DLP projector cables or adapters

[lakewood]

Hello,

I just bought a Compaq iPAQ MP3800 projector on ebay. I just realized it does not have video inputs except for computers. Ooops! I want to play my XBOX 360 (in high definition) on it and also watch DVDs (non-high def). I have searched around for cables and adapters but I am not confident I have found the right ones. I would appreciate if someone could let me know!

The projector has two inputs: Analog VGA and DVI. I would like to set it up with a component and a composite input by using the appropriate adapters.

Apparently there are multiple kinds of DVI's, which I don't understand much. I can't tell what kind this projector has, since it hasn't arrived yet, but the user guide is online here.

In the user guide, it mentions using a DVI-to-composite/Svideo cable, and a VGA-to-component/HDTV cable. However I have found it much easier to find DVI-to-component and VGA-to-composite cables/adapters.

They are especially cheap on ebay, and it is probably against the forum rules to put a link to a specific ebay auction so I won't for now, unless I am told it's OK. But should this make any difference? Should I go ahead and get these cables/adapters? It looks like I can get both for less than twenty bucks total, which would be ideal.

The projector should arrive any day so I would like to buy the cables/adapters as soon as possible. Since I don't know much about this stuff, your feedback will be very helpful to me. Thank you in advance!

[edDV]

Those cables are all custom to that system.

For what you describe as needs, analog component should work with both the XBox360 and a typical DVD player. That would be their #2 cable plus audio.

For a typical DVD player use 480i or 480p(better)
For the XBox360 use 480i, 480p, or 720p(better)*




* the projector will scale 1280x720p to 1024x768p. Alternative for the XBox360 is to get the XBox360 VGA adapter and connect VGA to VGA @1024x768 (native projector resolution).

[lakewood]

Aren't there two kinds of component cables? What kind should mine be?

[edDV]

Aren't there two kinds of component cables? What kind should mine be?

There are analog an digital component standards. That box wants analog component YPbPr, VGA or Digital component DVI.

They cheap out on connectors by somehow adding YPbPr pins to a VGA DB-15 connector. This is nonstandard. If you buy a cable from someone else, get in writing that it will work with that particular projector. It would be a custom cable.

Even more bizarre is routing S-Video analog over the DVI (digital) connector in cable #1.

[lakewood]

I am trying to follow along but I am not good with this stuff, so I apologize if I am asking redundant questions.

Would this cable that I found on ebay work do you think? All I want to do is plug in the XBOX 360 and/or a separate DVD player.

[edDV]

I am trying to follow along but I am not good with this stuff, so I apologize if I am asking redundant questions.

Would this cable that I found on ebay work do you think? All I want to do is plug in the XBOX 360 and/or a separate DVD player.

Probably it will not work. Ask the ebay guy if he will guarantee it will work with that projector. You might get additional feedback from projector forums.

I think you are stuck buying the cable from Compaq.

[lakewood]

I do not understand why this won't work though. It has the right inputs, it just happens to be different from the Compaq brand connector (which costs 80 dollars and does not appear to be supported anymore by Compaq / HP). But what about this is not right?

Also, do you know of a good projector forum?

[BJ_M]

before you spend to much time or effort on this projector -- better make sure it works .... those little projectors are world famous for NOT working plus the replacement lamp is $450

[edDV]

I do not understand why this won't work though. It has the right inputs, it just happens to be different from the Compaq brand connector (which costs 80 dollars and does not appear to be supported anymore by Compaq / HP). But what about this is not right?

Also, do you know of a good projector forum?

It will work or it will not. If you are good with a soldering iron you can probably make it work by finding the service manual for the projector and reassembling the VGA connector to the correct pinout.

Normal VGA pinout
http://www.bbdsoft.com/video.html

http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&chann...=Google+Search

[BJ_M]

the vga connectors on these are mounted direct to a circuit board - but making up a an adapter would be be pretty easy

[lakewood]

What is the problem with a circuit board? I don't understand what that means or why it would not work for my projector.

[edDV]

What is the problem with a circuit board? I don't understand what that means or why it would not work for my projector.

Order the service manual and trace the wires.

[lakewood]

for the record, it worked. last post. thanks for the help.