Cheapass HDTV solution

dafoomie

dafoomie

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1. Vdigi VD-Z3 transcoder: $73 shipped
http://www.vdigi.com/

2. 21 inch Sony Trinitron flatscreen monitor: $133 shipped
http://www.azatek.com/details.asp?iid=397

3. Your game console that supports HDTV, and/or your Comcast HDTV box


Total cost: $206 for effectively a 21" HDTV, plus the costs of your console and cable bill, which you'd pay anyway with a real HDTV.

Is there a cheaper solution available? I have a similar setup, and I'm considering this for my living room.

Also, a switchbox would be nice for convienance... The Comcast box doesn't let you pass other things through it, even though it has 2 sets of HD inputs. Why are the damn things so expensive? Can't they just make a mechanical switch without any electronics?

Its also worth noting that you'd probably need a reciever for audio, since the monitor doesn't have a speaker like a TV does.
 
Wow, that's a nice deal on the monitor. It looks like you can expect to get 85Hz at 1600 x 1200. So depending on exactly what they mean by "Grade-B," and you don't mind the aperture grill lines, it's probably pretty good. Then I guess there are the unknowns, like how bright the monitor is.
 
wow, i didnt know there were such low priced options available. I dont think I could bear to part with my LCD and all the table space though.
 
[quote name='doubledown']Ummm, why get HDTV and not a WIDESCREEN monitor/TV?[/quote]
Because you don't want to spend upwards of $500? Because the point of the exercise is to not spend money?

Find me a cheap solution that is widescreen and $200. Widescreen monitors are unbelievably expensive.

You can always run it in widescreen and have the black bars at the top and bottom, thats what I do for some things.
 
[quote name='dafoomie']1. Vdigi VD-Z3 transcoder: $73 shipped
http://www.vdigi.com/

2. 21 inch Sony Trinitron flatscreen monitor: $133 shipped
http://www.azatek.com/details.asp?iid=397

3. Your game console that supports HDTV, and/or your Comcast HDTV box


Total cost: $206 for effectively a 21" HDTV, plus the costs of your console and cable bill, which you'd pay anyway with a real HDTV.

Is there a cheaper solution available? I have a similar setup, and I'm considering this for my living room.

Also, a switchbox would be nice for convienance... The Comcast box doesn't let you pass other things through it, even though it has 2 sets of HD inputs. Why are the damn things so expensive? Can't they just make a mechanical switch without any electronics?

Its also worth noting that you'd probably need a reciever for audio, since the monitor doesn't have a speaker like a TV does.[/quote]
You say that you have a similar setup. What exactly do you have setup now? Do you have a Vdigi VD-Z3 transcoder?
 
[quote name='xspeedracerx'][quote name='dafoomie']1. Vdigi VD-Z3 transcoder: $73 shipped
http://www.vdigi.com/

2. 21 inch Sony Trinitron flatscreen monitor: $133 shipped
http://www.azatek.com/details.asp?iid=397

3. Your game console that supports HDTV, and/or your Comcast HDTV box


Total cost: $206 for effectively a 21" HDTV, plus the costs of your console and cable bill, which you'd pay anyway with a real HDTV.

Is there a cheaper solution available? I have a similar setup, and I'm considering this for my living room.

Also, a switchbox would be nice for convienance... The Comcast box doesn't let you pass other things through it, even though it has 2 sets of HD inputs. Why are the damn things so expensive? Can't they just make a mechanical switch without any electronics?

Its also worth noting that you'd probably need a reciever for audio, since the monitor doesn't have a speaker like a TV does.[/quote]
You say that you have a similar setup. What exactly do you have setup now? Do you have a Vdigi VD-Z3 transcoder?[/quote]
Yeah, I have that adapter, and a 20 inch monitor. I'm also considering just the monitor, replacing my TV with it, and using my other one for the computer. Right now I'm using this one for both, and a regular TV for when I'm on the computer.
 
[quote name='dafoomie'][quote name='xspeedracerx'][quote name='dafoomie']1. Vdigi VD-Z3 transcoder: $73 shipped
http://www.vdigi.com/

2. 21 inch Sony Trinitron flatscreen monitor: $133 shipped
http://www.azatek.com/details.asp?iid=397

3. Your game console that supports HDTV, and/or your Comcast HDTV box


Total cost: $206 for effectively a 21" HDTV, plus the costs of your console and cable bill, which you'd pay anyway with a real HDTV.

