Since I can't seem to able to find a decent-priced PC monitor with component inputs, I m looking yet again into component->vga boxes. My old one got friend yesterday, probably because it was made in china by crappy materials and thanks to poor workmanship. (Keep clear of this product: http://www.jandaman.com/games.mvc?p=compvgabox&Category_code=PS2 ) http://www.consolesandgadgets.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/2506 does this product seem reliable? Also, will it up-convert 15Khz 480i to something my LCD monitor can understand? (31 Khz) from the looks of it, my preliminary answer would be "no, it doesn't upconvert 480i, but only converts Component into RGBHV". Other than that, please suggest some Monitors with component-in (sell me one if you got one) or sell me/direct me towards a reliable and capable Component->VGA box. (Ideally one that can "see" 480i comming through the component cables, else the Wii won't let me change to EDTV through its retarded system menu) update: made the wii setting thru composite, since sync-on-green is the same for both composite and component, although in black and white. I m mostly concerned about playing 480i games such as Killer 7 for the GC I just got my Wii yesterday and have no way to play it unless I go through my video-card on the PC, which is obviously not ment for real-time gaming.
Doesn't look like it will upscan 480i since it only lists 480p+. Upscanning 480i is a whole lot more complicated than 480p component -> VGA. 480i component -> 480p would require a component -> RGB transcoder connected to an ADC on each RGB component which feed RAM to hold a scanline (720+ x 24 bits say), DACs and logic circuit to control the RAM and output sync. A 480p component -> VGA converter on the other hand just needs to convert YUV -> RGB and extract the discrete sync signals from the composite sync which can be done with off the shelf parts. I'm not sure why they deinterlace 1080i but not scandouble 480i, just poor design I guess. Maybe it forces the VGA monitor to display fake interlaced video.
thanks for the analysis Calpis =) I m prepared to "settle" for a quality component->VGA box as it stands, subject to price of course. Any suggestions? I d like to avoid cheaply made chinese crap, i loath most of their products for being so crappy at build-quality.
Well if you want i currently have a neoya x2vga 2 up on ebay, 2x component inputs, vga passthorugh, and supports upto 1080p unlike some of the cheaper ones, Yeah i know im trying to sell it you you, but honestly it is a damned good product for what it does unlike the cheap chinese ones, The other one to look out for is the V-digi VD-23, similar product, but also good build quaility
If you can find a Nextvision N6 (Viewsonic product), don't look back: http://viewsonic.com/support/accessories/tvvideoprocessors/nextvisionn6/index.htm
That wouldn't be too good for people in PAL country who need to use 50Hz video. I would try a XRGB-3, they're expensive but they support PAL and 50Hz video and if it doesn't work out you can always sell it for what you're out.
Well, there is a PAL version: http://www.viewsoniceurope.com/uk/Support/NonCurrentAdvancedTV/NextVisionN6.htm
Google "Key digital' they used to make a high quality component -> vga converter back in the day. (ppl compared in video quality with the dreamcast vga box) That cheap one u linked to was a rip off of one of their products. If u want to scale up 480i ->VGA go with the xrgb-3 it cost a little more but its light years ahead in video quality than that viewsonic garbage. Ive used both
thanks for the replies sto far , could someone give me a pricde indication for the viewsonic /key digital boxes?
Have sent you a PM about the x2vga also had a idea for the 480i thing, i picked up not too long ago an adaptec gamebridge, which is basically a USB2 video capture card, but has svideo and compsite (plus audio) input, and does a cracking job imho, nice and sharp colours etc., plus you can record from it. and theyre only about £12 inc delivery off ebay May not be a perfect solution, but does work well for the price, plus as long as you have s-video cables for whatever consoles (or any other video device) it will work with those as well Hope that helps!
thanks diddydonn. I already have a pinnacle PCTV capture card, which i use to test the wii etc, so I m after a "real" solution, not a capturing device
Well, I don't think it'll break for no reason if that's what you're asking. The cable looks a little on the DIY side though, but it does the job and I wouldn't have been able to build a cable like this on my own without schematics. It's well worth US$40 - especially considering the low dollar right now.
two issues though a) where to get it for 40 USD b) if it's overseas, how much will shipping cost ultimately?
I bought it on the official homepage (linked to in my original post), shipping to Sweden was $10 I think - It showed up in about a week. Should be the same for UK/Greece.
It's perfect.. very clear picture. I run in 480p (640x480) native on a 22" CRT monitor which means I don't even get any scaling artifacts like one would on a 720p or 1080p HDTV. I could take pictures for you, but it doesn't really do the image quality justice.
