What Video Card and Converter(s) For HDTV as Computer Screen

[azdevil]

I was lucky enough to win a XP1800+ a while back. I already have an 1.2 266 T-Bird.
I want to build a new system, but I want to use my HDTV instead of buying another monitor.
Here's my best components I plan to use.
AMD XP1800+
MSI K7Master mobo
512mb PC2100 crucial
40gig 133 Maxtor 7200
Toshiba Cable Modem through D-Link Router
On-Board Audio for now(In the market for an upgrade as well)
Pioner 16x slot load DVD
CenDyne 24x10x40
Antec Case Plenty of Fans(5)
CAK-II68 Heatsink
Blah, Blah, Blah....and here is my TV.
Panasonic HDTV 47" Widescreen

Opinions & Sugestion Wanted:
VGA Component Converter?
Help Please

 

[rbV5]

Not an endorsment of the product per say(first one I found using google), but a Device like that, coupled with a card that supports HDTV resolutions, like a Radeon. You could use powerstrip, or tweak your registry for custom resolutions supported by your HDTV. Radeon cards already support component video out, but it is not implemented yet. They claim a DVI>componet dongle adaptor Q1 2002, but its not here yet, and I've seen where they list a VGA>component adaptor available Spring 2002, so who knows what that even means?

 

[azdevil]

Can this burn out a TV?
I've heard mixed feedback.
I've been told it will burn out my tubes.

Have come close to buying a raedon a couple of times, but still want to be sure.

 

[rbV5]

<< I've been told it will burn out my tubes >>



Its just a Y Pr Pb signal, just like from a source from a DVD player. I've heard both sides of the screen burn-in debate, I would think you have as much to worry about the news emblems from extended CNN viewing, as the HUD or score from gaming, but you may have to worry about the desktop being on all the time. Our CRT monitors at work have our Main display permanently burned into them, it only takes a few months of continous viewing. Just try to avoid gaming with a static screen for long periods and have your screensaver set to a short inactivity period and I would think you should be OK.

 

[azdevil]

That theory makes sense to me.
Like with webtv, or dvd that have online access now, or xbox, or any of those sources.
Isn't a signal a signal?

 

[azdevil]

I just looked at the manual online to see what kind of "warnings" they give. They describe it as any prolonged picture/image could produce permanent "shadows." They say that "gaming, letterbox, and computer use should be limited to less than %15 of tv use. This and never having prolonged still images should prevent any damage. Well, now I am thinking that it is still a possibility. I mean there aren't many still images in Quake or UT and other games. If I go to the very slim explorer bar and use it sparingly with a quick screen saver, it should be fine. I wonder if clear type will help, I will be using XP. If I buy a video card that supports higher res. and use a program like powerstrip, I should be able to get res. past the 6..X4.. Now I have to find a converter for a reasonable price, $200....ouch. Makes a monitor look almost attractive. Thanks for the help!!!

 

[Jeraden]

RPTVs are much more susceptible to burn-in of images than a normal TV. Thats why they never recommend you play video games on a projection TV. Lots of people hate channels that have bright logos displayed, as if you watch that channel enough, it will burn into the CRTs. However, as long as you limit playing to maybe 2 hours MAX at a time and don't have the contrast set too high you should be fine.

And yeah, what you need is a VGA transcoder like the one linked above. There is also one made by Key Digital and one by RCA. I believe all-around the Audio Authority one is the best. I got mine from http://www.digitalconnection.com where its 119 + shipping. Hard to find it much cheaper than that.