need tech help with oscilloscope and arcade monitor readings

[desmatic]

I'm looking to test the video signals for arcade monitor frequencies, and I've stumbled upon a cheap effective solution, though I'm not sure whether or not it will work.  There's a program that turns the mic input of your sound card into an oscilloscope, however, I'm under the impression that the sound card input is ac and that vga output is DC.  Anyone know enough about electronics to if this is true?

Also anyone have any experience with http://www.picotech.com oscilloscopes.  They're offering the cheapest solution I could find, an ouchy 600 dollar solution.

[D_Zoot]

Also anyone have any experience with http://www.picotech.com oscilloscopes.  They're offering the cheapest solution I could find, an ouchy 600 dollar solution.

IMHO,  you would be better off with a real scope than a PC based unit.   A real scope is more portable and easier to get next to your work.  Plus, there's often a lag factor with inexpensive PC based units.

You can buy a real scope new for well under 600 bucks.   
Here's one example:
jameco.com link

You could probably get a used one from ebay cheaper than that still.

I'd do that before I spent more money on any PC based units.


Regards,
D

[desmatic]

Thanks.  The PC solutions looked cool, but the more reading I do the less attractive they become.  I'll probably go with you suggestion and just get a traditional oscilloscope off of ebay.

[desmatic]

Just got one off ebay, a "like new" LG OS-5020G 20mHz Analog Oscilloscope.  yummy yummy.  I'm hoping this will bring video card testing for arcade monitors to a whole new level.

Anyone have any experience with these LG oscilloscopes?  From my reading they look like bottom of the line, affordable amateur stuff.  Retail for around $500 (got it off ebay for $130).