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How to Get an HD Nintendo Wii

As of 2010, the Nintendo Wii does not support true HD output. At best, it can support 480p with the purchase of component A/V cables. However, there is a third-party work around available for the gamer determined to see games in full 1080p. The VD-W3 Wii HDMI Upscaler Processor was developed to upscale the Wii's video output quality, fitting the games to wide-screen displays and smoothing over the jagged lines that expanding the image usually creates. The VD-W3 doesn't provide the level of graphics that PS3 and Xbox gamers have become used to, but it is a handy tool for connecting the Wii to any kind of monitor and it might tide gamers over while the world waits for news on the next generation of Wii consoles.

Things You'll Need

HD compatible television or PC monitor
HDMI cable or HDMI to DVI adaptor and DVI cable
VD-W3 Wii HDMI Upscaler Processor

Instructions

- 1
  Connect the Wii to the VD-W3 Processor. On the back of the Processor are a pair of cables and plugs. Insert the fatter of these plugs into the Wii output jack called "AV Multi Out." This sends the video and audio signal from the Wii to the VD-W3 Processor and eventually to the television.
- 2
  Insert the smaller of the plugs into the Wii output jack called "USB." This powers the VD-W3 Processor. The Processor does not use a separate external power source.
- 3
  Connect the Nintendo Wii to an HD television using an HDMI cable. These cables are sold by most electronic retailers. Plug the HDMI cable into the front of the VD-W3 Processor and connect the other end to the television. The exact location differs depending on the television make and model.
- 4
  Connect the Nintendo Wii to a PC monitor using an HDMI to DVI adapter and a DVI cable. The adapter and cable is sold by most electronic retailers. Plug the smaller end of the HDMI to DVI adapter into the front of the VD-W3 Processor. Plug the DVI cable into the other end of the adapter and connect it to the PC monitor. The exact location differs depending on the monitor make and model.
- 5
  Flip over the VG-W3 box. Manually configure the six dip switches on the bottom of the box to fit your display size and output. For televisions, set the switches to 1080p, Mode 1, Enhance and HDMI. For PC monitors, set the last switch to DVI.
- 6
  Turn both the television and the Nintendo Wii on and wait for the main Wii Menu screen to appear. Use the Wii Mote to point at the lower left of the Wii Menu screen where there is a button called "Wii Options." Select this and then select "Wii Settings>Screen."
- 7
  Go into "Widescreen Settings" and select "Widescreen (16:9)" and confirm. The Wii will ask you to confirm again. Do so and the display will go dark while the Wii adjusts the new display settings.
- 8
  Return to the "Screen" menu and select "TV Resolution>EDTV or HDTV (480p)" and confirm. The Wii will ask you to confirm again. Do so and the display will go dark while the Wii adjusts the new display settings. Once this is complete, your Wii is successfully configured for upscale graphics.

Nintendo Wii