what about this one?
anyone try it yet?


TV BOX

or

Another one

or

THis one

Good find mlat! I guess the one under

" THis one "

is the best of the three you mentioned.
However it lacks component input, as I see it outputs max. 576p and has max. 1024x768 resolution, wich is best for the 15" screens only. I think it would be extravagance to use with a 17" or 19" display

But "the price is right!"

The first one ("TV BOX") is ok (puts 1280x1024), but as I read its progressive out cannot go above 480p and no component input, as well.
The second ("Another one") is not good for this project since it does the reverse thing: produces video output for TVs, recorders FROM the PC signals.


Brainchild: how about a pinned list of found Video-PC converters with features, resolutions, inputs, outputs, prices, places to buy from etc. etc. ? Just like at "Compatible LCDs" and "Incompatible LCDs"? (I'm sorry if this list is exists somewhere in the forum, I haven't checked it yet.)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...bayphotohosting

the tv box 9 going up for sale....not mine but CHEAP!!! (well rite now its 1.50 )

Richy the newbie

will someone look at this vga converter and tell me if it is any good.
also what is the diff of the viewsonic n4 and n5 and n6. which is best

thanks

No component inputs.

N4,N5,N6 Varius supported resolutions and inputs.
As to which is best. The question would be what works best for your application.
N6 has the most and highest features.(up to 1260x1024 @60hz / 1020x768 @75hz)
--refresh rate helps--hd compatible
N5 similar to N6 but no HD stuff
N4 supports up to 1020x768 @60hz-- no component(svid & composite only)

Info here: http://www.viewsonic.com/products/tventert...ideoprocessors/

May want to look at TVBOX9 as an option. Brians review was good.
Just received mine and will running some tests on in the future.

R

OK, just from reading specs, not from seeing one in operation. First a comment, whatever box you get, you want it to be able to output at the native resolution of your LCD monitor. So if max output is 1024x768, then it is good up to a 15" monitor. If max output is 1280x1024, then it is good up to 17" and 19" monitors. If max output is 1600x1200, then it is good for 20" monitors. If your monitor doesn't have a standard resolution, make sure the box you are getting supports your monitor's native resolution.

Your AV-6 VGA Box has composite and S-video inputs (and a vga pass-thru). Its maximum resolution is 1024x768 so it is good for a fifteen inch monitor that has a resoultion of 1024x768. No component input so no handling of any HD input. Has no tv tuner, will need a tuner from something like a vcr with composite or s-video output to see regular tv stations (off the air or via unscrambled cable).

The ViewSonic N4 is like the AV-6 but with a tv tuner added.

The Aver-media TVBox-9 has composite, S-video and component video inputs (and a vga pass-thru). Its maximum resolution is 1280x1024 so it is good for a seventeen and ninteen inch monitors that have a resoultion of 1280x1024. Its component input will only handle 480i input so it is not good for HD progressive scan inputs or the HD 1080i input. It includes a tv tuner so it can be hooked up to a regular tv antenna or non-scrambled cable coax to receive vhf/uhf channels.

The ViewSonic N5 is like the TVBox-9 in terms of specs except that its specs do not specify which HD signals it can handle. Lacking that, I would assume that it can handle only 480i and maybe 480p. I would say this is especially true since the N6 specs do specify the HD signals it will handle. Note also that older N5's do not have component inputs.

The ViewSonic N6 is like the TVBox-9 except that it will handle all the HD input signals from 480i, 480p, 576p, 720p and 1080i.

The only box that I have found that will do 1600x1200 output (at less than several thousand dollars) is the Kramer VP719DS. It will cost you between $1100 and $1400.

All of the boxes that handle higher output resolutions will output at lower resolutions so they are suitable for monitors with lesser native resolutions.

Also another "gotcha" make sure that the refresh rate of the box is compatible with your monitor. Looking at these box's specs I don't believe that should be a problem, however it could be if you have a monitor with an oddball range (old and slow or very new and very fast and not able to slow down to 60Hz).

If you want my take then here is a preference list:

AV-6 for up to 15" monitors and no tv tuner.
N4 for up to 15" monitors and includes tv tuner.
TVBox9 for up to 19" monitors and 480i component video.
N6 for up to 19" monitors and all HD component video signals.
Kramer VP719DS for up to 20.1" or any 1600x1200 monitor. Note, does not handle any wide 1600 resolutions so no 1600x1280 or 1600x1024 etc.

