Suggestion for adapter to connect PC monitor to a classic game console?

[RaptorZX3]

Ok i'm looking on the net for a cable or a converter to connect older game consoles to a PC monitor. For example, using RF, Composite, S-Video or Component to VGA.

But most of those cable or adapters/converters seem to be complete crap, unless i pay like 80$+ for one. Can someone suggest me a cheaper device that will work fine for me?

Example: connecting a Colecovision, Sega Genesis, NES, SNES, Gamecube, PS2, XBox....to VGA (using their old-tech cables such as RF, Composite, etc...).

This device must have a separate audio-out, as i would like to plug in speakers to have the sound! (duh)

The point to that is i have unused PC monitors here, one is somehow standard old/classic 5:4 ratio, and the other one is 16:9, that i can put vertically for vertical shoot'em-up games. And i'm planning to bring them to videogames collectors meetings here, so we can plug old games consoles on them, without the sheer weight of those huge CRT TVs!

I left out the Sega Dreamcast out of that examples list, as i DO have a VGA-cable made for it, so i'm all set for this one already, but i still need a converter for those other older consoles.

Thank you for helping me!

[jagabo]

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-COMP2VGA-Composite-Converter-Computer/dp/B00006B8EI/
http://www.amazon.com/Mygica-Game-Video-Converter-Switcher/dp/B001463UNI/

[RaptorZX3]

see? there are always bad feedbacks saying it's crap and doesn't work as advertized. It seem like there's no company that will make a quality adapter like this. I mean...it shouldn't cost you more then 40-50$ now, LCD monitors are getting cheaper, why someone should pay 100$ for an adapter like this, it would feel like i'm being scammed for this adapter, when i paid 180$ for my brand-new LED-backlit monitor.

[jagabo]

it shouldn't cost you more then 40-50$

Actually, it should cost a lot. It requires a video capture device, a CPU to convert formats, and a video display device. People who are expecting high resolution from a composite source have unrealistic expectations.

[RaptorZX3]

so....if i want to play older games, i should be better to just take a decent computer and play those ROMs on emulator while having the screen on Portrait mode?

[jagabo]

Yes, you'll get a better picture using an emulator. Game mechanics might not be as accurate though.

[Joe The Dude]

The Model 1 Genesis, The Model 1 Sega Master System, and the Turbo Duo all can output RGB @ 240p, iirc.
I've been looking into getting the RGB Output of them into a HDTV somehow, and have found a lot of info on the web.

I still haven't decided on a method, but you can get the same info if you include terms like "RGB" and "Component" along with the classic console names while googling.

[lingyi]

Assuming your spare monitors aren't more than 19", suggest checking out your local Craigslist or simliar site for monitors with composite in. In my area (Hawaii), I see lots of people selling off 17" - 19" LCD monitors for $30-$40. Turn around and sell your monitors for $15-$25 and you're about $40-$50 net cost.

Of course you'll have to do a bit of research to figure out which monitors have composite in, but as Jagabo states, the requirements for high quality conversion = $$$.

[RaptorZX3]

i would need a whole LCD TV then, with RCA/Component/VGA/HDMI built-in, so i guess there's a converter already built-in as well. But since i want to use my PC monitor(s), i guess i would need an external converter.

I did a test with MAME and some vertical shoot'em up games, and i have to enable v-sync and all that good stuff so the vertical scroll won't look weird and broken.

So yeah i guess going with a PC i already have + vertical stand (i got it now) + monitor + emulators + XBox 360 controller is the cheapest way to go, since i only had to buy that 3rd-party stand. Emulation can't be perfect in some games sometimes, but that's a risk.