Is there a cheaper solution available? I have a similar setup, and I'm considering this for my living room.

Also, a switchbox would be nice for convienance... The Comcast box doesn't let you pass other things through it, even though it has 2 sets of HD inputs. Why are the damn things so expensive? Can't they just make a mechanical switch without any electronics?

Its also worth noting that you'd probably need a reciever for audio, since the monitor doesn't have a speaker like a TV does.[/quote]
You say that you have a similar setup. What exactly do you have setup now? Do you have a Vdigi VD-Z3 transcoder?[/quote]
Yeah, I have that adapter, and a 20 inch monitor. I'm also considering just the monitor, replacing my TV with it, and using my other one for the computer. Right now I'm using this one for both, and a regular TV for when I'm on the computer.[/quote]
Is the adapter worth the money? I was going to order one a while back but desided against it.
 
I'm gonna wait until I can get a name brand (sony, samsung, sanyo, etc) 27"/30" widescreen tube for around $300... Maybe next year eh?
 
[quote name='xspeedracerx'][quote name='dafoomie'][quote name='xspeedracerx'][quote name='dafoomie']1. Vdigi VD-Z3 transcoder: $73 shipped
http://www.vdigi.com/

2. 21 inch Sony Trinitron flatscreen monitor: $133 shipped
http://www.azatek.com/details.asp?iid=397

3. Your game console that supports HDTV, and/or your Comcast HDTV box


Total cost: $206 for effectively a 21" HDTV, plus the costs of your console and cable bill, which you'd pay anyway with a real HDTV.

Is there a cheaper solution available? I have a similar setup, and I'm considering this for my living room.

Also, a switchbox would be nice for convienance... The Comcast box doesn't let you pass other things through it, even though it has 2 sets of HD inputs. Why are the damn things so expensive? Can't they just make a mechanical switch without any electronics?

Its also worth noting that you'd probably need a reciever for audio, since the monitor doesn't have a speaker like a TV does.[/quote]
You say that you have a similar setup. What exactly do you have setup now? Do you have a Vdigi VD-Z3 transcoder?[/quote]
Yeah, I have that adapter, and a 20 inch monitor. I'm also considering just the monitor, replacing my TV with it, and using my other one for the computer. Right now I'm using this one for both, and a regular TV for when I'm on the computer.[/quote]
Is the adapter worth the money? I was going to order one a while back but desided against it.[/quote]
Yes, the adapter is excellent, I've owned mine for years. Their current version is even better. Supports all HD resolutions.

[quote name='PhrostByte']I'm gonna wait until I can get a name brand (sony, samsung, sanyo, etc) 27"/30" widescreen tube for around $300... Maybe next year eh?[/quote]
That would be my preference for my living room, but I don't see that price point coming anytime soon. I don't want to buy a TV at all unless its HD, a non-HD TV purchase would be a waste of money.
 
This setup won't allow you to watch anything that isn't HD.

And I also think that you can get cheaper transcoders than that. I think I have seen some for as cheap as $20.
 
[quote name='dafoomie'][quote name='doubledown']Ummm, why get HDTV and not a WIDESCREEN monitor/TV?[/quote]
Because you don't want to spend upwards of $500? Because the point of the exercise is to not spend money?

Find me a cheap solution that is widescreen and $200. Widescreen monitors are unbelievably expensive.

You can always run it in widescreen and have the black bars at the top and bottom, thats what I do for some things.[/quote]

Don't let doubledown get you annoyed man. You had a great suggestion for a cheap HDTV solution for someone who wants to go that route.

Personally I'd rather save up and buy a really nice HDTV television instead of using a computer monitor. But for someone who doesn't mind the smaller size of 21 inches or needs it as a space saver (a 21 inch monitor is definitely smaller and lighter than most 27 inch HDTVs), its a good suggestion.
 
[quote name='chunk']This setup won't allow you to watch anything that isn't HD.

