VGA to TV converter question.

[Apollo]

Bit of a noob question from me but I haven't tried this before and am thinking about using a TV for a future project.

I see these VGA to TV converters around and they are pretty cheap.

Can I just grab one of these and just have PC-converter-TV, is it that simple?

Thankyou.

[arcadefan2005]

Are you talking about just a cable?

Or are you talking about a device such as the XP Pro (http://www.grandtec.com/xppro.htm)?

The XP Pro runs anywhere from about $70 to $100. I have one of these, and it's pretty easy to use. It does S-video or component. BTW, I think the component looks better.

As for the cables, I've heard of people using an ATI card with DVI out (not sure how much they cost...I imagine prices vary) and a DVI->component dongle (another $30 - $40). Then, they get some software (forget the name) to fix the overscan issue.

I've also seen cheaper cables to convert VGA -> component on eBay, but usually the text says something like "not intended for use with computer" (or something to that effect), so I don't know if that means there's issues with trying to use it that way???

Anyway, there are a few lengthy discussions on this topic. I don't know which is better.

[AlanS17]

You probably already have a video card you want to use, but keep in mind that these days a video card with tv out can cost as much (or as little) as a VGA-to-TV converter if the specs on the video card aren't too high.

Unless you're particularly attached to the video card you have or it's got really good specs that you plan on taking advantage of, I'd take a look around at what video cards you could find with tv output.

[AlanS17]

Case in point:

Here's a good video card with tv out whose auction just expired, but was selling for $42.50

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=40158&item=5198585392&rd=1

... and that card is overkill for emulation! You can probably find even lower-specced cards for cheaper.

[AlanS17]

Even better case in point:

This card is also overkill for emulation, has TV out, and just sold for $12.50 on ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=80192&item=5198586403&rd=1

[AlanS17]

Oddly enough, the PCI cards seem to be more expensive than the AGP cards.

[arcadefan2005]

One thing you need to keep in mind about those 2 cards on eBay.....

both of them are S-video out only (as far as "TV" formats go). Some say S-video is perfectly fine, and I think it looks fine.

However, some say that component (NOT to be confused with composite) is better than S-video, and I agree with that too.

Depends on what you want. Do you want "adequate" video (i.e. S-video out), or do you want to spend a little more for a better (it's debatable how much better it is) picture?

If you want component, you can go with the ATI card with DVI out, and get a dongle (but only SOME cards say they'll work with it?) for an additional $30-$40 that will convert DVI -> component.

FYI, my XP Pro has both S-video and Component and it works with any VGA card. IMO, the component is better. It's a little more crisp and bright. The S-video doesn't seem as sharp, seems a little more dim, and seems to have a reddish tint to it. But maybe all of that can be controlled with TV settings?

[AlanS17]

Adequate is fine for an arcade machine. I promise. Plus, to find a TV with component-in connectors will likely increase the cost of the tv.