connecting graphics card to lcd tv via component cables

[helplessnoob]

I have an older Sony 4:3 LCD tv which has S video and ypbpr inputs.  Also have a Dell dimension 3000, p4, 2.8, 2gb ram, running xp sp3.  Does not currently have a standalone video card (just the factory provided integrated graphics) System will be for mostly console emulation genesis, snes, nes, and some mame.  I've been researching for a bit trying to find the best way to utilize the component inputs on my screen, but a lot of the info is 10 years old.  I looked into converters which seem to either have poor reviews or are completely price prohibitive, I've also looked into adding a graphics card.  New card option is limited by the  Dell only having PCI capability (no PCIe, etc).  Looks like there were several ATI radeon cards made which were capable of component output but I can't seem to locate any currently available (8500/9500/9600/etc).  Is it worth my efforts (or even possible) to find a PCI compatible graphics card which can output to ypbpr, or should I just grab a video card with s video and call it good for probably around $15?  I've built a cab following OND's plans on this site, but completely underestimated what was involved in outputting from VGA to S video or (preferably) component (noob issue... just thought I could buy a vga to component cable and go to town...)

[Generic Eric]

I right clicked your text: "PCI compatible graphics card which can output to ypbpr"

and google found this


(click it)

[helplessnoob]

I right clicked your text: "PCI compatible graphics card which can output to ypbpr"

and google found this


(click it)

The card shown is not a PCI card.  That seems to be where I'm running into issues with finding viable options.  Are there PCI cards available outside of the ATI Radeon cards listed in my initial post which can be adapted to output ypbpr?

[Generic Eric]

You are right.

I think I might quite the internet for awhile.

[MonMotha]

You may find a device called the "HD Fury" helpful.  It's more generically (but somewhat too generically to be a useful search term) known as an "outboard DAC".  Basically, it's HDMI/DVI in, YPbPr component out.  Most of them, including IIRC the HD Fury, are compatible with a very wide range of resolutions.

That said, you can probably find an older ATI card with component output for much cheaper.  I think there were some PCI variants, but they'd be rare.  You'd probably be looking for something in the HD2xxx or X13xx era.

[JDFan]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Blue-VGA-SVGA-to-AV-3-RCA-S-Video-TV-Converter-Component-Cable-/181447514432?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a3f1d5940



OR
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-5M-5FT-HD15-VGA-SVGA-to-MALE-RGB-3-RCA-Component-Cable-PC-TV-HDTV-Laptop-New-/331379702062?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d27c4f92e

[MonMotha]

Those cables won't work 99.9% of the time.  They only work with graphics cards that explicitly support outputting YPbPr over the VGA port and these are extremely rare outside of laptops.  They're mostly intended for use with said laptops and projects that accept dual format on their analog "VGA" inputs.

[JDFan]

Those cables won't work 99.9% of the time.  They only work with graphics cards that explicitly support outputting YPbPr over the VGA port and these are extremely rare outside of laptops.  They're mostly intended for use with said laptops and projects that accept dual format on their analog "VGA" inputs.

You're right MonoPrice.com does have a converter that would work for $18 ( http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011407&p_id=4724&seq=1&format=2 )

[Malenko]

This is the unpopular answer, but get the PCI card with svideo out, easy peasy and you'll still have a good picture for older console emulators.

[helplessnoob]

MonMotha seems to be onto something with the x1300 recommendation     ...  In my research someone mentioned an x series card but I didn't have any other info to go by.  I found a pci x1300 card on Ebay for under $25 and it does appear to have component support via the ati 7 pin cable.  Only hiccup there is that I would need to upgrade my power supply.   

[JimmyU]

I might have an old ATI All-in-One card that was PCI. I'll check when I get home.

[pbj]

I've got something very similar to that monoprice converter.  It's fine for old games and PC stuff where you don't need to read much.  I tested it with The Wolf Among Us and it looked good.  Also worked pretty good with Amensia A Machine for Pigs until I noped! the hell out of it 20 minutes in.  Wasn't the best for Torchlight.

To be honest, if I had to drop $20 I'd probably opt for a converter rather than some ancient video card you can't use for anything else.

 

[Generic Eric]

Those cables won't work 99.9% of the time.  They only work with graphics cards that explicitly support outputting YPbPr over the VGA port and these are extremely rare outside of laptops.  They're mostly intended for use with said laptops and projects that accept dual format on their analog "VGA" inputs.

You're right MonoPrice.com does have a converter that would work for $18 ( http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011407&p_id=4724&seq=1&format=2 )

I got one of these from an ebay slowboat to be used on a coinops set up.

There aren't a whole lot of options to accomplish this.  Also, having to upgrade a power supply isn't the worst problem to have.  Any other upgrades that you need to do?

[Yenome]

I right clicked your text: "PCI compatible graphics card which can output to ypbpr"

and google found this


(click it)

that is a pci-x 1x card. newish pc have a couple of the slots. mostly used for audio and controller cards.

[MonMotha]

The native component outputs will run HD which can be handy.  Best you're going to get out of S-video, be it direct off a video card or from a scan converter, is 480i aka SD.  Depending on your usage scenario, this may be fine, and it's probably easier.  The component outputs on those ATI cards were notoriously finicky to get working, but they looked very good once you got it all set up.

[JimmyU]

I did find that card. It's a ATI All-in-Wonder VE. It's a 64MB card with S-video out. Let me know if you want it.