S-Video Question - ATI versus Geforce4

[winstonsawyer]

As you can tell from the information to the right of the post, I am a newbie at this amazing software package called MAME.  I have decided that I can't go on   without building a cabinet to house this extradinary software.  Now for the questions.

I currently have a Geforce4 MX 440 video card.  Unfortunaltely, when I bought it, I didn't care about the TV-out quality as I was only using the card for VGA - and it does a great job at that.  However, I now would like to use it in a MAME cabinet in conjunction with a newly purchased Toshiba 27" TV (I wish that I could slap down the 5 benjamins for the Wells G or NeoTec or even the happs 27", but I want to save money for the actual cabinet and controls).

So after purchasing the tv and hooking it up, I am 90% satisfied with the results.  However, even after messing with the utilities to correct flicker and such, I still see a slight blur or ghosting especially on vector games.  I have decided that I don't care enough to buy the more expensive monitor.  However, I have seen so many posts about "buy a Built by ATI" card only for MAME cabs.  I have seen it so many times that I am currently fighting an overwhelming urge to purchase a ATI Radeon 9200 128MB AGP Video Card with TV out from staples for $112.99.  I realize that it is slightly overpriced, but it is instant gratification plus a slight chance of returning it if I don't like it and the fact that I know that it is Built by ATI.  Oh, I also have an old ATI Rage 8MB with TV out that I have tried with slightly less pleasing results than the Geforce.

First of all, what do you guys think about the before mentioned video card - is it MAME worthy.  Secondly, do think that there is a cheaper solution - I hate searching for ATI video cards because of all the off brands.  Third, is my geforce as good as the ATI's.  Four, what quality should I expect in 640x480 in windows and tv-out.  It is legible, but nothing to write home about.

I appreciate your comments - I tried to find a definitive answer before posting, but I wasn't able to come up with anything.

[Zombie]

doesnt Geforce 4 MX series use nvdia's own tv-chip?
a friend had one of them but we never got it working, wasnt supported in tv-tool either. if its working and your happy with the results then maybe just stick with it.

the best might be an older 'Built by ATI' card, they use the Rage Theater Chip which has great tv-out, well havnt used one myself, but thats what they say
the 9xxx series uses a new chip which is built inside the GPU itself so in this case it might not matter which brand you choose.
the tv-out looks good on my Sapphire 9700 Pro, very comparable to NVDIA's Connexant chip (the best nvdia chip according to tv-tool website).
i still like the ATI better, the colors and it doesnt need 3'rd party software to get it working half decently, like black borders and such.
i would thought the ATI Rage 8MB had good tv-out. maybe its too old?

text wont be very readable via tv-out but should be good for Arcade Games.
the problem with s-v

[darklegion]

The geforce4 ti series have a pretty good tv out...make sure you get one that uses the conexent series of tv chips,the cx or the older bt series which have a few less features....no analog rgb out for one,but you won't be using that if your going to be using s-video.These cards are said to have the best tv-out of any nvidia card,and aren't the crappy onboard nvidia chip used in most(all?) of the mx series.

[Spaced Invader]

ATI does TV better...period. My Radeon 7500 looks better than my brand new Geforce 5600...well, when hooked to a TV anyway.   Seriously, the built by ATI thing is generally true; and if it bothers you then a Radeon will help. But it won't be arcade perfect without an arcade monitor, so, it becomes a question of whats good enough. I have two machines each with a TV inside (good enough for me) one with a Nvida chipset and with ATI (both are good enough--for me). I guess it's a question of what you'll be satisfied with.

[SpamMe]

My desktop uses a geforce4 4200, and the video out is alright, but definately not satisfying. I bought a radeon 8500 (still overkill) for $45 shipped used, and the difference is like night and day. There's no reason to get a $120 video card for mame. Buy it, test it, and return it maybe...

[winstonsawyer]

SpamMe,

Out of curiousity, is your 8500 a true Built by ATI card?  I am having trouble getting through all the powered by ati card at ebay.  Are all ATI radeon card circuit board red?