Topic: VGA from computer to TV?

[MattD]

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.

[tapeworm48]

this is what i am doing as well once i get settled into my new place.  what kind of inputs does your tv have?

[MattD]

I have composite (yellow coax) and S-video inputs.

[nic]

I know Apple has a plug/cable that goes DVI -> composite...1 came with my Powerbook
not sure if this will help you

[dgodwin]

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

[MattD]

All I want is something that I can read titles on in Foobar when I make a playlist.

[fozzy]

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.

[rustoleum]

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.

[stlram]

There are VGA to RGB cable available. Do a google and you will find them.

[MattD]

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.

[MattD]

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?

[Evil Taper]

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.