Computer to TV w/ Component

[jaguar325]

I have a virtual bike trainer that runs on a computer and would like to get the video to project on an old HD-ready TV in my exercise room. Despite all the posts I am finding on the web, I can't seem to zero in on an effective way to do this on the cheap. The TV is a 36" Sony CRT with 1080i capability but, unfortunately, it only has component, S-video and composite inputs.

My computer is an IBM Thinkcentre (about 4 years old) with an ATI Radeon Pro 9600 graphics card. It's capable of very high screen resolutions and has DVI, 15-pin and S-video output. I'd prefer to get higher resolution than the S-video will allow.

What is the best way to convert signal via the DVI or 15-pin output on my computer to the component inputs on the TV? I don't want to invest a ton of money into this due to the age/value of the TV. It works fine and I'd like to get some use out of it with this project if I can get something <$100 (prefer closer to $50).

Thanks,

Big K

[dorfd1]

grand tec usa hd wire

[BattleZone]

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10235

VGA to component cable.

[dorfd1]

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10235

VGA to component cable.

vga to component cable is not compatible with computers unless his video card can output component video throught the vga out.

[brant]

DVI to Component vid adapter;

http://sewelldirect.com/dvivideoadapter.asp <<-- first result on google

[Cholly]

Here's an ATI solution to your problem - A DVI to component video adapter.
http://www.trianglecables.com/dvi-hdtv200.html

[dorfd1]

Here's an ATI solution to your problem - A DVI to component video adapter.
http://www.trianglecables.com/dvi-hdtv200.html

what part of "is his video card compatible with these adapters?" do you not understand!

[harsh]

vga to component cable is not compatible with computers unless his video card can output component video throught the vga out.Aping P. Smith is not going to win friends and influence people.

VGA converts just fine to component.

IIP's link doesn't lead to the right item, but he had the right idea. http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041901&p_id=2398&seq=1&format=2

A DVI to component adapter should work also.

In the end, it will be interesting to see if the resultant image is actually better or worse than the S-VHS connection.

To the OP: the VGA input is probably fixed at 640x480 and it will almost certainly make you ill.

[houskamp]

replacing the video card may be the cheapest way out.. This isn't a laptop is it?

[Cholly]

what part of "is his video card compatible with these adapters?" do you not understand!

The adapter I mentioned is by ATI and is for his video card. I have a 9600 series card myself, so I completely understand what his card will handle.

[harsh]

replacing the video card may be the cheapest way out.. This isn't a laptop is it?Check the second paragraph of the OP.

[houskamp]

also check ibm's website to see what cables they offer and then check ebay for it..

[dorfd1]

Get a new video card. Almost all new video cards have a seperate s-video/component video out.

[jaguar325]

Thanks for all the ideas... a lot of info I read on the web seems to lead to the same two solutions -- which are seemingly at odds with each other. I read about how simple this is to just use a cable connector/converter which fits my desire to do this on the cheap. But I also read warnings about needing to make sure that the PC card can output analog from through the DVI connection... with my limited computer and A/V knowledge, this sounds like an oxymoron. I have also read forum debates on whether 15-pin VGA output is truly RGB. By the time I am done with all this information, I am left wondering if buying a more expensive box to do the conversion isn't the better option.

All that said, it would appear as though there may be a chance to somehow set my card output in such a way that the DVI (and possible VGA) output will work with one of the cable adapters. I will check ATI's tech information to see if that is the right path.

Thanks,

Big K

[jaguar325]

I just wanted to close the loop on this question. Based on tips about an ATI-specific adapter, I did some research and found something that fits my needs exactly:

http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/ATI-HDTV-DVI-I-to-3-RCA-VIDEO-Component-Adapter/2507195/product.html?cid=123620&fp=F&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=10726936

There are instructions that say how to update and set the Catalyst software and set Windows monitor output to make this work. So, for less than $20, I am hopeful this works... just ordered the part.

Thanks,

-Big K