Hi there,

Sorry that this is a bit off topic, but I was thinking about getting a Windows Media Centre (Tranquil AVA) and wanted to know how to convert VGA output to either RGB or composite?

I don't want to use S Video output on my Tosh 36" TV (CRT), as the picture quality would be pants.

Any advice or suggestions gratefully received.

David.

It is possible to run ATI Radeon video cards in 1024x576 interlaced 50Hz 16:9 mode using Powerstrip. with the right video signals to use a VGA to RGB SCART cable. (Which is what I do). However to do this you need to use a Radeon.

Others have managed to do this with an NVidia card and Powerstrip, but it also requires some circuitry to convert the H and V syncs into composite syncs (the Radeons can do this themselves if suitably programmed)

Otherwise you're in the realm of using scan rate converters, where you run the PC at 1025x768 or 800x600 resolution and convert this to video rate, which even if you use an RGB model will still have a significant quality compromise.

I have the same setup as sneals; the quality into a 36-inch CRT is very good indeed.

Thanks for the info.

Would it be better for me to use a DVI to component converter (if they do them), as my Tosh accepts component input.

Am I correct in thinking that Component would be better than a RGB input ?

It's just that I'd want to buy a media centre that would sit underneath my TV, and most of them are very limited in outputs for CRT TV's.

Thanks

David.

Compersite would be worse than S Video, I think you mean Component

Yes, I did actually !

If you can configure your graphic card to output a display mode that your TV will accept - possibly using Powerstrip - then a DVI-I to Component cable may be suitable. (You need to ensure that the cable doesn't rely on the graphics card doing stuff that your card can't do - for instance some cards can output component video via their VGA outputs, whilst others would require the cable to do the conversion)

My ATI card came with an S-Video to Composite converter. I would think that would do the job for you.

Home cinema nerds would argue the toss, but in quality terms there is no real difference between RGB and component.

The OP is trying to avoid the quality loss that S-video and composite connections introduce. I'd recommend avoiding the use of any TV-out functionality on a video card for watching real video, as the scaling, flicker removal processes, and the composite/s-video connections don't do much for the picture quality at all...

Un-scaled RGB via a VGA output is massively better if you are feeding a standard def display.

Hello Guys,

I've just built myself a Media Centre and I'm well impressed. But I'm only using the S-video output from my Radeon 9550 and I've seen you some of you mention a VGA > Scart cable. Where would I go to get myself one? And some idea of the cost would be great also.

Cheers.

You can have one made up by Keene for about £30, or get your soldering iron out!

Thanks. I think I'll give Keene a ring then.