ATI DVI > Component TV -- Scrambled output! What settings should I check?

[weasel-like_animal]

Hey all!

This is my first post, but I've been lurking here for a few weeks gathering information as I build my new (and first) arcade. What a wealth of resources! I'm really excited to play some old favorites that I forgot existed.

Here is my problem: I have been trying to output to a TV from DVI > (DVI>Component Adapter) > Component cable > TV. I can get a "signal", but it looks like scrambled HBO when you aren't paying for the service, and most of the color is pink or purple hues--nothing intelligible at all. I bought the Arrow Micro ATI-compatable adapter from newegg.com (even checked to see that my specific ATI card is supported!). I switched to output of 640x480 @ 60hz, but that didn't help. I also tried hitting F8 at startup and "Enabling VGA", which didn't work either.

Anyway, I've run into my first snag and I'm at a loss for what to do next. I really need some wisdom!!

Here is my current setup:

P4 1.5 Ghz cpu, 512 Ram - Win 2000 SP2
ATI Radeon 8500DV (DVI output)
Arrow Micro DVI-HDTV200 http://www.arrowmicro.com/PC-Peripherals.html
Sony 24" with component inputhttp://reviews.cnet.com/direct-view-tvs-crt/sony-wega-kv-24fs100/4507-6481_7-20162149.html?tag=sub

Mame 118
Mala c9

All of my software for MaLa and Mame are working fine! I can play games, load screens, etc. etc., but I can't output to TV. My computer monitor hooks up to the DVI output and works/looks fine. I set my DIP switches on the AMC adaptor to only allow 480i (options include 480i/p, 540p, 720i/p, 1080i/p, 16:9, IIRC), is this right?

Is there a way to force to TV output in the BIOS or something? If so, how do I do that?

Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated! I can't wait to get this thing running so I can order my cab and CP parts!!    I'm doing a BMW //M-themed cabinet, here is a draft of my marquee:




Thanks!!
w-l_a

[siastbill1]

I assumed you followed all of the instructions here: http://support.ati.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=894&task=knowledge&questionID=1412

Also, what kind of TV are you running? This cable claims that it's for HDTV, not standard def. Not sure if that is 100% true, but is your TV HD or SD.

/bill

[weasel-like_animal]

Bill: Thanks for the input. I read up and followed all of the troubleshooting posts that ATI had to offer. I did end up getting the card to recognize my tv set, which is SD, I believe it can read 480i, but I'm pretty new to this sort of high tech A/V so I'm learning as I go along. 

What ended up working is when I went to Omegadrivers.net and downloaded/installed Omega 3.8.360 for ATI cards, after uninstalling all of my existing hardware drivers and running Driver Cleaner Pro in safe mode. Driver Cleaner Pro rocks! The Omega Drivers installed just fine and now I have the option to set resolutions and "Force TV Out," which finally worked... sorta.

Now it looks as though I'll be working through resolution settings, since my performance turned abysmal after running TV out... I have it set at 640x480 @ 32 color and 60 hz. Games that played well, and at full speed when hooked up to my computer monitor are now choppy and not working right at all. They are also not stretching to fill the screen as they once did. My refresh rates must be botched too because the screen flicker and over stretching is pretty bad.   Go figure huh? haha

I'll keep posting results of methods I try on this thread in case other people run into these problems!