And I also think that you can get cheaper transcoders than that. I think I have seen some for as cheap as $20.[/quote]
Wrong on both counts.

The Comcast HDTV box will upscan any 480i signal into 480p if you turn the option on in the setup menu. I watch absolutely any channel I want to with this setup. This route also means you don't have to purchase an HD Tuner, you just have to pay the extra $4 or so a month for the service. You'd have to have some kind of service anyway in order to watch HDTV.

The cheap VGA boxes you've been seeing for $20 do not convert HD signals and do not give you true HD on your monitor. The cheap ones you're looking at are crappy scan doublers that just convert from 480i. The image will often not look very good, let alone not give you the detail that HD does.
 
[quote name='dafoomie']
Wrong on both counts.

The Comcast HDTV box will upscan any 480i signal into 480p if you turn the option on in the setup menu. I watch absolutely any channel I want to with this setup. This route also means you don't have to purchase an HD Tuner, you just have to pay the extra $4 or so a month for the service. You'd have to have some kind of service anyway in order to watch HDTV.

The cheap VGA boxes you've been seeing for $20 do not convert HD signals and do not give you true HD on your monitor. The cheap ones you're looking at are crappy scan doublers that just convert from 480i. The image will often not look very good, let alone not give you the detail that HD does.[/quote]

No reason to be so arrogant about it. I did not know that the Comcast box has an upscanner. There is your savings right there. Your renting the upscanner instead of paying an extra $100-$200 to have it built into your monitor like you would with one of those monitor/hdtv combos.

And I wasn't talking about those cheap VGA boxes. I am talking about cheap transcoders that don't convert from 480i at all. I am talking about cheap transcoders that require HD input and merely convert YPbPr to RGB, just like the box you listed. I've seen some pretty good deals on them. Maybe $20 is a bit of an exaggeration, but I am certain that I saw some for less than $40.
 
[quote name='chunk'][quote name='dafoomie']
Wrong on both counts.

The Comcast HDTV box will upscan any 480i signal into 480p if you turn the option on in the setup menu. I watch absolutely any channel I want to with this setup. This route also means you don't have to purchase an HD Tuner, you just have to pay the extra $4 or so a month for the service. You'd have to have some kind of service anyway in order to watch HDTV.

The cheap VGA boxes you've been seeing for $20 do not convert HD signals and do not give you true HD on your monitor. The cheap ones you're looking at are crappy scan doublers that just convert from 480i. The image will often not look very good, let alone not give you the detail that HD does.[/quote]

No reason to be so arrogant about it. I did not know that the Comcast box has an upscanner. There is your savings right there. Your renting the upscanner instead of paying an extra $100-$200 to have it built into your monitor like you would with one of those monitor/hdtv combos.

And I wasn't talking about those cheap VGA boxes. I am talking about cheap transcoders that don't convert from 480i at all. I am talking about cheap transcoders that require HD input and merely convert YPbPr to RGB, just like the box you listed. I've seen some pretty good deals on them. Maybe $20 is a bit of an exaggeration, but I am certain that I saw some for less than $40.[/quote]
I'm not trying to be arrogant. If you knew the Comcast HD box could do it, and I mentioned the Comcast HD box, why would you say that it can't? What is arrogant is making a statement that it won't do something I said it would, without either asking how it would work, or offering anything factual. It implies that I either don't know what I'm talking about, or I'm a liar.

If you can find a cheaper box that can convert 480p, 720p, and 1080i into VGA, and keeps the quality of the HD signal, then show me.

I'm really not trying to be a dick here (though it might sound otherwise), a cheaper converter of the same quality would be a major find. This is the cheapest one I know of... You'd be lucky to find a Nextvision N6 for double what this costs.
 
why are the screens so cheap? they are oem/open box returns that were refurbed? that is still a great deal on the screen.

I currently use a 20 inch sony trinitron, it isnt a flatscreen. would i just be able to get the transcoder for $73 shipped and use it with my current tv? that would be ideal.
 
[quote name='dafoomie']
I'm not trying to be arrogant. If you knew the Comcast HD box could do it, and I mentioned the Comcast HD box, why would you say that it can't? What is arrogant is making a statement that it won't do something I said it would, without either asking how it would work, or offering anything factual. It implies that I either don't know what I'm talking about, or I'm a liar.

