There was a Direct X update from Micrsoft here recently. The only way to get it is to go to their website: wwww.microsoft.com/directx and download the DirectX installer to re-install it. It will automatically apply the patch as nescissary. That will sometimes correct the playback issues. Also are you running your display in its native resolution? For my E1505 it is 1680X1050. If you are not, that will also cause the problem you are talking about. Also I would ensure that your DVD decoder program is up to date. Finally, if all else fails, set you display to 740X480. That is the resolution standard that DVD's are encoded in. I hope this will help. Let me know.

Good Luck!

The directx is completely up to date, and it is my native resolution. As for the decoder, I'm just using what they sent me, nothing special. If there's an update for it, I can't find it. When I shrink the video, the quality gets better (sharper) as expected, and I'd be fine with that if it wasn't for the fact that I have a high-end laptop with which I want to use its widescreen to full potential.

I had to ask those questions. I know what you mean, having a high end piece of gear, and not having it not work up to specs, is not fun. It sounds like a decoder problem. It has a hard time handling that high of a resolution. The decoder software has to up the resolution of the DVD from the DVD's 720X480 (correction from my last post, I hate it when I miss type) native resolution to the resolution your laptop is set at. The greater the push-up in resolution, more distortion and picture issues tend to creep in. I have found, on average, some of the media software that is included on most laptops have issues. I usually end up removing them and replacing them with something else. I did not even try the software that was included with my E1505, I just replaced it with something else.

I found an update on the Dell site for the Sonic Solutions Digital Media. Which I think is the Dell decoder, and it is located here: http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R109029&SystemID=INS_PNT_P4_9400&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=8823&devlib=0&typecnt=1&vercnt=2&formatcnt=1&libid=25&fileid=141506

You are going to have to copy and paste the address into your browser, I can't seem to get the *&^% links function to work here. I use Cyberlink's Power DVD 5. One of the best places on the web for information and ratings on all things video is: wwww.videohelp.com It will also list some free DVD decoders. If you want to go down the same road I did, and just use your own software. I hope the link will help fix the problem.

As others have mentioned, DVD resolution is limited to 720x480, so note that DVDs will NEVER take full advantage of the E1705's nice display.

HDTV and game content is a different story.

That said, I don't use the stock DVD player software either. I use xine on Linux, I can't really reccommend any Windows based solutions unfortunately.

Cyberlink's PowerDVD works real well for windows. The nVidia codec also works, but can be a little tough to get to work. If you really want to play around with stuff, there is a version of Linux's Xine out there for Windows. I also use that in my Linux box.

I also use PowerDVD on my gaming rig. I have a 20.4" widescreen monitor there set at the same res as you laptop and the picture quality is awesome.

Dell E1505 Centrino Duo running Windows XP
Acer Aspire 1681Wcli Centrino with Linux (Fedora Core 5)
Homebuilt Media PC Athlon 64 3200+ dual boot XP and Linux (Fedora Core 5)
Homebuilt Gaming Rig Athlon 64X2 4800+ with 2 GeForce 7800XT in SLI, dual boot XP Pro and Vista beta 2

Yes, I use PowerDVD too... Picture is still blah

NVidia DVD codec just works, there is nothing to do to get it to run, if you are running in linux then i would guess it may be a hassle but in windows other than installing it, it should just work.  Do a search on Nvidias site for NVDVD and read the info on it, allows for more advance settings in WMP with specific contol panels.  You should note though you have to have a title inserted and started some times to get to the properties page.

I downloaded the codec, but the quality is still the same. I'm guessing it's something with my computer, and not any software. All DVD players I've tried have the same unacceptable pixelation.

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@GeneralDAS wrote:
I downloaded the codec, but the quality is still the same. I'm guessing it's something with my computer, and not any software. All DVD players I've tried have the same unacceptable pixelation.

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Probably one of two things:

1) For some reason your video settings are not running the LCD screen at its native resolution. In this case, EVERYTHING would be looking like trash.

2) You're being excessively picky. DVDs are limited to 720x480 resolution, they will not even come close to taking full advantage of a modern screen. Garbage in, garbage out. (i.e. it's the content.)