Wii: how well do component ---> vga converters work?

GoldenTiger

GoldenTiger

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I am thinking of picking up a component cable set with my Wii due to the recent announcement that they will be available in stores, but my Dell 2005FPW widescreen doesn't have a component input (only svideo, composite, vga, and dvi). Would a component-to-VGA converter work well for me quality-wise? Also, where would you recommend grabbing one, and what model (ie monoprice or whatnot)? Thanks!


EDIT: Also, using an LCD with the standard composite cable, how will things work?
 
I use one for my Gamecube and PS2.

EXCELLENT quality out of the cube. But make sure you have a regular TV near by, as most computer monitors can not output 480i (less than 15khz scan rate.), you will only need it for changing display settings and memory card mantinance. The GC dashboard only works in 480i.

Once you get going its an amazing experiance. Paper Mario looks like a comic book in your face. Clear as glass. Try FZERO GX in widescreen 480p, first time I saw it I could not close my mouth, it is a WORLD of difference.

I highly recommend Key Digital Systems or Audio Authority. (Google it) I have the KDS-XBlaster, I dont think they make that model anymore though. It also worked really well when I had a X360 hooked up to it. (Could not stop playing Ridge Racer 6, WOW.)

Helps to have a good setup too. (I run on a NEC/Mitsubishi 21 inch MultiSync.)
Oh and of course the PS2 works too, as does anything with component/progressive out. The PS2 out is just nothing to write home about. Its nice, but not like the GC. Oh and only like 30 games out of 1000(?) support 480p.
 
Wait, so I won't even be able to play using the included composite cable on my 2005FPW? That doesn't rhyme... definitely doesn't sound right :).
 
Seeing as the wii is pushing 480p as it's development standard I assume you will be fine ;)
 
Darakian said:
Seeing as the wii is pushing 480p as it's development standard I assume you will be fine ;)
Click to expand...

Help a confused nooblar here... composite can do progressive scan, just at a reduced quality due to the color signals being all on one wire?

Thank you!
 
LeviathanZERO said:
I use one for my Gamecube and PS2.

EXCELLENT quality out of the cube. But make sure you have a regular TV near by, as most computer monitors can not output 480i (less than 15khz scan rate.), you will only need it for changing display settings and memory card mantinance. The GC dashboard only works in 480i.

Once you get going its an amazing experiance. Paper Mario looks like a comic book in your face. Clear as glass. Try FZERO GX in widescreen 480p, first time I saw it I could not close my mouth, it is a WORLD of difference.

I highly recommend Key Digital Systems or Audio Authority. (Google it) I have the KDS-XBlaster, I dont think they make that model anymore though. It also worked really well when I had a X360 hooked up to it. (Could not stop playing Ridge Racer 6, WOW.)

Helps to have a good setup too. (I run on a NEC/Mitsubishi 21 inch MultiSync.)
Oh and of course the PS2 works too, as does anything with component/progressive out. The PS2 out is just nothing to write home about. Its nice, but not like the GC. Oh and only like 30 games out of 1000(?) support 480p.
Click to expand...

Got any pics of the gamecube over vga? I'm considering hooking up the Wii to my 2007WFP.

Jeff
 
GoldenTiger said:
Help a confused nooblar here... composite can do progressive scan, just at a reduced quality due to the color signals being all on one wire?

Thank you!
Click to expand...
Composite does not have the bandwidth to do progressive scan. Component does, because as the name suggests, each component of the video signal is transmitted over a separate wire. (Y, Pb, Pr; Luma & two Chromas; layman's terms: Brightness & Two Color Channels).

My Gateway FPD2185W does have component input, so I just run Xbox/PS2/GC to my Pioneer 816, and then from there to the monitor. World of difference, though I must say.... GC cables make a godly amount of difference. Like above poster said...F-Zero in 480p = holy shit is that a GC game?. Glass smooth, beautiful backgrounds...absolute wins. The other two look good as well, but IMO, Nintendo's has the biggest difference.
 
playrh8r said:
Got any pics of the gamecube over vga? I'm considering hooking up the Wii to my 2007WFP.

Jeff
Click to expand...

