TV question using DVI-to-component.

[evitagen]

Here is my dilemma:  I'm using a 25" TV in my cabinet using S-video straight to my videocard that supports it.  Everything works perfectly fine this way.

However I want to add a Dreamcast to my cab and have it on a different input, but the only other input is a component one.  I don't think they even make Dreamcast component cables so I was going to instead use a DVI-to-component adapter and hook up the PC to the TV from the DVI port straight to the component.

I do this and it shows nothing on the screen at all.  I switch back to S-video and it shows perfectly.

Is there something I'm completely clueless on(Obviously) that I'm not understanding here?  The adapter I used it this:  http://sewelldirect.com/DVI-to-Component-Adapter-Cable-10ft.asp   except I bought mine on ebay for way cheaper.

I'm just trying to be able to have both my Dreamcast and PC hooked to the TV at the same time but I'm having trouble seeing as how I only have two inputs(S-video and component).

Any help would be appreciated.  I hope I elaborated enough on my problem.

[SailorSat]

Afaik those cables only work with 9000-series radeon cards and some of the first X-series radeons.

[DJ_Izumi]

A lot of graphics card's S-Video ports double as component video ports.  Look at the port itself, do you see 4, 7 or 9 pin sockets in the female end on the graphics card?

Most cards fit all 4 pins from the s-video cable but have 3 other pin sockets.  It's to allow alternate video output cables like this:

http://www.txcesssurplus.com/catalog/6912%20Pkgs.jpg

Some cards have 9 pin connectors, similar cable works.  These cables are not frequently sold with the cards but are available from the OEMs and third parties.

[evitagen]

Thank you for that reply.

You're right about my "S-video" port on the videocard side.

I guess I basically just bought the wrong cable.  I thought I could go component by using a DVI-to-component cable instead, but it doesn't work.  Guess I have to use the "s-video" port through the videocard in order to use my component.

What are those cables called exactly so I can find a cheap one on ebay?

[DJ_Izumi]

Uhh 'ATi Component Output Cable' or Nvidia, whoever makes'em.  I'm unsure of the component cables for one company's card would work with another.  Also check to see if your card uses a 7pin or 9pin connector.

[evitagen]

Thanks for that information my friend.  Very helpful and I appreciate it.

[Epyx]

Also make sure you have the right cable for the right card...ATI component out cables for their 7/9 pin ports don't generally work on Nvidia and vice versa.

[evitagen]

So I guess to determine whether or not I have a 7 or 9 pin I simply count them, right?

I do have an ATI, by the way.

[Epyx]

Yes count them...but the 9pin ATI isn't going to necessarily be compatible with a 9pin Nvidia.  However, based on my testing (I have an 8800gtx and some older ATI cards X1650 for example) the newer cards are mostly compatible.

So if you have 9 pins for example this cable will work for you:

http://www.pccables.com/cgi-bin/orders6.cgi?action=Showitem&partno=01779&rsite=01779