If you can find a cheaper box that can convert 480p, 720p, and 1080i into VGA, and keeps the quality of the HD signal, then show me.

I'm really not trying to be a dick here (though it might sound otherwise), a cheaper converter of the same quality would be a major find. This is the cheapest one I know of... You'd be lucky to find a Nextvision N6 for double what this costs.[/quote]

I said I did not know that the comcast box could do that.

Unless I'm misunderstanding you, it is still true that it won't work for things that aren't HD, with the exception of tv broadcasts. Like you said the comcast box doesn't allow passthrough. So you won't be able to play most of your PS2 games, nor a bunch of Gamecube games, nor a handful of Xbox games. For me this is a nonsolution because the only thing I would want an HDTV for is to play games (I don't watch tv).

I wasn't trying to imply that you are wrong or that you don't know what your talking about. It was more a statement of disappointment because this setup won't work for me. (I should have added a :( ).

Anyway, your probably right about getting a cheaper transcoder with those capabilities. It is quite possible that the one I was looking at can only handle 480p, but not 720p or 1080i. I don't have time to scour the net to find it again though. I looked into this kind of solution for my games a long time ago, but I rejected the transcoder idea because it doesn't offer any advantages over hacking the gamecube or xbox to output VGA. BTW, does that transcoder really convert the 1080 interlaced signal into a progressive one?
 
It says these monitors are B stock and may have blemishes such as screen scratches...
Almost brought one
 
Dam if the monitors were $89 shipped I'd be all over this. Anyone know of a place to order a 21'' crt monitor shipped under $100 (I'm a true cheapass)?
 
ok im trying to put this together , that transcoder is so that u can watch hdtv signal or ur computer monitor ? , and play hd ready games ? so it takes the signal from ur cable box then sends the signal out to vga for u monitor ? hmm im a little confused can someone help with an explination thanks
 
[quote name='chunk'][quote name='dafoomie']
I'm not trying to be arrogant. If you knew the Comcast HD box could do it, and I mentioned the Comcast HD box, why would you say that it can't? What is arrogant is making a statement that it won't do something I said it would, without either asking how it would work, or offering anything factual. It implies that I either don't know what I'm talking about, or I'm a liar.

If you can find a cheaper box that can convert 480p, 720p, and 1080i into VGA, and keeps the quality of the HD signal, then show me.

I'm really not trying to be a dick here (though it might sound otherwise), a cheaper converter of the same quality would be a major find. This is the cheapest one I know of... You'd be lucky to find a Nextvision N6 for double what this costs.[/quote]

I said I did not know that the comcast box could do that.

Unless I'm misunderstanding you, it is still true that it won't work for things that aren't HD, with the exception of tv broadcasts. Like you said the comcast box doesn't allow passthrough. So you won't be able to play most of your PS2 games, nor a bunch of Gamecube games, nor a handful of Xbox games. For me this is a nonsolution because the only thing I would want an HDTV for is to play games (I don't watch tv).

I wasn't trying to imply that you are wrong or that you don't know what your talking about. It was more a statement of disappointment because this setup won't work for me. (I should have added a :( ).

Anyway, your probably right about getting a cheaper transcoder with those capabilities. It is quite possible that the one I was looking at can only handle 480p, but not 720p or 1080i. I don't have time to scour the net to find it again though. I looked into this kind of solution for my games a long time ago, but I rejected the transcoder idea because it doesn't offer any advantages over hacking the gamecube or xbox to output VGA. BTW, does that transcoder really convert the 1080 interlaced signal into a progressive one?[/quote]
You're right, thats the drawback. I'm told that in the future, the Comcast box will allow you to hook things up to it and pass through, in a future firmware update, but who knows if this'll ever happen. You could concievably use a regular crappy vga box on the passthrough port, but I don't consider that a real solution. Dreamcast isn't a problem since it uses VGA natively anyway, adapters are very cheap, but I'd like a solution for my other consoles as well... A high end unit like the Nextvision N6 will do everything, but costs about $150.

It does convert 1080i very well, the manual references 540p, but 1080i looks the best on the monitor.

