Stupid Question regarding S-Video output

[RyanM]

Is all S-video output on motherboards Progressive scan?

I would assume so, but then, we all know what happens when one assumes.

 

[DanJ]

S-Video does not support progressive scan output, only component video (red/green/blue).

Though watching a DVD on your computer's LCD or CRT would be in progressive scan.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

In order to be NTSC standard, it's got to be interlaced. :frown:

IMO, S-Video tends to look like crap above 640x480 anyhow.

- M4H

 

[RyanM]

So here's the million dollar question:


Supposing you wanted to build a minibox to replace your DVD player, CD changer, etc, therefore, you want progressive scan output (component video)....

Is there any sort of peripheral that offers that?

I recall seeing VGA to BNC cables before...BNC is a totally different thing that component video, is it not? Is there such a thing as a VGA to Component video cable?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: MachFive
So here's the million dollar question:


Supposing you wanted to build a minibox to replace your DVD player, CD changer, etc, therefore, you want progressive scan output (component video)....

Is there any sort of peripheral that offers that?

I recall seeing VGA to BNC cables before...BNC is a totally different thing that component video, is it not? Is there such a thing as a VGA to Component video cable?

VGA to component I haven't seen.

I believe some ATI cards offer that though through the DVI-to-HDTV adaptor.

Search/Ask in the Video Forum about that. Or try playing a game of Google. 😛

- M4H

 

[RyanM]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: MachFive
So here's the million dollar question:


Supposing you wanted to build a minibox to replace your DVD player, CD changer, etc, therefore, you want progressive scan output (component video)....

Is there any sort of peripheral that offers that?

I recall seeing VGA to BNC cables before...BNC is a totally different thing that component video, is it not? Is there such a thing as a VGA to Component video cable?

VGA to component I haven't seen.

I believe some ATI cards offer that though through the DVI-to-HDTV adaptor.

Search/Ask in the Video Forum about that. Or try playing a game of Google. 😛

- M4H

My only luck with Google gave me a couple "box" devices with a VGA input and Component outputs, and pricetags which exceeded $100.

I'm gonna see if I can't get this moved to the Vid forum.

 

[RyanM]

Anything? Bueller?

 

[fell8]

Forget the component. Inch for inch, computer displays are better, cheaper, and more readily available than HD displays.

Oh yeah, and they don't need ridiculously expensive converters.





wrong name fixed

 

[RyanM]

Originally posted by: fell8
Forget the BNC. Inch for inch, computer displays are better, cheaper, and more readily available than HD displays.

Oh yeah, and they don't need ridiculously expensive converters.

Perhaps my question isn't very clear.

I want this computer to replace a progressive-scan DVD player.

Therefore, I need to somehow output to component video.

So far, the only method I've found that's semi-reasonably priced is a VGA to component converter box.

The question is, is there another way?

 

[fell8]

Oops, I meant component, forgive me. If you're already locked into a component situation, then no, as I'm sure any video cards which might come with component connectors would be far more expensive than the adapter. Plus I doubt they would be using the latest gaming oriented chipsets. Here and here are a couple of the cheapest options I could find.

I would still reccomend considering switching to a computer display solution. Projectors with native XGA resolutions and light outputs far exceeding 1000 lumens have dropped below $1500 and will put a bright, clear 720p image on the entire wall.



link fixed

 

[RyanM]

Well, I'd have a helluva time telling a customer, "Yeah, your HDTV sucks ass, you should throw it out and get something better."

I'm trying to engineer this around his existing setup.

Thanks for the cable link. I'll have to weigh that against a converter box as far as price and functionality goes, but it's nice to know.

 

[Slick5150]

Seeing as how you can get a progressive scan DVD player for under $100, I'd say you'd just be a lot better off going that route than trying to build something.

 

[RyanM]

*sighs*

You just aren't getting it. He wants a HTPC to REPLACE what he has currently - Which is a Prog-scan DVD player. Is that so hard to fathom?

Okay, moving along.

His HDTV has a D-Sub 15 input - Which falls under the progressive scan category. D-Sub 15 is also a name for what our monitor's VGA connectors, if I recall correctly.

I'm going to investigate whether I can hook the vga from the computer straight to the D-Sub connection on the HDTV. If anyone knows anything along those lines, please let me know.

 

[Slick5150]

Wow MachFive. I guess I just can't fathom things like you can.

Except for the fact that I was simply pointing out that what you're talking about doing would require an adapter that would cost more than a standalone device (at least to output a good quality component signal). So while I understood the point of what you're trying to do, I was simply stating that it may not be worthwhile. Unless it accepts a VGA input, which if it does, then it's not a problem.

 

[fell8]

Yes, it should plug right in and not require any mods, adapters or S/W.

 

[RyanM]

Originally posted by: PinwiZ
Wow MachFive. I guess I just can't fathom things like you can.

Except for the fact that I was simply pointing out that what you're talking about doing would require an adapter that would cost more than a standalone device (at least to output a good quality component signal). So while I understood the point of what you're trying to do, I was simply stating that it may not be worthwhile. Unless it accepts a VGA input, which if it does, then it's not a problem.

You know what? It doesn't take a degree in rocket science to point out the blindingly obvious.

Would keeping his current DVD player be cheaper than building an HTPC? Duh.
Would keeping his current CD player be cheaper than building an HTPC? Duh.

But doesn't want to do that. He wants to throw them away and replace them with something that does their job JUST as good as they do currently, while giving him the ability to rip CDs and DVDs to the hard drive, organize them, etc.

This should go without saying. You're not telling me anything I haven't already advised him on - But he happens to think that it'd be nice to have all his CDs on the hard drive of a computer, easily queueable through WinAmp, and accessible through a visual interface. I happen to think that's a pretty nifty idea. So despite the fact that progressive-scan DVD playing, and quality CD-playing, are both things he already has, he's still liking the HTPC idea.

Crystal?

 

[RyanM]

Originally posted by: fell8
Yes, it should plug right in and not require any mods, adapters or S/W.

Thank you for staying on topic.

Would I be correct in guessing a D-Sub 15 input is nothing more than a VGA input? I've heard the two thrown around interchangably, but I've never heard of a TV having a VGA input before. DVI, sure, but this VGA input kinda threw me a loop.