Do NVIDIA GPU-(Chipset) have no more NTSC/PAL support for composite/SVHS/RGB out?

[snn47]

I still preferto watch DVD on my Sony CRT TV's, but there seems to be no video output support any more, like composite, SVHS or RGB on graphics cards or or mainboards with GPU chipsets any more.

While there is the full range of output options like HDMI, DVI and VGA output I am missing e.g. on my Gigabyte GA-73PVM-S2H composite/SVHS/RGB. In the GPU settings I could not find the resolution-settings and frame rates needed for RGBHV PAL/NTSC output.

Does anyone have an idea or link on how to still connect CRT TV to todays GPU's without having to use an external device like KWorld PCTV1600 PC to TV Converter (1600 x 1200) with HDTV Support, which will most likely not increase quality.

[Blue_MiSfit]

Lots of video cards still have a multiple analog output which will do composite, s-video, or component.

Example:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187065

The newest cards have deleted this in favor of having HDMI / DisplayPort connectors, but there are plenty of slightly older cards which will do this happily

[littleD]

If you have D-sub port, buy VGA-SCART converter. That would have even better quality than s-video. But.
I know that nvidia cards have problems with such conversions. Radeons work like charm.

[snn47]

@Blue_MiSfit I need the available slots for two DVBS Receiver.

@littleD
How would you select the required 50 Hz frame rate for PAL? I found in the drivers only 60 Hz and whic resolution would you propose?

VGA to SCART Is combining of H & V sync to a composite sync really necessary, since SCART also has separate HV in?

VGA (RGBHV) to combined Video converter using the MC1373 (like the ATARI 520 and other old PC used for composite video out) or similar chip .

I still have not found an explanation how the PC to TV Converter (1600 x 1200) function, since the frame rate of 60 Hz is wrong for PAL, unless the produce a nonstandard 60 Hz PAL. I rmember to having read about nonstandard 60 Hz PAL and 50 Hz NTSC used by some DVD-player, but have not actually seen it work myself.

PS.: I also looks for separate USB videocards, the ones in Dockingstations or the LG Photoframes but none list the 50 Hz for PAL.

[littleD]

snn47
Firstly find if your TV has scart port, and find in specs if it can take RGB signal.

Analog signal is slighty different between monitor and tv, in the latter V & H sync are combined. They have also negative polarities and rates/clocks.

I still have not found an explanation how the PC to TV Converter (1600 x 1200) function, since the frame rate of 60 Hz is wrong for PAL, unless the produce a nonstandard 60 Hz PAL. I rmember to having read about nonstandard 60 Hz PAL and 50 Hz NTSC used by some DVD-player, but have not actually seen it work myself.
1600x1200@60 isnt any TV out mode, it is probably your hardware specs limit. The highest resolution@ highest refresh rate for PC monitor. Of course TV pal need 50HZ and that rate you will set. TV out you set in Control Panel using probably cloning. Power strip may be also needed.
I do not have nvidia card and never used such converter. that converter should switch VH synch to negatives polarities since only atis cards can do that. Be careful if you wanna buy such thing. At least you can Do It Yourself :)
Some links
http://www.epanorama.net/circuits/vga2tv/index.html
http://www.nexusuk.org/projects/vga2scart/
http://translate.google.it/translate?u=http%3A//digilander.libero.it/venturi1975/index.html&sl=it&tl=en&hl=it&ie=UTF-8

[snn47]

littleD

Thank you for the links, most of them are new to me. Most converter seen to be just a sync-combiner/inverter, and the rest has to be done by the GraphicsCard. Which is also the danger in burning the sync driver/transformer if the sync is of to much.

After burning up one monitor I had the idea to built a ext. synced fixed osc. circuit, basically a fixed osc, that won't go outside the safe tolerances of TV's frequencies [V osc. (50/60 Hz) H osc (15625 Hz)] and a sync output like the LM1881. To PLL lock it to the external sync so the Monitors input would never be outside the safe frequency range, so it never exceeds the tolerances = burning a sync circuit/Transformer.

Even if lock is not achieved this would still provide a running unlocked picture.

If I remember correctly SCART and VGA RGB differ in amplitude 0.7 V vs. 1 V, which should not be such a difference.

[littleD]

Well, using such convereter, theres always some risk involved. Sometimes even proper order of turning on TV and computer is required or setting 15k Hsync signal (eg by powerstip). Thats why i pointed DIY site. You know what is inside and its cheaper anyway. Look at last link from google translate. Read it carefully. There are many advanced schematics, you can make even additional circuit to protect TV from burning during system boot.

VGA RGB signals and Scart RGB ones are compatible, both 0.7V, so many converters just passthrough RGB signals (direct connection).

Read from link chapters: 3.1-5, 4.2-33, 10.1

[mariush]

You can always try something like this:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15524 USB Powered VGA to TV Composite/S-Video Adapter Box

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26804 USB Powered VGA to Composite + S-Video Converter Box

- Converts VGA signals to S-Video and Composite for TV output
- Powered by USB port, no bulky AC adapter to carry around
- Perfect for presentations and home entertainment (watch movies on TV!)
- Supports NTSC, PAL TV modes
- Maximum 24-bit true color 1280*1024px @ 60Hz resolution
- Resolution of VGA signals: 640x480@60/72/75/85Hz, 800x600@60/75Hz, 1024x768@60/75Hz, 1280x1024@60Hz
- Output VGA/Video/S-Video at the same time
- USB power cable, VGA connection cable, composite TV cable and S-Video cable included


There are other similar products and gadgets and adapters and cables on that site that would fit your needs and it's an ok site, i ordered from them and received what i ordered.

[snn47]

Thank you for the replies, It takes some time to go through the info provided.

Still when looking at the prices as low as 32$ I am still wondering how they do it, especially since commercial equipment with much more expensive due to the high component count/prices.

Even given that there is nearly 0$ labour cost involved.

[Ghitulescu]

For God sake, any entry level DVD player is cheaper than any video card with Video/S-Video output, and outputs also RGB. For 10-15€ more you find also HDMI.
A DVD player is the best solution for a CRT TV, as many PCs do create the ground loop if analogue audio is also output (you can use optical to avoid this).

[snn47]

Ghitulescu
What good will an entry level DVD player do when I like to watch my DVB-S recordings on my HDD.

If the boards would still provide an AGP slot I would just put an Matrox card in and would not need to ask.

[Ghitulescu]

I still preferto watch DVD on my Sony CRT TV's, but there seems to be no video output support any more, like composite, SVHS or RGB on graphics cards or or mainboards with GPU chipsets any more.

Ghitulescu
What good will an entry level DVD player do when I like to watch my DVB-S recordings on my HDD.

You said DVD in the OP so I gave you the best advice.
For DVB-S you can always have a media player, not that cheap but still ok. Or you can spend a little bit more and have one of the DVD players with USB that let you watch clips from an USB stick of HDD.

Composite video and S-Video are legacy issues, the computer industry moved to digital, so it would cost more (old chips, extra chips, more licences as they are not yet expired) for what, to satisfy those few consumers? You're kidding ...

So if you still want to use your PC get an old GraCard ...