Sorry for being a dickhead, some people just like to go around and jump all over people for either being wrong, making a mistake, or mispelling words.

[quote name='dracula']why are the screens so cheap? they are oem/open box returns that were refurbed? that is still a great deal on the screen.

I currently use a 20 inch sony trinitron, it isnt a flatscreen. would i just be able to get the transcoder for $73 shipped and use it with my current tv? that would be ideal[/quote]
The adapter is for your monitor, you can't use it on a TV.

The monitors on this site are refurbs, some off lease... People on other boards have reported theirs to be in perfect condition, but YMMV. Its the cheapest I've ever seen a 21" Sony Trinitron monitor, but if you're worried about condition, you can get a new 19" monitor for around $70 AR, but it'll be a crappy brand with a lower refresh rate at higher resolutions.

[quote name='scdoanintendo']Dam if the monitors were $89 shipped I'd be all over this. Anyone know of a place to order a 21'' crt monitor shipped under $100 (I'm a true cheapass)?[/quote]
Local pickup perhaps? It really does cost a lot of money to ship these things. I'd be all over one if I could find one... Got my 20 inch for just under $100 a year ago off Ebay.

[quote name='jam3582']ok im trying to put this together , that transcoder is so that u can watch hdtv signal or ur computer monitor ? , and play hd ready games ? so it takes the signal from ur cable box then sends the signal out to vga for u monitor ? hmm im a little confused can someone help with an explination thanks[/quote]
Yes. The source is your HDTV box, or your HD-compatible game console, such as Xbox. The output is your computer monitor. It allows you to substitute a computer monitor for an HDTV, so you can view the signal in true HD, and not just a crappy image from a regular VGA box.
 
[quote name='dafoomie'] [quote name='jam3582']ok im trying to put this together , that transcoder is so that u can watch hdtv signal or ur computer monitor ? , and play hd ready games ? so it takes the signal from ur cable box then sends the signal out to vga for u monitor ? hmm im a little confused can someone help with an explination thanks[/quote]
Yes. The source is your HDTV box, or your HD-compatible game console, such as Xbox. The output is your computer monitor. It allows you to substitute a computer monitor for an HDTV, so you can view the signal in true HD, and not just a crappy image from a regular VGA box.[/quote]


wow this is awesome I like this thanks for the answer dafoomie that helps alot and now im pondering if I should get this for a temporary HD solution , I got another question whats 1080i resolution translate too because I think my current monitor can only handle 1600 X 1200 I think refresh rate is 70 the most .
 
[quote name='dafoomie']
You're right, thats the drawback. I'm told that in the future, the Comcast box will allow you to hook things up to it and pass through, in a future firmware update, but who knows if this'll ever happen. You could concievably use a regular crappy vga box on the passthrough port, but I don't consider that a real solution. Dreamcast isn't a problem since it uses VGA natively anyway, adapters are very cheap, but I'd like a solution for my other consoles as well... A high end unit like the Nextvision N6 will do everything, but costs about $150.

It does convert 1080i very well, the manual references 540p, but 1080i looks the best on the monitor.

Sorry for being a dickhead, some people just like to go around and jump all over people for either being wrong, making a mistake, or mispelling words.[/quote]

Yeah, there are even a handful of dreamcast games that won't work in vga mode. I wonder if the comcast box can be hacked or canabalized for an upscanner. Is it possible to buy these things used? (I would imagine that they are pretty useless to anyone that doesn't have comcast, so used ones could be pretty cheap). Can you give me a model number for an HD comcast box? I think I might look into this (if I have time).

Don't sweat it about our little spat. I don't like those nitpickers either and I'm sorry that I was so abrasive.
 
Sorry to bump this topic, but if I purchase the monitor and VGA box I _can_ play gamecube and ps2 games with it, right? And all the games will be supported?
 
This is good info!

I have yet to venture into the HD area as I know I will be pissed at my current television setup and drop to much on something new. I will wait another year or two...

But this setup might be a cool intro to the idea.
 
[quote name='civx']Sorry to bump this topic, but if I purchase the monitor and VGA box I _can_ play gamecube and ps2 games with it, right? And all the games will be supported?[/quote]
Only progressive scan games would be supported. Only some ps2 games are.
 
