Screen burn-in and computer card selection

[Tahnok]

I am working out how to build a MAME machine right now and have stumbled into the little problem of the screen.

I think I am going to use this 24" TV screen http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?oid=74907&WT.mc_n=4&c=1&b=g&u=c&WT.mc_t=U , but I don't know how to hook it up on to my computer. The screen has both S-video and A/V input.

My computer has a standard on-board VGA output and nothing else. I am spending most of my project budget on this screen and would prefer not to spend money on an expensive new video card. Is there a way to rig a cable to convert from VGA to maybe S-video (I think I may have heard something like this in another thread, but didn't understand it)?

Also, I am worried about burns on my brand new screen. If a machine is running 24 hours a day, how long will it take the screen to burn an image? I am hoping to get at least 5 years out of it before I have to replace something.

Edit: Oh yes, one other thing. How do people mount TVs in there cabs? It looks like most of them are just sitting on a shelf with nothing holding them in place. Surely there must be a way to secure them.

[Tahnok]

OK, nobody seems to be replying so I will give a bit more detail as to what is causing problems.

First off, I have since figured out a plan for hooking up a TV to a computer. I think I will use a Radeon 7000. I am still looking for a cheaper card though. I don't need real great video (I play old games like Lunar Lander and Frogger).

Second, I am planning on buying this 4

[jedimason]

To burn an image into a crt screen is pretty dang hard.  The people you are talking to are idiots.  You only really need to worry about screen burn if you are using a projection or plasma tv.

Just use some basic techniques to extend the life of your tv.  Turn off when not using.  Don't leave a static image on the screen 24-7.

Also, pay the extra 40 for the 4 more inches and more importantly the s-video output.  You will see a significant upgrade in picture quality.  The adapter will work but your output will look like pretty bad.  If you play only the old classics you may get by with the bad picture quality, but for $34 more dollars just get the 24 incher.
 

[SirPeale]

You could get yourself a real arcade monitor.

[Tahnok]

You could get yourself a real arcade monitor.

No, I can't. I don't have the money for one. Also, I want to be able to run Gamecube, Xbox, Videos and other random stuff on my cab.

jedimason, Alright. I guess I won't really worry about it too much. I'll just turn it off when I leave.

Hmm... It seems like everybody here is suggesting using at least a 25". And since I have no experience with this hobby, I will have to take their word. I guess I will shoot for the 24", but whether or not I get it depends on how much I spend on my machine

Thanks for the help!

[DarkSoul1]

Im in Australia and at this stage I will be going for TV.  Second hand arcade monitors are bloody hard to find and if you do they are expensive.

 

[Tahnok]

Yes ! I got the 24" screen for $120. They were out them at Circuit City and they gave me the floor model at a discount. The screen is in mint condition (the store is only about a month or two old).

Now I am looking for a an old cab and a video card.