Will regular TV with s-video work as a computer monitor?

[Sandan]

I am building a system for my daughter who doesn't have a lot of room in her bedroom. So, she has a 19in Flatscreen TV with S-Video in. It is an RCA and a year old. The card I will use is ATI 8500 with S-video out. Will she be able to use the TV in place of a computer monitor? Thanks.

 

[xtknight]

That would be...pretty...shall we say, painful on the eyes (eye strain). Everything would be really blurry and it's just not feasible. You can try it, but I wouldn't expect much. I don't think S-Video outputs at boot-up, does it?

Edit: If you're not against the idea of getting a new monitor, some are multifunctional and have DVI/VGA in as well as a TV tuner. So it would be saving space, just not money. Just wanted to make sure you were aware.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824001073
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824001224

 

[FrozenCanadian]

I used to use an original All-in-wonder (rage IIc) with a my Sony Trinitron 27" TV. The problems are most tv's are limited to 800x600 (unless its an LCD etc...) and you really cant make out the text. Its fine for gaming (older games that is). I would agree with xtknight you can try it but don't expect much. I suppose you could increase the font size but it would need to be big to be legible.

 

[nwrigley]

The answer is no, you can't read the text. I use it all the time for watching video and playing SNES emulator though.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

Originally posted by: FrozenCanadian
I used to use an original All-in-wonder (rage IIc) with a my Sony Trinitron 27" TV. The problems are most tv's are limited to 800x600 (unless its an LCD etc...) and you really cant make out the text. Its fine for gaming (older games that is). I would agree with xtknight you can try it but don't expect much. I suppose you could increase the font size but it would need to be big to be legible.

It's usually 1024x768 as a max, however SDTVs are more in line for 640x480 if you want text you can actually read.

 

[moonboy403]

The text wouldn't be clear (understatement) and your eyes would REALLY hurt

watching a movie or gaming on it is just fine...but reading text? never!

 

[Sandan]

Thanks a lot for all the input. After reading your comments I went to a nearby computer store and found a used Sony Triniton 17in Monitor for $50. It was manufactured in 2002 and is in really sweet condition.