dual purpose arcade monitor/tv viewing

[offset]

Is it possible to use an arcade monitor for tv/movie viewing as well?  Do I need any special equipment, or will the VCR/DVD/Satellite/Cable output be fine for an arcade monitor?

As an example, I was thinking of using a Wells Gardner 39" K7600.

Thanks,

[tom61]

You need a device that ouputs RGB to be able to directly hook it up to an arcade monitor. (very uncommon for a device to output RGB in the US)

There are NTSC to RGB converters out there that will take composite video(yellow RCA plug) and convert it to RGB. I have one I bought off ebay, but never managed to get it work. :/

Since you're going to hook up your PC to your arcade monitor, it's probably best to get the ArcadeVGA card. Other cards require special drivers/utilities to output the proper sync signals for an arcade monitor, whereas the ArcadeVGA runs at the proper sync rate all the time, much easier to use, espicially if you want to run Windows. People have said that TV tuner cards do in fact work with the ArcadeVGA, so if you're willing to leave your PC on while you're watching TV, satilite, etc. getting a TV tuner card is an option.

[offset]

I've had a difficult time finding devices that will convert from NTSC to RGB (ie that will work with either Wells Gardner D9200 or K7600).

Do you have any links that might help me locate a NTSC to RGB converter.

I noticed that Wells Gardner still sells the P600 NTSC to RGB converter, but I thought these were specific to certain monitors (ie. weren't these used for the laserdisc games (Dragons Lair, Space Ace, etc)).

[anthony691]

Hmm... I have device that may be the answer... It is called the ProView TV-Box (or something) And with no software or anything you can watch TV on a VGA monitor... it plugs in to the monitor w/ a 15 pin connector... it may work through the ArcadeVGA... I am too tired to think at all... I am really just talking out of my --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules--.

It has a OSD for TV tuning purposes and inputs just about everything (computer, the yellow red and white thinger, and antenna)

Again; I am only talking out of my --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules--... But as it seems to me this cheap product (has a remote too ) Would be the solution to many people's problems.

I use mine to input my DC into my PC monitor

[tom61]

Hmm... I have device that may be the answer... It is called the ProView TV-Box (or something) And with no software or anything you can watch TV on a VGA monitor... it plugs in to the monitor w/ a 15 pin connector... it may work through the ArcadeVGA... I am too tired to think at all... I am really just talking out of my --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules--

Actually valid point for offset's D9200, all the boxes out there that let you watch TV on a PC will work with the D9200. However, these boxes won't work with the K7600 or other standard arcade monitors, since they output 31kHz horizontal refresh all the time (completely independent of the PC and it's video card).

Do you have any links that might help me locate a NTSC to RGB converter.

I got mine off ebay (coin-operated section), that's the only place I've found them.

[anthony691]

Than go for the ProView TV-Box! It should be under 100$ and there is NO software, and you don't have to worry about compatibility with your computer!

[offset]

In using a monitor for both arcade and TV, I would opt for the larger screen (39"), but it seems my options for NTSC to 15.75 kHz or  25 kHz are limited.

Does anyone know of any schematics for constructing a NTSC to 15.75 kHz or 25 kHz?  I could probably build my own converter if I had access to plans for building one (assuming all components for the schematics could still be purchased).

Also, how would a large arcade monitor compare to a tube based television in terms of picture quality?

Thanks in advance.