Component Cable Solution?

[Vash]

I have an oldish JVC TV with component inputs on the back.  I've read several times that component is the best way to go if the option is available on the monitor you're using, so I'd really like to get it working.  My problem is that my video card only has a dvi, vga, and s-video output.  Short of buying a separate box to transcode the signal (which I hear overheats like hell...not good in an enclosed wooden cabinet), I was wondering if there was a solution.  I'd be okay with buying another video card with component outs on the back as long as the price was reasonable.   Any help would be appreciated.

Edit - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815117102

That's a converter box I might consider getting, but the first user review says that it gets upwards of 80c when running for long periods of time, and you have to turn it on manually when you shut the computer off.  Not an ideal solution by a long shot.

[Flake]

If you are using an Nvidia card then you need to use a mulitpin adapter dongle (see attached photo for picture).  This is the only way to output component to a TV for Nvidia.  See this thread http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=80089.0.

If you are using an ATI card, and it has to be the right ATI card at that you can use a DVI to component adapter - there is a link to one at Monoprice in the thread I linked in above.  You'll have to check the compatibility of this adapter to the ATI card model numbers as it only supports certain ones.

All in all, I would think the ATI cards are the preferred method over Nvidia for connecting a TV via component.  If your going to purchase a new card I would go this route.  Although after much trial and error I am happy with my setup (I have the Nvidia card using the dongle).  But I also have not compared the setup to an ATI setup either so who knows.

Good luck

[releasedtruth]

I'm using a Radeon 9600 with the DVI-Component adapter on a 24" Toshiba flat tube. It's pretty freakin awesome. Can use windows and all that. You'll find that overscanning is an issue and Powerstrip will be your friend. I have my res locked at 640x432 in windows for a perfect fit. Tried Svideo just for kicks, not good at all.

[Vash]

Okay, so I found this http://www.provantage.com/infocus-spvideoadpt~7INF9003.htm  but it's supposedly only for use in "Infocus" projectors.   I figure a 7-pin s-video to component is a 7-pin s-video to component though, and was wondering if it would work for use with a TV and PC.  Any ideas?

[borals]

Could you please tell me what GFX card you are intending to use?

I have a 7600GS and that came with a multi out the same as pictured above.

Works like a treat.

[Vash]

I believe it's this one.  http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/VGA/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2588

[Flake]

I believe it's this one.  http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/VGA/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2588

Well that link looks like your using an ATI - in which case why dont you check the compatibility of the DVI to component adapter I spoke of in my original post?  You dont want to go S-video to component as that will only give you S-video quality signal - so forget that adapter you posted a link to.  Check out the monoprice adapter in the link provided, above and see if it works with your ATI card.  If your card doesnt support a component out feature then you'll have to upgrade to a better ATI model.

[Vash]

I believe it's this one.  http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/VGA/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2588

Well that link looks like your using an ATI - in which case why dont you check the compatibility of the DVI to component adapter I spoke of in my original post?  You dont want to go S-video to component as that will only give you S-video quality signal - so forget that adapter you posted a link to.  Check out the monoprice adapter in the link provided, above and see if it works with your ATI card.  If your card doesnt support a component out feature then you'll have to upgrade to a better ATI model.

A couple of reasons.  The S-video converter isn't actually s-video.  S-video has 4 pins, while most modern graphic card 'S-video' ports have 7.  The extra 3 provide the higher definition that would be utilized by the converter posted above. 

Also, I did check, and I'm fairly certain it's not compatible.  If it is, then all of the compatibility charts I saw were very outdated.

[Flake]

I believe it's this one.  http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/VGA/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2588

Well that link looks like your using an ATI - in which case why dont you check the compatibility of the DVI to component adapter I spoke of in my original post?  You dont want to go S-video to component as that will only give you S-video quality signal - so forget that adapter you posted a link to.  Check out the monoprice adapter in the link provided, above and see if it works with your ATI card.  If your card doesnt support a component out feature then you'll have to upgrade to a better ATI model.

A couple of reasons.  The S-video converter isn't actually s-video.  S-video has 4 pins, while most modern graphic card 'S-video' ports have 7.  The extra 3 provide the higher definition that would be utilized by the converter posted above. 

Also, I did check, and I'm fairly certain it's not compatible.  If it is, then all of the compatibility charts I saw were very outdated.

Yes, you are correct about the S-video port - I didnt read the specs of the adapter you linked in here.  I assumed it was an S-video to component converter since you stated as much.  Well, I guess at this point then you have three options:

1.  check with ATI about your current card to see if it can output higher resolution signals through the TV out port (the S-video look alike port).

2.  See if someone sells a DVI to component adapter that works with your specific ATI card (sorry I cant help you here).

3.  Purchase a different ATI card and the DVI to component adapter from Monoprice.

[padstack]

just buy a new card.  you can get the adapter and an old radeon card for peanuts.  Anything else (IMHO) is just wasting time.

[releasedtruth]

I think I got my 9600 for 28 bucks on ebay 2 years ago. Can't imagine how cheap they are now. The adapter was another 9 or so. Definitely one of the smarter purchases I made when building the machine.