I have a question..my TV is 1366X768 native. Through VGA (what I use) my 360 doesn't have that exact output resolution option, the closest one is 1360X768, 6 pixels off.
Yes, this is how it is with all XBox 360 via the VGA cable, also if using a DVI connection. You just cannot get 1366x768 out of the 360 chip. If you are wondering why this is so, 1360 is divisible evenly by 8, 1366 is not.
Now, what I'm trying to do is minimize lag. I assume that using the 360's scaler will mean less lag than using the TV's, correct?
As I understand it, and as my experience bears out, yes.
Therefore rather than say, setting the 360 to 1280X720, and letting the TV upscale to 1366X768, I figure it would be best to set the 360 to 1366X768, so the TV is not upscaling...except as mentioned above there's no exact 1366X768 output in the 360 menu, the closest is 1360X768, which is what I have it set at.
I'm just wondering if, even though it's only 6 pixels, I'm getting hit with a double scaling whammy (lag) there...first 360 720P>1360X768, then TV 1360X768>1366X768?
Your TV
should be smart enough to figure this out. It's getting a signal but being told not to bother with three lines on each side. It's as close to a 1:1 mode as you will get with this resolution, I'd argue that it is a 1:1 mode but, on some sets, I dunno. I would expect, however, that if it is working with the image that it is probably doing it this way. My own (Panasonic plasma monitor) does
not work with this resolution via DVI, because it is processed more at the set, and because it isn't getting a standard res, blanking out. The VGA connection on the same screen however, just has a straight connection through, no chips at all between the signal and where it's got to go. Most sets seem to go this route and a lot of 2D fighters in particular have opted to go the VGA route with HDTVs when faster responsiveness is important, though this isn't a cure-all with every set out there as some just have inherent lag with the physical display.
For TV scaling, is less scaling = less lag? Is scaling from 720P to 1366X768 less laggy than 720p to say, 1080p? Or does it not matter, a scale is a scale?
The best thing to do is something such as you saw on the last page, get a CRT and connect them both to a single computer, run your timecode and snap a photo. Different sets just work with the signals differently, or even as I've mentioned, the same set might work with different signals differently. You are definitely on the right track though as the less scaling that you can introduce, the more responsive your game is apt to be. The 360's GPU scaler is just "really good."
And really..the whole nature of scaling on 360 confuses me...what about the many games that aren't 720P native such as Modern Warfare 2? Are they introducing scalar lag by virtue of the 360 upscaling them to, say, 720P?
In other words my thinking is, 720P game, 360 set at 720P, =no scaling lag from that side of the equation. Am I wrong? Now what if it's a 600P game? What goes on there?
I'm pretty sure that COD4 (et al) scaled from their 640p (or whatever it was) to the resolution you set in your dashboard but I'm sure better observers or better memories than mine can correct me on that. But in your 720=720 equation then yes, there should be no more lag than whatever the set can physically manage to display.
