Connect PC to TV

[andruxa]

Please read carefully before replying!

I have 233 MHZ/64RAM PC running certain emulation setup, which does not have much to do with video editing but has to run 24/7. It is also very close to my projection digital tv (underneath it). Since the computer does not require any intervention and only needs to be rebooted once in a while, I would like to connect it to my TV in order to spare having a monitor beside it (save space, etc). So my setup will be: computer with only keyboard connected to digital TV and output viewed when desired by simply switching INPUT on TV.

Now, my question: Is it possible to connect TV to computer WITHOUT using a videocard with s-video/rca type output AND without video converter box? I am thinking along the lines of a cable that could be plugged in s-video or RCA INPUT on TV and regular monitor plag on the video card.

Please note I am aware of possible issues with frequency and resolution, I am not worried about that at this point.

[antonv]

Such cables/adapters exist (VGA monitor to RCA) and they are not converters. I have not seen these adapters in retail stores. Usually these adapters are used with Matrox Millenium video cards.

[andruxa]

Possible link to such a product online would be appreciated.
Спасибо!

[ImaWeTodd]

Just a cable? I can't imagine it would work. As I recall, the signals are very different. Read this stuff http://www.hut.fi/Misc/Electronics/circuits/vga2tv/

Why no external scan converter box? Here is one for $59 shipped. It's old but was professional in it's day.

http://www.bassotech.com/priceWATCH/products/video_cap/averkey7.htm

[andruxa]

The projector I will be connecting the PC to is digital, and so the interlacing, resolution and refresh rate are not going to be a problem, I am not sure about the voltage but gut feeling tells me that I should be fine.
For the amount of time I will be using it, AverKey is an overkill, as a last resort I can put all sequences in a batch file and execute it on a startup, meanwhile I am looking for a PCI video with Video Out... Damn hard to find these days!

[ImaWeTodd]

50/50 chance - Crack open the box == pain in the but.

meanwhile I am looking for a PCI video with Video Out... Damn hard to find these days!

I checked overstock.com. No Joy. NewEgg.com does have a pci with tv out, but its $41. I'd buy a scan converter if you go over $25. Check ebay.

Good luck.

[flaninacupboard]

The projector I will be connecting the PC to is digital

A digital projector without a VGA input...? That seems a little weird.

Antoher option:
If you have a home network, run a cable to the PC by your TV. Using the program RealVNC (google) you have full remote control from another machine, and if you set RealVNC to run as a windows service, you can even log on remotely.

A VGA to RGB convertor should be quite simple to implement though.

[andruxa]

Projection TV that is, so no VGA input there.
I do have DVI input though, should I try it with VGA->DVI cable?

[thayne]

Projection TV that is, so no VGA input there.
I do have DVI input though, should I try it with VGA->DVI cable?

I'd get a video card with DVI output on it like a Geforce FX 5200.

[andruxa]

I mentioned in the very first post that my only option is PCI, I doubt that it would be realistic for me to find PCI card with DVI (the two standards did not exist concurrently).

If I could, I would just use any AGP video card, since all of them now have s-video out.

[ImaWeTodd]

I think you would have better luck asking here : http://www.avsforum.com

[andruxa]

I found locally a DVI to VGA cable for around 30 US, will pick it up and try tonight, meanwhile onto http://www.avsforum.com/ to check with those guys.

Thanks ImaWeTodd!

[thayne]

P-G486 VGA CHAINTECH GEFORCE4 MX440 64MB PCI VGA+DVI+TV-OUT MODEL P-G486- RETAIL BOX

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=14-145-052&refer=pricewatch

[Piccoro]

Another option would be if you have a network setup, and that PC is connected then you could download a free program that would allow remote access to the PC as if you were there. VNC is one such program and works over a browser using java or the VNC monitor program.

[andruxa]

Pulling CAT5 from third floor to basement is not quite an option due to enormous time that needs to be invested. Wireless access point is not an option either (cost). That computer is stand alone and is not a part of network.

[lgh529]

VGA is an analog signal, and DVI is a digital signal. Just buying a VGA->DVI cable will not work - at least I don't think. You have to have an analog to digial conversion in between.

What is the model of your projector, and what exactly are its input options?

[thayne]

VGA is an analog signal, and DVI is a digital signal. Just buying a VGA->DVI cable will not work - at least I don't think. You have to have an analog to digial conversion in between.

What is the model of your projector, and what exactly are its input options?

They work. I have one.

[The village idiot]

Track down a used ati Xpert@play card, or an old AIWpro. Any of the rage, rage2, ragepro chips with video out would be fine. You should find those for a few dollars.

And I bet that is an Emu we are talking about (small flightless hairy bird), but we won't talk about that. Most people run those off of a laptop when they can find one. Another thing, a lot of OLD ISA VGA (the ones with a 9 pin connector) cards had a composite output mode. But I don't have any examples.

Another solution is to get a card with video out, and then modify an LCD for a PS1 or Gamecube. You could build a power converter and power the display from the computer power. They work very well, considering that you kind of need to do things by feel because they are so small.

[andruxa]

Yea, that is indeed Emu setup, I currently have it running on a laptop, but need to take it away from the tv since it does have it's own use. Buying a used (slow) laptop is an option but also is an expense, the desktop that I will have running emu is an older compaq, it only has 1 PCI slot and NO ISA slots at all (oh, the neverending beauty of brand name PC's), so older ISA VGA is not an option either.

I could get an AverKey converter (external box), but it is at least 60.00 US, so I went ahead and purchased used PCI video on ebay (with s-video/composite out), 13.00 US total with shipping, now just have to wait for it and hope I don't get DOA.

Will keep everyone informed.