[quote name='dafoomie'][quote name='civx']Sorry to bump this topic, but if I purchase the monitor and VGA box I _can_ play gamecube and ps2 games with it, right? And all the games will be supported?[/quote]
Only progressive scan games would be supported. Only some ps2 games are.[/quote]

Is there any way around this so I can play all my games on the monitor (like buying another adaptor or AV switch)?
 
[quote name='civx']Actually, it seems as though I can play all my regular games if the monitor supports 480i. Awesome.[/quote]
Yes, I forgot what the exact spec was, but something like the hsync has to be low enough. Someone should look it up... I couldn't find it.
 
Just a warning, this transcoder is nice and all, but you will most likely come across crushed blacks and whites and possibly other video abnormalities. I have heard of problems running 1080i and 720p through these (halos, crushed blacks and whites) which is most likely a bandwidth problem internal to the transcoder. You get what you pay for and for stuff like this you can go too cheap. Especially if you care about video quality.


Chris
 
[quote name='dafoomie'][quote name='civx']Actually, it seems as though I can play all my regular games if the monitor supports 480i. Awesome.[/quote]
Yes, I forgot what the exact spec was, but something like the hsync has to be low enough. Someone should look it up... I couldn't find it.[/quote]

Ok, first of all, Im glad DaFoomie made this guide. He helped me when I was looking at the VGA and I can say without question it was the best gaming purchase Ive made in years. Anyone who is looking at one, its worth it. I cant speak for the others but the z3 is incredible and there support staff, while english "challenged", is very helpful long after they need to be. Great products, great support = worth every penny.

Now on to a more self serving note... explain further Dafoomie what you meant by the quote. I have no tv whatsoever (damn power surge!) so the only games I can play are my pro scan xbox games. I would LOVE to be able to use other system and my monitor as their "tv" but I thought that if the game wasnt in pro scan, theres nothing that can be done.

Also, how does one figure out if your monitor can support 480i? If youre saying that you CAN play non pro scan ps2,gamecube,snes,etc games on your monitor if its specs are ok for it, I need to figure out how to check my own.
 
[quote name='supadupacheap'][quote name='dafoomie'][quote name='civx']Actually, it seems as though I can play all my regular games if the monitor supports 480i. Awesome.[/quote]
Yes, I forgot what the exact spec was, but something like the hsync has to be low enough. Someone should look it up... I couldn't find it.[/quote]

Ok, first of all, Im glad DaFoomie made this guide. He helped me when I was looking at the VGA and I can say without question it was the best gaming purchase Ive made in years. Anyone who is looking at one, its worth it. I cant speak for the others but the z3 is incredible and there support staff, while english "challenged", is very helpful long after they need to be. Great products, great support = worth every penny.

Now on to a more self serving note... explain further Dafoomie what you meant by the quote. I have no tv whatsoever (damn power surge!) so the only games I can play are my pro scan xbox games. I would LOVE to be able to use other system and my monitor as their "tv" but I thought that if the game wasnt in pro scan, theres nothing that can be done.

Also, how does one figure out if your monitor can support 480i? If youre saying that you CAN play non pro scan ps2,gamecube,snes,etc games on your monitor if its specs are ok for it, I need to figure out how to check my own.[/quote]

The monitor needs to have a horizontal sync range as low as 15kHz to display interlaced signals.

No monitors do this except for overpriced specialty monitors and some old ones made more than 15 years ago.

To give you a feel for how much these specialty monitors cost, last time I checked it will run you around $300 for a 15" CRT (plus shipping).

Good luck finding older monitors that will sync this low. I have been looking for one for years and I haven't been able to find one. A few months ago I almost got one for around $200 shipped on ebay, but that one wouldn't support anything higher than 480p and I didn't want to pay $200 for it.

Of course you can always go with an arcade-type monitor, but then you lose the ability to display progressive scan signals.

If anyone knows where to get a reasonably priced monitor that supports interlaced signals as well as progressive signals then please let me know. Basically such a monitor needs to include the horizontal sync range 15kHz-31kHz. That would be quite a find.
 
