RE Video output Quality

So in playing around with Western Digital's HD Media Player, I came across something: The video output on this thing's HDMI to the TV's HDMI has better image quality than the HTPC's video card output (which is DVI-HDMI adapter to the TV's HDMI). The HTPC plays mkv files using VLC, but the images seem more washed out and not as crisp as the same mkv file played by the WD Media player.

Is any one else noticing this?

Well I suspect the adapter as well. But as far as play back is concerned, I'm not playing from Bluray but rather a Bluray rip. And the card is HDCP capable, though in this case that's not necessary b/c the movies are ripped, not played straight from Bluray disc.