Component to VGA or DVI

[AkumaX]

I have a Cable Box that outputs Component. I want to use my monitor as a TV instead.
If I get a Component to VGA cable, will it work? Thanks

 

[PurdueRy]

I believe very few component to VGA cables actually work as they are only designed for certain graphics card outputs. Not just any VGA to component conversion. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
I believe very few component to VGA cables actually work as they are only designed for certain graphics card outputs. Not just any VGA to component conversion. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

That's my understanding as well.

 

[cubby1223]

On the ATI cards that the dvi > component adapters work on, the dvi to component signal conversion is done on the actual card, not in the "adapter". The video card just recognizes when the "adapter" is present and outputs the component signal.

There's probably a conversion box somewhere, but the cost will probably be more than just replacing your monitor with another that accepts both vga & component inputs.

 

[AkumaX]

Thanks everyone for your quick responses. However, the wording of everyone's post seem to indicate that they would be going from DVI to Component where as I am trying to go from Component to VGA or DVI (unless I am mistaken)

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: AkumaX
Thanks everyone for your quick responses. However, the wording of everyone's post seem to indicate that they would be going from DVI to Component where as I am trying to go from Component to VGA or DVI (unless I am mistaken)

Going one way or the other is not possible with merely a cable.

 

[montypythizzle]

You could probably have it output with the component to VGA, but the color spacing probably won't match up. (my TV has an option to change color spacing on it's HD inputs (older analog))

 

[krotchy]

Heres the deal,
Component = YCBCR color space
VGA = RGB color space

Now both Component/VGA inputs/outputs can send both signals, however they rarely actually do both, as its more expensive to implement.

Sadly, in the case of a cable box it is highly unlikely it will be outputting RGB over component, unless you find a magic service panel to make it switch by holding setup for 10 seconds while it boots, spinning in circles 3 times and chanting an ancient celtic charm.

This leaves your monitor, which is the more likely culprit to be able to take YCbCr over VGA. Ive seen more than a view monitors that do this, but your going to need to check your manual and cross your fingers.

Also Component -> DVI is likely never going to happen on any TV. At best DVI inputs will take analog RGB if you are lucky, but most only take digital.

However if you goto comcast or whoever your cable operator is and bug them for a new box you should be able to get a box with HDMI or DVI on the back, both of which can go into the DVI port of your monitor.

 

[Slick5150]

I think only the HD DVR boxes have HDMI with Comcast. If I remember right, the standard HD boxes only have component (though that may have changed now)

You could definitely call them or go to your local office to see if they'll swap you a box with HDMI though (as an HDMI->DVI adapter is simple enough).

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: krotchy
Heres the deal,
Component = YCBCR color space
VGA = RGB color space

Now both Component/VGA inputs/outputs can send both signals, however they rarely actually do both, as its more expensive to implement.

Sadly, in the case of a cable box it is highly unlikely it will be outputting RGB over component, unless you find a magic service panel to make it switch by holding setup for 10 seconds while it boots, spinning in circles 3 times and chanting an ancient celtic charm.

This leaves your monitor, which is the more likely culprit to be able to take YCbCr over VGA. Ive seen more than a view monitors that do this, but your going to need to check your manual and cross your fingers.

Also Component -> DVI is likely never going to happen on any TV. At best DVI inputs will take analog RGB if you are lucky, but most only take digital.

However if you goto comcast or whoever your cable operator is and bug them for a new box you should be able to get a box with HDMI or DVI on the back, both of which can go into the DVI port of your monitor.

Absolutely correct. It's very possible to go component to VGA, just depends on the source and the display.

Does the cable box have a horizontal or vertical sync output? Normally labeled H or V.