Best Resolution for 4:3 TV Playback

[OvERaCiD23]

I've attempted searching for the answer, but can't find a definite answer anywhere on this site. I'm wondering what the best resolution is for TV playback (NTSC, 4:3). I usually use 800x600 @ 60hz, but my TV-out supports up to 1024x768. Would it be better to use the higher resolution, or possibly lower (maybe down to 640x480 @ 120hz)?? I've never switched between them to see a difference and don't have the time right now (finals are coming up!). Has anyone done any testing, or have any knowledge on this?

[trodas]

Best resolution is always this one, what looks best for you on your equupment. So, feel free to experiment.

Teoreticaly, the best playback will definitively NOT be on the TV, becuase image quality on TV is damn low, compared to good monitors. And secodn line - best resolution is that, into what are the movie already is - so, playback w/o scaling the movie, because scaling degrading quality a lot. ;)

So, that basicaly it is :D ;)

[gsxrpilot]

I have found on my laptop with TV out that the best screen resolution is 640 by 480. The reason for this is that NTSC video is around 640 by 480 (or 720 by 480) and most video sources are encoded at these resolutions. The computer doesn't have to work as hard to convert the output from the source resolution to the screen resolution if they are the same so playback is smoother.

[OvERaCiD23]

so basically, use a resolution that's closest to the source (640x480 will be the one then). will the refresh rate increase quality at all while playing back on TV (default=60hz, would 120hz be better)? (I use my laptop for playback, and yes, the TV softens the image incredibly compared to my LCD).

[Zhnujm]

there would be no effect in increasing the refresh rate, the tv-out is limited to 50/60Hz anyway.