I was hoping to try this as well.

A word of warning though, the Wii's recommended play distance is 8-10 feet, which can be a bit difficult for some people's computer setups, and even if they can get that far away, it may be difficult to read off the monitor properly.

If you're too close to the sensorbar, you'll lose accuracy with the wiimote according to some reviews and video reviews(Like the Leipzig conference for example).
 
So what would an interlaced signal look like (480i over composite) on an LCD? Would it be atrocious, or playable? My room is setup so that I can get 8-10 feet away from the LCD, so Wii-mote accuracy should be fine :). Screen size on the other hand, hopefully, will be fine as well ;).

Finally, where can I buy these component -----> vga adapter cables? I tried googling and looking on monoprice and am getting nowhere :(.
 
Mmmmmm... why is google turning nothing up? I've seen pictures of these, but can't find anywhere to buy :(. I want it in before the Wii launches. Also, anyone know the price of the Wii component cables?
 
GoldenTiger said:
So what would an interlaced signal look like (480i over composite) on an LCD? Would it be atrocious, or playable? My room is setup so that I can get 8-10 feet away from the LCD, so Wii-mote accuracy should be fine :). Screen size on the other hand, hopefully, will be fine as well ;).

Finally, where can I buy these component -----> vga adapter cables? I tried googling and looking on monoprice and am getting nowhere :(.
Click to expand...
One such place: Link
 
ir0nw0lf said:
One such place: Link
Click to expand...

I have seen cables that do it for (people claimed) $10-20, but I don't know what they're called. I don't need/want a transcoder setup, just a cable adapter :).
 
GoldenTiger said:
I have seen cables that do it for (people claimed) $10-20, but I don't know what they're called. I don't need/want a transcoder setup, just a cable adapter :).
Click to expand...

There are no cable adapters that would work. Component is a color difference signal vs VGA which is an RGB signal. They're completely incompatible with each other, hence the need for a transcoder.
 
linuxdude9 said:
There are no cable adapters that would work. Component is a color difference signal vs VGA which is an RGB signal. They're completely incompatible with each other, hence the need for a transcoder.
Click to expand...


Alright, thank you for the clarification. Can anyone recommend a good, cheap transcoder (or is the one linked above something matching this description other than being out of stock)? Also, will the composite even work with my LCD at all (even if it looks worse)? I really am trying to stick to about the price of the Wii and three games, and was hoping not to have to dump a game in order to even use the thing.
 
Composite video or even S-video will look like garbage on the 2005, it will work but you'd be better off buying the cheapest TV you can find at walmart. This is mainly because of the crappy de-interlacing in the monitor.
 
squeezee said:
Composite video or even S-video will look like garbage on the 2005, it will work but you'd be better off buying the cheapest TV you can find at walmart. This is mainly because of the crappy de-interlacing in the monitor.
Click to expand...


Bleh, I guess I will have to save my pennies for a transcoder, too :(. Any suggestions on ones/where to buy? It looks like the Vdigi VD-Z3 is the way to go, but I can't even find it for sale anywhere.
 
I second the recommendation of a converter from Key Digital Systems, I use one that they don't make anymore. I first used it for my Xbox and PS2 on my monitor, now I use it with my Xbox 360 until I manage to get my hands on a VGA cable.
 
squeezee said:
Composite video or even S-video will look like garbage on the 2005, it will work but you'd be better off buying the cheapest TV you can find at walmart. This is mainly because of the crappy de-interlacing in the monitor.
Click to expand...

You got me... I think I'll be picking up a Magnavox 20MT4405 from Circuit City in the near future. It just doesn't look worth it to go through the transcoder stuff for me.

Thanks for the help, everyone!
 
would a component to vga adapter work for the ps3 as well? what resolutions could be expected?
 
squeezee said:
Composite video or even S-video will look like garbage on the 2005, it will work but you'd be better off buying the cheapest TV you can find at walmart. This is mainly because of the crappy de-interlacing in the monitor.
Click to expand...

QFT.
 
linuxdude9 said:
There are no cable adapters that would work. Component is a color difference signal vs VGA which is an RGB signal. They're completely incompatible with each other, hence the need for a transcoder.
Click to expand...

