Noticeable improvement with new cable

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I've had my Mac Mini hooked up to my monitor's VGA input using the supplied DVI/VGA adapter. While not bad, it bugged me that things were a bit fuzzy around the edges no matter how much I fiddled with the settings. Since my LG monitor comes with a DVI input, I wanted to see if there would be any apparent differences.

Well, there are! Not groundbreaking, but fonts are decidedly crisper and easier to read. Don't really notice much difference in color, but things are definitely much sharper. The only gripe I have is that the 3ft 24AWG cable ain't all that flexible!

Embarassing story of my laziness--Monoprice, who I got the cable from, is 5 minutes from my work. Yep, you guessed it, still had it shipped to me. Didn't feel like driving on my lunch break. I also bought some RG6 cable, which I needed for my new TV, so I don't feel completely guilty about shipping.

That's kind of funny Sean, I tried the same thing with absolutely NO change.

Wished I would have a bit of your Irish luck.

Got a Samsung LCD 19" widescreen for Christmas. Wasn't overly impressed with the text "crispness", so I ordered up a new videocard with the DVI out. Hooked everything up, loaded the new drivers and, voila! Looks exactly the same.

Inquiring about, the guy at Past Shop Worst Buy said I should order the Monster Cryogenic DVI cable, and do a 247 hour break-in. He said the "imaging" will be incredible, and that subtle nuances would be revealed with proper cables.

Yep, that will fix my problem.

Quote:

Inquiring about, the guy at Past Shop Worst Buy said I should order the Monster Cryogenic DVI cable, and do a 247 hour break-in. He said the "imaging" will be incredible, and that subtle nuances would be revealed with proper cables.

LOL!

You know, at first I thought it was my monitor, an LG 19" widescreen, and didn't really bother with it for a few months. I used to use a 15" Powerbook which had a really nice display--sharply detailed and no blockiness to text. Maybe it's because it was a smaller display.

The difference between the VGA and the DVI is slight, like I said, but noticeable. The adapter that came with the Mini is basic. I didn't know it came with one and also bought an adapter from Monoprice. That one has ten little levers on it to tailor it to the display. Maybe that would make a difference. It's still in the plastic wrap, though--didn't feel like trying to figure it out. Wow, more evidence of me being lazy. I see a theme here.

Part of the difference between VGA and DVI is that with VGA, the monitor is translating from analog to digital. It's why Auto adjust works on VGA inputs, but not DVI--and why you don't have to adjust DVI.

Yep. I'd expect that. Not only did you get rid of one item in the chain (the Apple-supplied adapter), you went from analog transmission to digital transmission on the cable.

Now, when that cable breaks in you're in for a real treat.

Can't wait for it to break in. Luckily, I bought the 3 foot version so it hangs off the floor. That way the gamma rays emitted by my downstairs neighbor won't interfere. Dodged that bullet.

Ken--thanks for the technical knowledge.

If you need a tin foil hat, just let me know. I collect a few trade-ins per week as the meds take effect.

I'd take you up on that, J.P., but I prefer to fold my own.

Besides, I use tin foil underwear--my neighbor is downstairs.

That's just what he wants you to think!

Just in case, I'll place an order for a pyramid hat and I should be covered.

That's frickin' awesome. Thanks for getting my day off to a good start!

Maybe it'll help my gouty teeth...