Would this work? (PC-to-TV hook-up)

[gemiknight]

Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum and I'm sorry if this is a repeated question (I searched through the forums for a similar post, but had no luck...)

Anyways, I'm still VERY EARLY in the process of building my upright cabinet (just choosing different options and whatnot). I'm currently pondering about what kind of screen I'd like for my dream machine, and I have a 27" Panasonic TV I was hoping to use, but after having researched a bit about using a TV for an arcade screen, it seems to be a little more extensive (and potentially dangerous) than I expected, with the whole discharging aspect of the process.

So at the risk of sounding stupid, my question is: Would it be possible to simply hook up my TV to my PC's video card using a simple S-video cable? Or is absolute necessary to discharge the TV and tweak around the different electrical components? I know I would have to customize my cabinet so that the TV fits inside the case and whatnot. The main reason why I'd like to use the TV rather than a computer monitor is for the size. I'm not too crazy about getting that authentic, "old school" arcade look... at least, not for my first project in this awesome hobby

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!
You can check out my blog here: http://jeremysarcade.blogspot.com

[RobbyMac]

You can use a cased tv and the s-video input with little/no need for tweaking around with electronic compnents inside the tv if you so desire. Although I did some tweaking, my tv is cased, and mounted inside my cabinet.
The remote receiver (and access to tv controls) can be an issue. Just plan ahead, and come up with a solution (put a hole/viewer where the remote receiver is) to use the remote control.
It's also wise to mount the tv. I accomplished this by using existing case screws on the tv, with some artistic license involving a dremel and L brackets to mount the tv to a board. I then bolted the board to the arcade cabinet. (It's easier to install remove the bolts once the tv is in the cabinet, rather than try to unscrew the l bracket assembly)

[gemiknight]

Thanks Robby. That's exactly what I was hoping to hear!

[RobbyMac]

I should mention, there are remote extending products out there if you're not able to put a hole in your cabinet where the remote receiver is. I looked into this option, but it was a bit pricey, so I chose to yank the receiver and extend the wiring so I could place the receiver anywhere I wished.
The extender are basically a new remote receiver, and a transmitter that plugs into it. The transmitter gets mounted over or near your tv infrared remote receiver. The new remote receiver just send a signal through that transmitter to your tv.

Ive read that others have hacked their remote, soldering a new button to the remote power button, and then placing the remote inside the cab where the tv can pick it up. But then you have issues with volume, menu controls, etc that may be a concern. Granted you can mount buttons outside your cab and solderm them to all of these controls if that strikes your fancy.

On mine I just prefer to use the remote control instead. But I am using various inputs since my arcade cabinet also houses a satellite receiver, dvd player and ps2.

[StephenH]

S-Video will work OK for raster games that use low-res.  If your TV has component or RGB Scart input, that will give you a better picture than S-Video.   

[gemiknight]

The type of games I plan to include on my machine are Atari 2600, NES, SuperNES, and Sega Genesis (It's going to serve as a nostalgic, childhood time machine -- for me, I guess). So as far as image quality goes, I don't need the sharpest 3D graphics or anything fancy. Thanks for the advice though, in case I change my mind in the next year or so of my project...

[Nataq]

I saw my TV case to fit my cab   Then duck tape the side so the TV electronics are still sealed. Components gives me great quality. I was going for a cheap TV first but couldnt stand the composite look of it... and now I am thinking about getting a WG 9800 (well, not right now but someday). I say get something very good first or you will want to upgrade before your cab is finish.

My TV through components :