This is sorta incorrect for the GC, and I'm hoping the Wii as well. The output port you plug into on the GC is a digital port, and the cable assembly itself has a DAC built in. This DAC actually supports VGA signals as well, it just needs to be modded a bit and a different connector needs to be added to the end of the cable. If you start with the component cable, you have to add some wires as well, but if you start with the japanese DTerm cable, you just have to change connectors.
Mod:
http://www.geocities.co.jp/Technopolis-Mars/9984/ngcrgb_e.htm

Or buy:
http://www.goldenshop.com.hk/AI-trad/gc/vgacable.htm

Now I have no idea what we'll get with the Wii, but since it's so damn similar to the GC, I wouldn't be surprised you're able to do a similar mod.
 
GoldenTiger said:
You got me... I think I'll be picking up a Magnavox 20MT4405 from Circuit City in the near future. It just doesn't look worth it to go through the transcoder stuff for me.

Thanks for the help, everyone!
Click to expand...

Question: If an SDTV (640x480) has component input, does that automatically mean it can do progressive scan through that input as well (on a CRT)? I'm feeling dumb at the moment and can't remember :). So, can anyone let me know for sure?
 
GoldenTiger said:
Question: If an SDTV (640x480) has component input, does that automatically mean it can do progressive scan through that input as well (on a CRT)? I'm feeling dumb at the moment and can't remember :). So, can anyone let me know for sure?
Click to expand...
Hm, SDTV eh? Probably maxes out at 480p, which is 720x480, IIRC.

orange.exe said:
would a component to vga adapter work for the ps3 as well? what resolutions could be expected?
Click to expand...
I plan on doing HDMI out from PS3 to DVI in on my monitor. Probably some converters out there that can handle digital -> analog conversion.

As for the GC component cables, yeah, it has a rather large DAC sitting there on the cable. Mine even has a bunch of ferrite beads for me...I bet the thing could carry signals through an EMP if it had too. ;)
 
Sorry to dig up an "old" thread, but I am about to buy the TV tomorrow likely (20MT4405 Magnavox from CC). I just wanted to clarify on component=progressive-capable thing... it is not an HDTV, but is a flat-tube with a component input. Does this mean it will be able to do progressive scan with the component cables from the Wii, or do some component-input TV's somehow not support progressive-scan (meaning they'd be 480i, not 480p)? Please excuse the silly questions, but I want to be 100% sure :D.
 
GoldenTiger said:
Sorry to dig up an "old" thread, but I am about to buy the TV tomorrow likely (20MT4405 Magnavox from CC). I just wanted to clarify on component=progressive-capable thing... it is not an HDTV, but is a flat-tube with a component input. Does this mean it will be able to do progressive scan with the component cables from the Wii, or do some component-input TV's somehow not support progressive-scan (meaning they'd be 480i, not 480p)? Please excuse the silly questions, but I want to be 100% sure :D.
Click to expand...
I am looking around and it doesn't say if it's progressive or not.

[edit]
Link to MSN
 
TBH, I bet it's not 480p capable. Just 480i over those component ports, so better colors, but no progressive scan.
 
Lamont said:
I am looking around and it doesn't say if it's progressive or not.

[edit]
Link to MSN
Click to expand...


Thanks... I wasn't sure if component meant it could automatically do 480p through the ports or not :). Anyone have any suggestions for TV's 20" for about $150 (or less) to use with the Wii? I'm looking for 20" if possible, but 480p is more important to me with the component input. I'm looking around, but I'm kinda clueless in regards to this stuff ;).

EDIT: I called Magnavox and was told this TV doesn't support 480P (progressive). Oh well, it still looks like a great value feature/size-wise for $95 on sale at CC at the moment.

EDIT2: I checked out this TV at Wal-Mart online Phillips 20PT6245/37 for $125, then called Phillips and was told it DOES support 480P (progressive) over the component input.
 
bump for great justice, if anyone gets the chance to try a vga adapter with a Wii, since its out now, i'd like to hear some results? Although now that i think of it i wonder if any even work for the Wii currently.
 
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