Vicotnik wrote:NyteOwl:I'm not debating you about the picture quality of the Matrox cards. All I'm saying is that IF the DVI output is bit-by-bit identical then there can be no debate over which bitstream is better than the other. They are the same. Are you with me so far?
The world of theory makes many people (those who lack the understanding of proper implementation ) shape incomplete conclusions when exploring the same. I wrote long ago very extensive piece on this subject. Sadly, in my native language and away from mercy of your understanding. So in short :
The quality of 2D filters for DVI output are just as important for analog output. theoretically, all DVI output signals should be identical. In the real world they are certainly not.
Main ingredients that would affect the DVI quality on the graphic's card :
-
dvi transmitter
-
filters & capacitors used
- and mostly quality and execution on
PCB design.
Implementation supplies the real merit of final results and mind you, not every DVI projects the same quality. Far from it. Particularly under serious scrutiny of pictures, fonts particularly on highest resolutions. This is where big boys are always separated. Is it viable for every user? Certainly not.
The World of audio for example is filled with failed promises from alleged and theoretical transmission standards that entered audio domain from IT world Simply on its promise of perfect transmission. In reality, nature of audio signal is not so simple and cannot be treated with their designated simplicity. That is why today, when one observes many consumer and High End audio products since early 90's; many of the I/O communications makes industry people laugh today. Again, this is where theory never presented its glory and only remained a raw declaration.
I wont even go to Satellite sphere, filled with failed promises, again based on opulence of theory. To simplify things even more... one should place very little significance to his new digital camera, after all every 10MP camera would yield the same picture quality. Right? Well, I think you know answer to that question
On my main working machine, also, partly a file server, I always use only Matrox. At the moment Parhelia and additional G450 PCI card. Would it be fair to say that present implementation of 2D filters is more then adequate on many (even cheaper cards) presently available cards. Yes, most likely will please even more then average users. This is not an exercise toward elitism where I would blindly defend virtue of Matrox. Far from it! On other working machines, I always use ATI cards. My main problem with Nvidia is that Nvidia slightly varies with 2D quality on consumer cards, while pro range serves to be more consistent.
On the other hand, ATI 2D quality (omit some bad apples) was always consistent, enough to make sure it was targeted priority for ATI. For many users difference between best Matrox output vs ATI would be completely pointless. Even the most economical range would be adequate in this domain. When observing video and some other areas, I found many Nvidia cards... not quite handling with same aplomb in quality department as ATI and Matrox. Yes, this is rather general comment, after all, there so many models from Nvidia. But this inconsistency among some models, always bothered me and secured my choices away from Nvidia.
With highest qualitative judgment of 2D quality, there is micro, but still visible refinement in the way my Parhelia treats fonts quality when compared to any other card. I've really tried to convince myself that I simply romantised Matrox relationship. No, the quality of fonts is a notch above any other card and that is the fact. Many would not be able to perceive that, but it is there and yes, it is a small notch better.Sure, one can equal with settings on other adapters, but certain flair of sharpens is destined with Matrox.
Precision of adjustability is another trademark that keeps many owners loyal for life with Matrox. With all those utilities and gadgets, I never have elegance and power of Matrox range while setting my ATI machine.
Towards the more realistic prospect... to justify the price of M9140 LP is surely mission impossible. Nevertheless, considering that no Matox card ever died on me (I can't say that for ATI and Nvidia range owned) I will most likely consider this card for my next upgrade.
Forgive my lengthy introduction since this be me my first post here
Thanks for your patience.