ATI component adapter and VGA output?

[NogodZ]

Maybe not the best forum for this, but I figured people here might know:
Does anyone know of a way to have both the ATI component adapter AND VGA output to a regular monitor? And, is the component adapter worth it over S-video??

Is there any way to split that signal without compromising visual quality, or what are the options for best quality and displaying to an HDTV and monitor?

thanks,

S

[cult]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=207267&highlight=ATI+component+adapter

dont know much,but maybe this helps

[NogodZ]

Thanks for the link, unfortunately I didn't see anyone talking about 2 output signals from the ATI card, just discussions on DVI and HDTV component adapter issues. (Seems DVI to DVI on an HDTV is best, if the TV supports it, thereby obviating the need for the HDTV adapter, even according to an ATI rep).
But that's still just one output, still looking for options on TV and monitor with good quality on both...|-]

S

[Stereodude]

You need to get a VGA to component transcoder. They cost over $100. Then your PC will think it has two monitors on it and the external box converts the VGA signal to the component.

Stereodude

[Mikename]

Or instead of buying the 100+ box you could get one of these http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10031445&hdwt=30506&loc=101 and three of these http://www.cablesnmor.com/bnc-rca-adapter.html . Keep in mind you can find these components cheaper at a local computer store or radio shack. Good luck, this worked like a charm for me.

Mike

[Stereodude]

Originally posted by Mikename
Or instead of buying the 100+ box you could get one of these http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10031445&hdwt=30506&loc=101 and three of these http://www.cablesnmor.com/bnc-rca-adapter.html . Keep in mind you can find these components cheaper at a local computer store or radio shack. Good luck, this worked like a charm for me.

Mike I'd be very leary of doing that. That is not really component. That is RGBHV. Most TV's/projectors aren't going to take that correctly.

Stereodude

[Mikename]

meh I'm just saying what worked for me;) It worked on my 4:3 Panasonic HD Ready TV. I'm currently just using for the hipix vga out... if you wanted to use it on the desktop I'd imagine you would have to use powerstrip to get everything compatible with the tv.
Mike

[Stereodude]

Originally posted by Mikename
meh I'm just saying what worked for me;) It worked on my 4:3 Panasonic HD Ready TV. I'm currently just using for the hipix vga out... if you wanted to use it on the desktop I'd imagine you would have to use powerstrip to get everything compatible with the tv.
Mike Yes, but the HiPix can be set to component, in which case that cable will work.

Stereodude

[NogodZ]

Thanks for the info.
So going with a VGA to component (with VGA loop-thru) should allow all monitor resolutions as usual (as if your were going straight from the card VGA/DVI out to the monitor), with the added component out to HDTV. For 150-200 bucks.
Another option would be to use the ATI component adapter ($45 with shipping) and an S-video to VGA converter to get back monitor display and still have true component out for an HDTV. That would cost another 70 bucks or so it seems. But then I think you are limited to 640x480 on the monitor.
The cheapest converter I've seen so far is $199.
Why doesn't the ATI adatper have VGA pass-through? Do they assume everyone will give up their monitor and do all viewing on the component input device? Oh well.
Seems the best/cheapest route would be to use a PCI video card for the monitor, and use the ATI card solely for the HDTV with the component adapter. Anyone have this kind of setup with the ATI adapter?

My only question at this point:
Is either the ATI component adapter -OR- a VGA to component converter with VGA pass-through worth getting over S-video out? Technically, yes, the component output is best, but as I'm fairly new to all this, is don't know how much better.
Obviously better with just a brief look? Significantly? Only noticeable by doing direct comparisons? etc. I know there were/are issues with the ATI adapter and overscan problems as well. Do these problems exist with the VGA to component converter as well?

Thanks for all the great ideas and info, sorry if I'm thinking out loud too much, but maybe this will also help someone else in a similar situation.

S

[rmatei]

If you're solder-happy then you can bypass the ATI component thingie and change the output to component yourself. Do a search on the AVS forum.

Me, I'm luck enough to have a TV with DVI :cool: