[mythtv-users] connecting mythbox to HD tv -- dvi->hdmi or vga->component

[Preston Crow]

On Tue, 2006-01-31 at 10:51 -0800, Jarod Wilson wrote:
> On Tuesday 31 January 2006 10:31, Gabe Rubin wrote:
> > I am upgrading my myth box, and will get some sort of geforce card to
> > output to my hdtv.  My tv can take component or hdmi inputs.  My
> > preference would be to get a geforce card with dvi out and then get a
> > dvi->hdmi cable to run it properly as I would like to avoid paying an
> > extra $100 for a vga->component converter.
> 
> Heh, DVI->HDMI cables aren't cheap either...

Huh?  Mine were something like $14 a year ago, and I see them under $5
on Froogle now.  Sure, stores always put a huge mark-up on cables,
because they're not the competitively advertised items.

> > My questions are:
> > 1) will this be decent quality?
> 
> If it works, it'll be pretty much the best quality you can possibly get. My 
> DVI->DVI setup is gorgeous.

Yup.  However, with DVI, you can't do modeline tricks to create modes
without overscan.  That's a real pain for me with Mythgame.

> > 2) is this even possible with HDCP issues?
> 
> Depends on your TV.

It shouldn't be an issue.  HDCP is supposed to be optional on the
receiving end.

> > 3) can someone recommend a good cheap card that will handle this,
> > preferably fanless that fits into a AGP slot.  Keep in mind, I want to
> > HD playback.
> 
> A GeForce FX 5200 is more than enough.

In fact, if you check the archives, you'll see that a 5200 isn't just
enough, it's generally the best option at any price.  The 6xxx and up
cards use different acceleration techniques that aren't fully supported
by the video playback software, so you actually get the best performance
with a 5200.


But there's another option that wasn't mentioned.  I've noticed that
some video cards now have component video output, so you don't need a
VGA converter.  If you can find a 5200 with component output and DVI
output, that would be the perfect card, as you could use component if
you need to do modeline tricks, or you can use DVI to avoid going to
analog.

--PC