Gaming Hacks

Tune Console Video Output

Understand the video options that your system does and does not support.

If you read [Hack #38] , you already know that I’m a bit of a home theater nut. One of the coolest things about setting up a great-sounding home theater is that it makes an excellent gaming rig at the same time. The same is true for improving your video system. Buying the right monitor and adjusting it for the best performance for movies will also give you the greatest gaming experience possible. In this hack, I will discuss how to adjust your monitor for the highest performance and the best way to hook up the consoles that you own.

Audio Versus Video Upgrades

If you’re on a budget and have to choose between investing in either your audio or video system, choose audio. Quality audio components depreciate slower than any type of video display. Good speakers won’t be much cheaper next year, but higher-end televisions will be. Video technology advances rapidly, so next year’s high end will replace this year’s top performer, driving down prices.

Audio technology moves more slowly, making it a a solid investment that will pay good dividends for years to come. For example, a solid receiver and quality speakers will often last for 10 good years. That just isn’t true for televisions today.

If you’re ready to run out and buy a brand new display, don’t let me stop you. There are a ton of really great monitors now with improved HDTV adoption.

Whether you are ready to hook up a brand new set or are ...