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Gear / Technical Help => Post-Processing, Computer / Streaming / Internet Devices & Related Activity => Topic started by: MattD on June 26, 2006, 11:41:34 AM

Title: VGA from computer to TV?
Post by: MattD on June 26, 2006, 11:41:34 AM
Once in my new apartment, I want to use my computer as a FLAC player, like I have been for a while. However, this time I want to integrate it so I don't need a monitor or VNC to use the system. I thought there might be a cheap way to take the VGA out from the video card to a composite or S-Video input on the TV, but I can't find anything out there that's just a cable - only expensive converter boxes. Is it possible to do with just a cable?

Mods, please move if this isn't forum-appropriate.
Title: Re: VGA from computer to TV?
Post by: tapeworm48 on June 27, 2006, 09:09:14 AM

this is what i am doing as well once i get settled into my new place.  what kind of inputs does your tv have?
Title: Re: VGA from computer to TV?
Post by: MattD on June 27, 2006, 09:13:04 AM
I have composite (yellow coax) and S-video inputs.
Title: Re: VGA from computer to TV?
Post by: nic on June 27, 2006, 09:18:21 AM
I know Apple has a plug/cable that goes DVI -> composite...1 came with my Powerbook
not sure if this will help you
Title: Re: VGA from computer to TV?
Post by: dgodwin on June 27, 2006, 10:58:59 AM
If it's just a regular PC, it would probably be cheapest to just change video cards to something that has a TV out.  All the video cards I've purchased in the last 2-3 years have had a S-video output.  The only problem though is the resolution on the TV isn't that great.  I use it to play MAME games and to watch TV episodes  that I've downloaded (Dr. Who and documentaries mostly).  I don't think you'd be able to use the TV to do email, write a paper, etc.  For that, you'd need something with higher resolution
Title: Re: VGA from computer to TV?
Post by: MattD on June 27, 2006, 11:18:59 AM
All I want is something that I can read titles on in Foobar when I make a playlist.
Title: Re: VGA from computer to TV?
Post by: fozzy on June 27, 2006, 11:57:48 AM
If it's just a regular PC, it would probably be cheapest to just change video cards to something that has a TV out.  All the video cards I've purchased in the last 2-3 years have had a S-video output.  The only problem though is the resolution on the TV isn't that great.  I use it to play MAME games and to watch TV episodes  that I've downloaded (Dr. Who and documentaries mostly).  I don't think you'd be able to use the TV to do email, write a paper, etc.  For that, you'd need something with higher resolution

I have an old Geforce 1 card that has S-video output.  Good for movies and music playback, not so hot for internet.  The best my TV will do is 640x480(old Toshiba 32" tube". 

A new video card w/ s-video can probably be had for ~30.  I don't have an extra one laying around or I would send it to you.
Title: Re: VGA from computer to TV?
Post by: rustoleum on June 27, 2006, 12:27:27 PM
I do this with a voodoo 3dfx video card that has an s-video out.   I'm not sure of the exaxt model, but if you need to know I can check when I get home... it's a 6-8 year old model, so it can probably be had on ebay for dirt cheap.
Title: Re: VGA from computer to TV?
Post by: stlram on June 29, 2006, 03:21:12 PM
There are VGA to RGB cable available. Do a google and you will find them.
Title: Re: VGA from computer to TV?
Post by: MattD on June 30, 2006, 08:24:16 PM
There are VGA to RGB cable available. Do a google and you will find them.

I'm looking for a composite or S-Video cable, though. This isn't a newer TV with component inputs.
Title: Re: VGA from computer to TV?
Post by: MattD on July 02, 2006, 07:25:46 AM
To update: we're using my g/f's TV which does have a set of component inputs. However, from googling, I found some sites that claim that simply using a VGA/Component cable won't work because you need some kind of transcoder as well.

Has anyone actually done this in the past or is anyone doing this now? What works?
Title: Re: VGA from computer to TV?
Post by: Evil Taper on July 02, 2006, 05:19:06 PM
almost any newer video card will have an S-Video output, you should be able to find one for maybe $20.  as mentioned above though, your tv isn't a computer monitor and the sample rates and resolution will make it look fuzzy.  if that's cool for you though, go for it. 

I'm actually doing the same thing with my computer but hooking it up to my HDTV.  If you're doing this the easiest way to accomplish the task is to buy a video card with HDTV-Out (usually DVI), but since most HDTVs don't have DVI you need to buy a DVI>HDMI or other cable to make it work.  Some newer HDTVs (some Toshibas for example) have computer monitor inputs to make this a breeze.  If you have a HDTV you can run full resolution widescreen and it'll look as good as a computer monitor.