desktop backgrounds and quality degradation

Ok so I've been doing some serious skinning lately building everything in photoshp and then slicing up for various app skins etc.. to my dismay!! I have noticed a degradation when desktop backgrounds are applied, it appears that images are converted and turned into a low quality jpegs, a noticeable increase in noise and artifacting occurs.
Im not sure if this is a new thing or if its always been an issue in windows I guess my intense scrutiny of every pixel has driven me mad!!!







the images are resized so you need to click on them to notice.

Is there any way around this?

A what? Don't get it

It is likely that the issue stems from the image itself. I am not aware of any similar reports. My guess is that your using an undersized image.

BTW - I went to the doctor for a checkup. I'm getting older now and I have to stay on top of things. Anyway, the doctor told me that I was a bit overweight and should exercize more. I told him that I would need a second opinion. He said, "OK, your ugly too."

Thanks Grim

ok I can confirm in the crazy world of Microsoft that indeed if you try to apply a lossless image file such as png or bmp the image is converted into a low quality jpeg...

If you apply a lossy jpeg windows doesn't try to transcode and you will get the output you want...

makes total sense if you think about it

I searched google for Antism.. and nothing came up I get it now though

I've got friends in low places...