Computer and several consoles to one screen

[Fallingwater]

I'm in the market for a new screen (24"), but the computer is not all I want to hook up to it - I've been given for free two old consoles, a gamecube and a ps2, and I'd like to connect them to the screen as well. I also want the possibility to connect more modern consoles, in the event someone gives me a broken ps3 or x360 for free and I manage to fix it (as a PC gamer I never pay for consoles as a matter of principle).

Problem is, I'd like to connect everything to its maximum capabilities. The cube connects via composite (there was a component feature but it got removed after the first version), but the ps2 connects via component, and presumably more modern consoles connect via hdmi - and of course the computer connects with DVI or VGA. So I need either a screen with all four inputs, or a screen and some sort of multi-input converter.

Any hint on how to do this, for cheap if at all possible?

 

[nitromullet]

The cheapest route would be to try to find a used/refurbed Dell 2408WFP. It has all the inputs you'll need.

DisplayPort connector
HDMI connector
DVI connector-1
DVI connector-2
VGA connector
Composite video connector
S-Video connector
Component video connectors

A more expensive option would be a new Dell U2410, which has:

DisplayPort Connector
HDMI Connector
DVI Connector-1
DVI Connector-2
VGA Connector
Composite Video Connector
Component Video Connectors

Dell is known for having a lot of inputs, so definitely take a look at their line up. A used one would definitely be cheaper of off ebay/craigslist, but a new or refurb from Dell will come with a decent warranty and a very easy 30-day return policy.

Edit: I didn't initially notice you were in Italy so I'm not sure if you will have as many options for used/refurb models, but the new U2410 is still available. http://accessories.euro.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=it&l=it&s=dhs&cs=itdhs1&sku=295001

 

[Fallingwater]

Yeah, sadly here in Pizzaland we don't have the options you people in the US do... on the other hand, you can't touch us on food

I can't find the 2408wfp anywhere, but based on the opinions I'm reading that's probably just as well. As for the U2410, it costs about three times as much as I'm willing to spend. I understand it uses a better panel than the cheaper screens, but there's no way in hell I can justify spending €500 on a screen. I've looked at cheaper models from Dell, but they have a more standard VGA+DVI setup with none of the additional ports I need.

I can manage with a smaller screen if I can find one with the proper connectors for cheap.

How about a Samsung FX2490HD? It'd cost me about €210 (only a bit more than I wanted to spend) and has all the ports I need. There's also the 22" T22A350, but it'd only save me €20, so I'd prefer the bigger one.

Any other suggestions are, of course, gladly welcomed.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

The reviews on the Samsung FX2490HD don't seem to be that great:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824001443

 

[Fallingwater]

Yeah, they ain't crazy about the other one, either.

After a good read at this, it seems the screen that best fits my needs is the LG M2780D-PR. It costs about €300, so €100 more expensive than my previous limit, but hey, it's 27", and I've always fancied having a screen bigger than my computer desk

Only thing is, being a TV/monitor hybrid, it has a 5ms response, while I've seen other screens advertised as 2ms... will I notice this in games?

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Yeah, they ain't crazy about the other one, either.

After a good read at this, it seems the screen that best fits my needs is the LG M2780D-PR. It costs about €300, so €100 more expensive than my previous limit, but hey, it's 27", and I've always fancied having a screen bigger than my computer desk

Only thing is, being a TV/monitor hybrid, it has a 5ms response, while I've seen other screens advertised as 2ms... will I notice this in games?

I noticed the move from 5ms Acer to a 2ms ASUS. Everything is smoother and cleaner in motion.

 

[Fallingwater]

Well, it seems the 5ms thing isn't a big deal - I've been using a 5ms screen myself and I have no problems with it (I really should have checked this sooner). I've read a forum thread where everyone's happy with the picture quality of the LG; I'm going to see if I can find it on exposition in a few stores around here so I can see by myself, but it's likely I'll get it.

 

[Pia]

This stuff is way too hard.

Roughly on the same topic - assume I have these displays.
- 1440p display (Displayport)
- 1080p projector (HDMI)
and these sources:
- PC (Displayport)
- Mac (Displayport)
- Console (HDMI)

If cost is no object, what would be the minimum-wire solution to get output from any source to either display?

The actual stuff I have is not exactly that, but I can probably figure out the rest if I find a way to deal with the above.

 

[frozentundra123456]

Arent there simple cable adapters for composite or component to VGA? If you get a monitor with VGA input, I think you could find an adapter. I just looked up composite and component to VGA on yahoo and found several items listed, although of course I cant say whether they work properly though.

Edit: Just reread your post that you want to connect all four at the same time as I read it. If you used a simple adapter, of course, you could only connect one at a time.

 

[Pia]

Arent there simple cable adapters for composite or component to VGA? If you get a monitor with VGA input, I think you could find an adapter. I just looked up composite and component to VGA on yahoo and found several items listed, although of course I cant say whether they work properly though.

Edit: Just reread your post that you want to connect all four at the same time as I read it. If you used a simple adapter, of course, you could only connect one at a time.

I tried a cheap converter way back. The picture was pretty bad. Doing some research told me good converters cost a ton of money; it's not a solution for someone looking to get by cheaply. Arcade and old console enthusiasts are the people to listen regarding this.

 

[Fallingwater]

Ordered the LG. Should be here in a few days.