[mythtv-users] Running Game Console and Need Help

Michael T. Dean mtdean at thirdcontact.com
Wed Apr 4 16:44:25 UTC 2007


On 04/04/2007 12:08 PM, Adam Branaugh wrote:
> Thats the thing, I am not using a TV, I am using a computer monitor.
> I guess I will have order a VGA to RCA cable and run that through the
> second input on my monitor from monoprice.  Can someone please tell me
> if this cable would do what I want it to do?  I would connect the Red
> and White cables to my reciever and then the yellow cable to the
> adapter, the vga to the second input.
> http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10401&cs_id=1040113&p_id=2509&seq=1&format=2&style=
>
> Sorry for the questions I am new to linux and do not know much about
> tuner cards.

You need Composite to VGA, not the other way.  That requires a converter 
(which is basically like the BTTV-based approach--it's doing frame 
grabbing), not just a cable.   
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%2B%22composite+to+vga%22

The main benefit of a dedicated converter is that it doesn't impact your 
Myth box (and you don't have conflicts preventing you from gaming when 
you're recording shows).  The main problem is that it's hard to tell 
what kind of delay you'll get until you plug it in.  Oh, and the whole 
quality thing can be a problem, too--depending on what you buy.

The best approach would be to get a monitor/TV/projector that accepts 
Composite input.  However, another approach is to upgrade to a PS3/Xbox 
360/... that has VGA and/or DVI output cables available.  So, your 
options, as I see them:

BTTV card in Myth box: cheap, requires non-Myth program for 
"passthrough" (i.e. xawtv), induces delay--enough to get you taken down 
in Burnout ;)

Composite to VGA converter: much more expensive (~$100 or $150 or more), 
hard to know what you get (delay/quality) 'til you've got it

XBox 360: $300 (no HDD) or $400 (with HDD) + $49 (VGA output cable), 
will work great with the VGA cable and an HDTV, but doesn't play your 
PS2 games

PS3 (since you have a PS2): $600 (plus VGA output cable?), but plays all 
your PS2 titles

Mike


More information about the mythtv-users mailing list