Another scaler/video upconverter I have looked at is the TVOne SC-1250 but its max res is 1280x1024 so at $800 that is a major leap from the N6. Who knows, it might be worth the difference.

im trying to deside what dvd to get
should i get one with progressive scan or one with progressive with a vga port?
i guess the question would be how would i get the best output?
a dvd with a progressive vga into the n5 and out to my pj
or
a dvd with progressive scan usong the rca ports into the n5 and out the my pj

???

thanks

Pscan DVD with component output to the N5, N6 or TvBox9.

what about this one

tv box

No component input.

Greetings All,

I stumbled across this exciting community this weekend after seeing the $10,000 TV's in the best buy flyer and being disgusted. I figured their must be a better/cheaper way to go. I've been involved in the DIY speaker community for a few years and this is a wonderful match. I've been educating myself as fast as I can and plan to continue to do so but I would like to start purchasing components.

I've skimmed through this thread and am still a bit confused about what I really need and what the latest/greatest is.

Here is what I would like to do:

1) Use the component outputs of my X-Box
2) Use the composite/co-ax output of my cable box
3) Use the composite/co-ax output of my VCR

If using the S-video from my X-Box would give comparable results at a much better price, I would be willing to compromise.

I don't mind plugging/unplugging the VCR/Cable box input as my projector will not be a permanent mount.

I do not have HDTV and will not have it for the foreseeable future.

From what I've read about LCDs, I'll be looking for a 1024x768@75Hz.

Please recommend a converter or two that would be ideal for my needs.

Thanks in advance!
- J

The best I've tested are the Viewsonic N6 and the Avermedia TvBox9. The TvBox9 has the edge.

Brainchild,

Thanks for the advice. Those two units look really incredible but I feel I would be buying much more than I need. For example, I would not use the TV tuner, picture in picture, 1280x720, 1280x768, 1280x1024, closed caption, audio features, sleep timer, channel preview, parental control, or remote.

I'm on a budget buy am happy to pay for a quality picture. I would rather not spend money on features I do not use. Are there any units that give a quality picture with a scaled back (<$$$) feature set ?

Thanks,
- J

Not if you want component...

There was the Prolink at $99 with component but there have been many unfavorable reports, and I was very unimpressed when I tested it.

The TvBox9 can be had for $129 at times.

just found this dvd with vga sounds like the answer

How about this then?

http://www.the-console-corner.com/Dragon_P...i_VGA_BOX_2.htm

Wow that's cheap and it has component. Could be a good option for 15" builders. I wonder if it's any good...

Here is some of the info about that box
http://www.lik-sang.com/faq.php?browse=1&p...=219#answer7094

That site is down or something.

What box?

This box ^

I dunno , but was thinking about trying it, dunno about the refresh rate.
Hmmm
can't be all bad and worth a chance for the price I guess.
Kewl!

How much is it?
and it only has component inputs , no video in only. Not many things have component outputs short of dvds

Got to have component.

Got to have composite also though , no good with just component only.

I never use composite for anything anymore. It's just an old, outdated technology that doesn't shine on a high resolution device such as this projector.

would it be wise to get a factory refurbished N6???

Yeah, maybe they got it right the second time

"Does this VGA box allow for Progressive Scan compatible games to be displayed as it should on the monitor? (2003-05-07)
No this will not transmit progressive scan signals to the monitor. (2003-05-21)"

this kind've kills the main reason for wanting component doesn't it?

hmmm...silly question, but i've never used components before, although my dvd player has them i use svideo to the receiver and rca to the tv.

i want to hook the component straight from dvd to tvbox9 (because my receiver doesn't do component) and then svideo from receiver to tvbox9 (controlling TV,PS2, whatever else i want)

so...how does component deal with audio, or do i just audio hook rca's to receiver and video is separate cables?

thanks!

Component cables do nothing with the audio except leave it alone . You'll have to run seperate pair of audio cables. Component is just like s-video, they both only do video. Component is better because it actually separates the colors and waveforms into each cable thus the reason why they are RGB colored.

Hey guys, I guess I had a bit of a question, im a little confused here...

