HDTV as monitor

[Broken]

Hello, all. Long time since I was here...

As you might have guessed from my topic, I am interested in using my high def tv as a monitor and have been looking around. With todays video cards, do I need a box to convert vga to componet(Y-Pr-Pb/ Y-Cr-Cb) or can i just get a cable with a 15 pin vga on one side and the component style three rcas? I ordered what I thought was a vga to component cable but got an Ixos vga to 5 rca adapter( I am assuming it is an rca version of a 5 bnc). I was trying to find a way to convert it to three but am having no luck. The Key digital converter box is $250 while the vga to component is only $100. I know that the new Ati has some kind of feature to allow you to use a hdtv but heard it only displays in window, ie not able to adjust bios or or see boot screen. And I woudn't buy ATI anyway. But any information anyone has would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Boogak]

Audio Authority makes this VGA to Component adapter that the HTPC folks over at www.avsforum.com really like. It sells for around $120 and is a true 3 cable Y, Pr, Pb component adapter. I have the ATI VGA to Component HDTV adapter for my 8500LE and the picture quality is definitely a big step up from s-video.

 

[madthumbs]

I have mine set up, but I switch back and forth. The tv just cannot replace the monitor for everything. I'm using an RCA ~$120 converter box, and the dvi to vga converter.

 

[ScottMac]

Be very careful, or you'll burn in a static image onto your projection tubes (for rear projector). TVs (even HDTVs) aren't made for a static image (like a desktop).

You may want to turn down the brightness and decrease the contrast some.

Good Luck

Scott

 

[Ioman]

Originally posted by: ScottMac
Be very careful, or you'll burn in a static image onto your projection tubes (for rear projector). TVs (even HDTVs) aren't made for a static image (like a desktop).

You may want to turn down the brightness and decrease the contrast some.

Good Luck

Scott

EXACTLY, I have heard that despite rear projection televisions having VGA input for a computer, actually using it for extended periods of time can ruin the television. I do not know why, but if you want to know more, hit up
AVS Forum and ask those audio/video gurus.

Plasma TV's on the other hand are a different story, because they are an actual monitor. Just be careful about burn-in with plasma's too and you should be ok.

 

[madthumbs]

Mine is projection, no problems yet. Use the energy saving settings for the monitor, don't play games for more than 2 hours at a time, Don't use it as your primary monitor, and things should be fine. I use mine mostly for movies, but I don't hesitate to use it for other things. I just end up using the monitor more because I prefer the higher resolutions to the bigger screen size.