Video options for first build?

[TeutonicDarkness]

Hello,

 I'm in the planning stages of my first build. Though may even buy a premade cab.
Nothing is set in stone yet. I do know I really want to use an original xbox on this build.
My first question ( sure I'll have many more ) is:

 Is there a easy way to use both a original xbox and a pc in a cab?
I mean what would I use a TV, PC monitor, arcade crt?
Maybe something like a kvm switch to toggle between the 2?

 I could use just the xbox if I wasn't interested in Arcade shooters and
lightguns. If its too much trouble adding both thats ok too.

I can allways start another project later..


I welcome any ideas...


Thanks

[Dekieon]

I imagine you could get it to switch the signals between the devices quite easy using something like this  http://www.amazon.ca/Performance-Audio-Switch-Splitter-Remote/dp/B004INRKW6.

However I would think that turning on/off the pc and xbox would be a problem unless you have them both on all the time. Also trying to wire up all the controll to both would also prove to be difficult.

[05SRT4]

I am using a PC and an Xbox 360 in my cab. I switch from the PC and the Xbox using these.


I'm not sure where I picked them up at, I can do more research on them again if your interested. The back ends are VGA connectors. The setup I had before I got my CRT TV was a PC monitor. I use a x-arcade tank stick which goes from a Data VGA looking cable to USB. All i need to do is turn the switch to whatever I want to play. Now I only use one because I am using a CRT Sony TV so I have a remote to switch from S video or Comp.

[TeutonicDarkness]

  I have found i can use a crt monitor with the right adapters/ convertors.
Yes those devices u have there should work.
I still may be able to use both yet.
If u can find out were u got them that would be great.

[05SRT4]

Found them here
Are you going to be using a CRT TV or an actual arcade monitor?

[nipsmg]

I have svideo out on my computer, and I'm using this:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3932514

It works very well, and can be switched via a button on the device or via a remote.  the output and 3 inputs are on the back, one on the front (the front has a closing door).

Does composite, svideo, AND component for $30.  Best one I've gotten so far.  The others I've tried were crap, weak connectors, and failed quickly.

[TeutonicDarkness]

Found them here
Are you going to be using a CRT TV or an actual arcade monitor?

 I'm actually going to use a crt computer monitor.
I have an abundance of them and It will be easier
with to setup with a pc.
I'm going to use a XBOX Component  to VGA Converter.
I was originally wanting to use an arcade crt but I didn't know
how difficult it would be to switch between xbox and pc?

Hmm..

After looking closer at the switch boxes I don't think that's what I need
after all. It looks like that handles only video was thinking it was
similar to a kvm switch that has video, keyboard, audio.

 I planned to buy Ultimarc X-BOX Control Adapter. Since this thing
requires a ipac is it possible to plug the ipac into a kvm switch?

Its really hard to picture how it will all go together without
any of these items in front of me.
 

[05SRT4]

The 2 boxes that I have one is for the VGA because I used to use a PC monitor and the other was just data. This seemed to be the better router for me since I am using a X-arcade CP and the cable ends are VGA style.

I am not sure of a all in one switch for both the Ipac and the VGA. What kind of female connection is the Ultimarc adapter I couldnt really see it.

[sharpfork]

I think the xBox + an old 480i CRT TV with component video is the way to go.  You can get the TVs on Craigslist for ~$15.  Make sure the TV powers on and remembers the input if you unplug it while running and plug it back in.  From the PC side, there are a few options to get it running on component video.  In my cab that switches between xBox1, PC, x360, and PS2, I use a component switch like the one that nipsmg posted.  I put an old ATI 1650x and use one of these to convert DVI to VGA http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041901&p_id=2398&seq=1&format=2  It was pliug and play in Windows 7, I didn't even need to install ATI dirves and windows supported tate/ vertical in 480i out of the box.

If you have settled on doing VGA and are comfy with xBox modding, check out the Frosty VGA options for hard and soft mods.  I do these for bartops with LCD monitors.  If you are going to do a converter box, stick with your plan of XBOX Component as a course.  Don't settle for svideo or composite in.

I highly recommend checking out Degenatron's youtube video series on building an xBox powered WeeCade clone:

Although some of the video info is outdated (he uses a composite converter), the general ideas are solid.
His encoder info is a bit out of date as well.  He now is a part of the KADE encoder project (as am I).

The iPAc to xBox converter can be great depending on the software you use on the xBox (I use Vision and Coinops) and if you are willing to remap some of the buttons for exiting on the iPAc side.  You could theoretically put a PS2/VGA KVM in between the iPac and the xbox converter or PC.  I personally use the xbox firmware on a KADE and use xBox drivers on the PC so I just switch USB between the two.

[TeutonicDarkness]

 I will be definatly using xbox component to vga out box.
I allready got the convertor off ebay
Its now just a matter of if its going to be possible for me to
include a pc in this build.

I'm online purchasing some more stuff for it now!
will post more later...

[05SRT4]

there's no reason why you couldn't do a PC alos