it' and have passed the problem to head office!!, Good job I'm not holding my breath.

This problem combined with no DVD playback at all and no sound on BlueRay (lovely picture mind) both WinDVD issues I think, makes this the most expensive paper weight I've ever come across.

Any one out there able to help, please get in touch.
Simon

[metcaa1]

Hi,

The resolution of your telly is 1366 x 768. Do not use component input if you can help always use the hdmi connection.

If available set your desktop resolution to the above or set it in Media Center if you prefer.

If this resolution is not available and you have already run the Sony update to get the latest Nvidia driver, then its possible they do not support this resolution (I have read this in another forum I think). I which case their resolution was to download the latest Nvidia drivers for the 7600GTL which is the card in your 302.

What are the DVD playback problems you are having, is this in MCE or just in WinDVD.

I think the sound problem can be resolved by disabling either the spdif output or the HDMI cannot remember which. Right click on the speaker icon and select playback devices. make sure digital out put device is selected and the default, and then select properties and output chanel and try either hdmi or spdif only. Of course you'll need to have the hdmi cable plugged into the TV for this to work.

Hope that helps a little!

[ChalkyWhite71]

If you have Dolby Digital Live selected in your Sound Reality Applet (run stac97.cpl), then I don't think you get any sound over HDMI, only over the optical link.

[Scrivy01]

Hi, thanks for the suggestions.

I've solved the no sound issue with 'BlueRay' disks by doing a factory reset, they now look and sound great.

Still unable to get a screen resolution that provides a crisp image when using the gadget as a PC, ie a bit of 'surfing', email etc. I'm fairly sure it's going to be a video driver issue.

The DVD not playing problem is still here, seems to be related to the video card or driver, the error message pops up in green type "STOP, your display environment does not support protected content playback" when I try to use Intervideo 'WINDVD BD for Vaio' and if I try Windows Media Player I get this message "Windows Media Player cannot play this DVD because it is not possible to turn on analog copy protection on this output display. Try installing an updated driver for your video card"

Sony support , well I can't think of anything polite, I'll let 'no comment' say it all.

Any suggestions gratefully received
Simon