Connecting X32 to a TV set (non-HD)

[miggy]

I want to connect my X32 (ATI Mobility Radeon 7000) to a non-HD TV set (Component, Composite, RGB, EUROScart, S-VHS or S-Video). As everybody knows, there is only a VGA port in X31s & X32s.
I know that there are generally two options in such situations:
- buying a simple VGA > S-Video RCA / S-VHS *Cable* for about $10
- buying a more complex VGA > TV *Converter* with hardware scaling & screen resizing etc. for about $50

The second one is more versatile and it'll work with every video chipset. But I'd like to ask if the first (cheaper) option will work? Or is the second option worth the money? Any oppinions? Thanks in advance.

[sjthinkpader]

My personal preference in driving a TV is an A31p. A30p, A22p should work too. X3x is just too limiting.

[miggy]

My personal preference in driving a TV is an A31p. A30p, A22p should work too. X3x is just too limiting.

Limiting? Why?
This http://www.geniatech.com/pa/pctv1.htm allows you to use any PC (or Mac) with any TV set with great image quality and in any screen resolution. I just wanted to know if I have to pay $40-$50 for such device, or can I just buy a simple, cheap $10 VGA>TV cable/adapter ( http://img179.imageshack.us/content.php ... 001sg4.jpg ) ? But I'm not sure if this would work with Mobility Radeon 7000.

[sjthinkpader]

You may want to play DVD on the TV. A31p has video input and output, DVI output, the Radeon 7800 is fairly capable.

[virge]

- buying a simple VGA > S-Video RCA / S-VHS *Cable* for about $10

I'm fairly certain that this will not work because the X32 doesn't support that type of output through the DB15 connection. I don't think there are many laptops that have that feature. I looked into that option a while back. You might also want to consider a Dock II with a PCI video card for more connection options and better video.

[mojo-chan]

I have one of these cables and an X32, but am having trouble making it work.

I think the problem is that the driver does not support the correct output resolution. If it did, everything would work,.

PowerStrip seems to be the most popular solution, but IMHO it sucks. There must be a better way...

[sojourner]

miggy, asked myself the same question. I believe as the post above states, the VGA > S-video, RCA adapter will not work (because ATI does not support TV out in the software).

The solution probably lies in your second option
- buying a more complex VGA > TV *Converter* with hardware scaling & screen resizing etc. for about $50

If you find a solution, I'd be interested to hear what you chose and how well you liked it.

EDIT: BTW, just checked the Ultrabase for my X31, it has a S-Video port. Don't know if you are aware of that. As for me, I don't take a UB whilst traveling so still am looking for a VGA port to 'something' for coupling with a TV

[virge]

Would something like this work?

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=ifudk5&s=5

It was made by a company called AITech. I've used this in the past, but its been a long, long time. It took me some time just to find it again. It comes with a floppy so it must be old! The copyright on the instruction manual is 1997. Max resolution is VGA (640x480). The plugs you see are DB15-in, DB15-out, S-video out, and RCA out. Its a pretty compact package to carry.

If either of you are interested and want more info let me know.

[miggy]

I have bought a pre-owned "Grand Hand View III" box for less than 30 dollars. It works great, S-Video (RCA), RGB and RGB/EuroScart cables were included along with audio cable (mjack to 2x RCA or to EuroScart)).
It's USB powered.
Image quality is excellent. You can use any resolution up to 1280x1024@75Hz (automatic downscaling). It works with any computer and with any operating system - no drivers, zero configuration, pure plug&play.

[mikeh]

DX seem to have quite a few VGA->TV gadgets now.
Best to get one that accepts XGA.

http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/ ... r.60561251