[quote name='chunk'][quote name='supadupacheap'][quote name='dafoomie'][quote name='civx']Actually, it seems as though I can play all my regular games if the monitor supports 480i. Awesome.[/quote]
Yes, I forgot what the exact spec was, but something like the hsync has to be low enough. Someone should look it up... I couldn't find it.[/quote]

Ok, first of all, Im glad DaFoomie made this guide. He helped me when I was looking at the VGA and I can say without question it was the best gaming purchase Ive made in years. Anyone who is looking at one, its worth it. I cant speak for the others but the z3 is incredible and there support staff, while english "challenged", is very helpful long after they need to be. Great products, great support = worth every penny.

Now on to a more self serving note... explain further Dafoomie what you meant by the quote. I have no tv whatsoever (damn power surge!) so the only games I can play are my pro scan xbox games. I would LOVE to be able to use other system and my monitor as their "tv" but I thought that if the game wasnt in pro scan, theres nothing that can be done.

Also, how does one figure out if your monitor can support 480i? If youre saying that you CAN play non pro scan ps2,gamecube,snes,etc games on your monitor if its specs are ok for it, I need to figure out how to check my own.[/quote]

The monitor needs to have a horizontal sync range as low as 15kHz to display interlaced signals.

No monitors do this except for overpriced specialty monitors and some old ones made more than 15 years ago.

To give you a feel for how much these specialty monitors cost, last time I checked it will run you around $300 for a 15" CRT (plus shipping).

Good luck finding older monitors that will sync this low. I have been looking for one for years and I haven't been able to find one. A few months ago I almost got one for around $200 shipped on ebay, but that one wouldn't support anything higher than 480p and I didn't want to pay $200 for it.

Of course you can always go with an arcade-type monitor, but then you lose the ability to display progressive scan signals.

If anyone knows where to get a reasonably priced monitor that supports interlaced signals as well as progressive signals then please let me know. Basically such a monitor needs to include the horizontal sync range 15kHz-31kHz. That would be quite a find.[/quote]
Yeah, thats it. There are actually a few monitors that do it, but its not intentionally a feature of the monitor anymore, it just happens to do it. Its simply not needed by a computer.

Look for a monitor that supports a minimum of 15khz for horizontal sync, and you've got one that can run 480i.
 
I'm probably not going to go with the High Def setup but now I am slightly conflicted. I'm thinking of getting a 22inch monitor from Gateway for $235 shipped new or I could save a hundred bucks and get the used one.

Decisions, decisions.
 
[quote name='Michaellvortega']Just talk to Tim behind Circuit City at the docks, he's got a cheapass soulution for your HDTV.[/quote]

You know, I've had guys come up to me in a white van and offer me a cheaper HDTV solution outside of a circuit city once.
 
[quote name='Michaellvortega']Same here Admiral, thats why I said what I said. LOL thats funny![/quote]

They almost had a sale too. But then they tried to push their lame company warranty and that broke the deal! :p
 
Thanks to dafoomie for the cheapass display solution! Between this and the $20 speakers/subwoofer a while back from Buy.com, my den is now a gaming refuge. I have the nice setup downstairs, full surround, etc, but someone is always watching Survivor or something lame like that. Having my den set up is great.

I'm not tech saavy at all, but I got my gamecube to work with this setup by holding down the B button during loadup, which switches the Gamecube into progressive mode. I KNOW that Metal Slug Advance isn't HDTV or a progressive scan game , but I can play it through this setup (with Gamecube's Gameboy adapter)just fine. If THAT game works, anything on the Gamecube should. Oh, and Metroid Prime looks sweet. Thanks again, dafoomie!!!
 
[quote name='chakan']I KNOW that Metal Slug Advance isn't HDTV or a progressive scan game , but I can play it through this setup (with Gamecube's Gameboy adapter)just fine. If THAT game works, anything on the Gamecube should. Oh, and Metroid Prime looks sweet. Thanks again, dafoomie!!![/quote]

Metal Slug is not the gamecube software. The gamecube software is the gameboy player. The gameboy player is an HDTV/Progressive scan software (as all nintendo published software is). However, not all gamecube games are.

For example, Tales of Symphonia, RE0, and Super Monkey Ball are not progressive scan games.
 
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