VGA - S-video with ATi x1400?

[conory]

Hi guys, i'm trying to connect an inspiron 6400 with ati x1400 to a Phillips tv. The inspiron has a vga and the tv has a 4 pin s-video. I've been reading about some people having difficulties as video cards do no have vga video out. Will the inspiron connect to the tv with colour an audio using something like

http://www.amazon.com/NEW-CONVERTER-.../dp/B000S675JU

Thanks!

[Nelson37]

Similar converters do work, though I am puzzled by the audio connector as there is no audio going thru the VGA connector. SFAIK, you will need a seperate Audio cable connected to the sound card.

[edDV]

conory, did you even read the link that you posted, or are you just wishful thinking? This is 99% xfudzw with lawyer bail out talk.

The token truth...
"Product Description
Video/Electronics Use: Please, check your PC & Video Card manual or manufacturer to make sure that your VGA card has TV-Out function capability through the VGA connector to ensure this cable will work for you!"

Then the confusion text...
"This converter is guaranteed to produce a color picture!!! You can use this converter with your Computers, Laptops to TVs and Projectors. Specification: 5-inch cable length Standard Sub-D VGA Input RCA TV-output and 4-pin S-video output cable. Molded strain relief at both ends This cable has a VGA connector on one end and both RCA Jack Video (TV) Out and S-Video Out connectors on the other end. It will work with laptops and desktops with VGA cards that has TV-Out function capability through the VGA connector. Connector: D-Sub High Density 15 pin Male to S-Video Mini Din 4 pin Female and RCA Jack Cable: UL 2919 Coaxial Low Voltage Computer Cable."

Note: a return guarantee is offered*. None of the info is a legal falsehood. But I'm aware of no computer cards that send S-Video over the VGA cable. A few projectors did this.

Then, the first positive review... (maybe their lawyer?)
"Yes, it works great, December 12, 2007
By That Todd guy (Yakima, WA) - See all my reviews

The other reviewers did not read the first sentence in the description. Your computer MUST have TV-Out capability for this cable to work, which is rare. You cannot simply connect this cable between your computer and TV and expect to get a signal. It's unfortunate that this product got so many 1-stars due to customers not doing their homework.

This cable works great if your computer has the TV-Out capability but if it does not, then you must purchase a VGA to S-video converter in the $30-60 range."

They did bend over backwards to warn you that this thing is not going to work for most.

Next two positive reviews (the lawyer's kids?)

"
IT WORKS IF YOUR PC HAS TV-OUT, January 23, 2008
By NANDO "AMAZON JUNKY" (UNION NJ USA) - See all my reviews

MOST DO NOT
Your computer MUST have TV-Out capability for this cable to work, so check with your cards manufacturer.
That would have save the reveiewers below some money and some posted lies about the product.
Everyone blames everything and everyone else for their errors."

Then
"
Product Works Great - If you Read Before you Buy Something, March 10, 2008
By Brad C. Stefo "Electronical Should Be a Word" (Stewartstown, PA United States) - See all my reviews


First off, this cable DOES NOT convert your video signal. In the reviews below, no one (except one) knew what they were doing. TVs in America are NTSC, not VGA. If you plug the cable into a PC that doesn't output an NTSC signal this isn't going to work on your TV. Its like trying to get a 1080p HD signal on a SD TV from 1983; it simply isn't going to work.

Also, if your trying to connect your Xbox to a computer monitor, get the VGA output for the Xbox. It works like a charm. Same example as above except vice-versa. The Xbox is putting out an NTSC signal when you use the component cable but the monitor wants a VGA signal. "


* $4.35 + $5.29 shipping
You get to pay for the return shipping.

[conory]

I tried, but i was more confused having read it than i was beforehand! So what i gather is that i should use a s-vid-vid cable for video and red & white (rca cables?) for the audio. Will this would work?

[edDV]

I am suppressing anger. Your computer has an S-Video port and you were probably given a cable in the box.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins6400/en/om/specs.htm#wp1054574

Others that don't have an S-Video out have fallen for this scam for VGA to S-Video as an admission of their clueless notebook buying.

Why did you?

[conory]

Woah man chill. I appreciate you answering my question, you seem to be the only one. I was unsure, i didn't know about the vga-video incompatibities and i didn't get an s-video cable with the laptop. I'm unsure about the connectors and how to work a laptop together with a tv screen. How this makes me clueless about my laptop buying i don't know. I merely asked a question. I didn't understand your response as it wasn't very clear. I asked another question to clarify. Apologies if i offended you. (i am grateful for your help and patience)