[mythtv-users] Computer to TV connection advice needed

[Scott]

On Sep 9, 2006, at 7:02 AM, Lonnie Borntreger wrote:

> That is where the problem comes up.  I don't have the money to buy a
> projector (and the family room really isn't big enough for it), and a
> "modern" TV with vga/dvi inputs is right out also, for now..... and my
> TV, while not too old, and quite nice, only has composite and s-video
> inputs.

I know you don't care to replace your TV but I figured I would try  
tempting you with options... My wife says I'm an instigator. :)

A SVGA projector will run around $800 these days. As for TVs, look  
for some CRT TVs that might have vga and / or component (the 3 R /  
G / B connections) on the back. Having a vga input was pretty popular  
on Toshiba CRT TVs before the flat screens took over the market. Even  
new, something like the Samsung TX-R2435 which has component video  
inputs, but no vga, goes for $230 at Best Buy. Another possible  
option, depending on how big your room is, would be to consider a 20"  
LCD Monitor like the Dell UltraSharp 2005FPW for $360.

Eventually you'll get a TV with component inputs on it, it really is  
very common these days thanks to DVD players. :)

> So, here is question one: Should I get a computer to TV converter box
> and use my current video card and X config, or get a video card with
> s-video/composite output and deal with re-writing and tuning my X
> config?  I can get a converter box off Ebay for $76 (including
> shipping), but I see I can get a decent nVidia video card with s-video
> out from Ebay for around $25.

I would go the video card route. Less boxes / converts in the chain  
typically means a better picture in my mind. You can find AGP  nVidia  
FX5200 video cards with SVIDEO for less than $50. You'll spend more  
time googling for modelines than actually trying to do modeline math ;)

--
Scott