TV Component Input: DVI vs. VGA

[StormGiant]

Long time lurker - first time poster.  Very helpful and great community.  I've had dozens of questions since I started my project, but almost all have been answered already - searching through all the old posts is half the fun.

I've decided to go with a 24" TV (US) with Component inputs.  ATI Radeons with one of their Component adapters seem to be the best for this setup.  Has anyone done a DVI vs. VGA adapter comparison like the S-video vs. Component output side-by-sides?  Is there even any difference between using a DVI-to-Component adapter or VGA-to-Component adapter?

[southpaw13]

I went with an NVIDIA chipset with component out from Leadtek.  It even has conpensation for overscanning.  Best set up hands down for me.  Ton's of adjustments and you don't need Powerstrip to make it work.

I'm satisified,
Southpaw

[toolaa]

I have the Radeon 9600 with Component out going to a Sony 24".  The picture for most arcade games is very good.  I have another cab running VGA with a 19" monitor and the TV is better. 

There is one small problem you'll have to learn to deal with.  The component out only supports 640x432 resolution.  Windows does not normally run in this mode and navigating around the OS is almost impossible.  I spend many late nights working through these issues.  Switching back and forth between 800x600 S-Video mode with screen panning back to component.  I would recommend that if you have an on-board VGA adaptor in addition to the ATI you hook up a cheap VGA monitor to get you through all of the setups until you get MAME working exactly how you want.

Good Luck!!!

[elvis]

Is there even any difference between using a DVI-to-Component adapter or VGA-to-Component adapter?

DVI is pure digital.  VGA is pure analogue.  Component is analogue.

DVI->Component would either need a third-party DAC, or use the Analogue passthrough that some DVI connectors have (DVI-I connectors).

Specs here:
http://techpubs.sgi.com/library/tpl/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi/0650/bks/SGI_EndUser/books/Fuel_UG/sgi_html/apa.html#id5201063

The C1-C4 pins don't exist on DVI-D adaptors.

Another here:
http://www.datapro.net/images/dvi-config.jpg

Assuming that these are using the analogue "passthrough" in DVI-I cables, the quality difference between DVI->Component and VGA->Component should be nil.  I've not tested this myself, so someone please correct me if I am wrong.