Brain, you said that the AverMedia TVBOx9 was the best bang for the buck and had the best component video yet.

But I read in the description
"Input Signal:
.........

S-Video Input/Component Input (via S-Video/Component YPbPr (480i) 2 in 1 Cable)

and that got me scared, 480i input ? should that be 480p for progresive scan?


Secondly my other question is that I am running an xbox with a vga converter,
XBOX VGA converter, X2VGA+
and most games are 480p , and my projector will only display 1024x768 right? (as that is the native resolution of my monitor, and I believe the only one which its capeable of displaying)

so will the TVbox9 will upscale this (640x480) image to 1024x768 VIA the VGA input?

I think I have answered my own question since my monitor says it outputs 640x480 resolution, I can infact output 480p without the use of one of these TV boxes, and since im using a Modified XBOX console, I can achieve progressive scan DVD playing capebilities! :-)


just so everyone knows, the LG1515S and the Philips 150s4 will work with this device.

pricey, but maybe for you high-end guys :

http://www.onecall.com/PID_17805.htm


DVDO iScan Ultra Advanced Video Processor
was : $1199USD, now $499USD
(some deal sites listing this for $399USD)

specs, in case link disappears:



# Two Component (YPbPr) inputs on standard RCA connectors
# Two S-Video (Y/C) input on standard mini-DIN connectors
# Two Composite video input on standard RCA connector
# Auto-sensing and switching with input priority switch (???)
# Accepts standard NTSC/PAL/SECAM interlace scan video signals
Video Output
# 15-pin VGA-type HD-15 connector
# DVI Digital Output connector
# User-selectable RGB or YPbPr output color space for analog VGA output
# RGB – 0.7Vpp, YPbPr – 0.7Vpp, Sync on Y – 1.0Vpp
# Separate H, V synchronization standard; user-selectable composite sync and sync on green
# Outputs 480p/576p progressive scan video, 31.5kHz/31.25kHz scan rate
# 525 total video lines per frame, 480 active lines (NTSC)
# 625 total video lines per frame, 576 active lines (PAL/SECAM)
# 10-bit video DACs
Controls
# Input select buttons (Channel 1 or 2 for each input type)
# Pass Through select
# Aspect Ratio Control
# Picture Controls: Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Hue, YC Delay, Sharpness, Chroma Filter
# Output signal Control

* Color space select (RGB or YPbPr)
* H/V Sync, Csync, SOG/Y
* Curtain control for 4:3 on 16:9 displays
* DVI/Analog Select
* DVI Resolution Select


Input Stage
# High-performance multi-standard video decoder
# High quality adaptive comb filter for 2D Y/C separation
Source Detection
# Film (3:2 pulldown)
# Computer Graphics (2:2 pulldown or 30 fps)
# Video camera
# Video game consoles (single-field sources)
# Advanced Transition Management (smooth handling of source sequence changes)
# Auto-dynamic thresholds enable reliable 3:2 pulldown detection even with noisy sources
Video Processing
# Four input fields used to determine contents of each output frame
# Progressive Source Detection and reassembly of original frames
# Motion detection on fine-grained cell basis
# Motion-adaptive video deinterlacing
# Cubic interpolation for pixel calculations
# Diagonal processing reduces jaggies
Cables (included)
# Component Video, S-Video, Composite Video
Power
# 100-240VAC 50/60Hz
# 6V/2A DC-In, 9W (active), 2.5W (standby)
Dimensions (in/cm)
# 10.4 x 17 x 2.2 in / 26.3 x 43.3 x 5.5 cm

this means that the device will switch to the active signal being received, if input#1 has signal then the converter will show it, if input#2 is sending a video signal the video from #2 will be shown instead, with no need to manually switch source input. Usually in case the signal is present on both input#1 and #2 the device would show either #1 or the last selected.

That unit only outputs 480p\576p and is intended for EDTVs'
So unless you like your monitor at low resolutions stay away.


peace

I'd say the absolute bang for the buck you can get right now is the ADS HDTV UpConverter II with a vga to component cable for computer input.

This thing comes at a amazing price that has Faroudja processing in it.
Sweet!

edited

peace

You know more about this stuff than I. Will that sync with any panel without a transcoder?

Good point DeathRay64.

From what I read about the ADS it does not autosync and you will need one unless your monitor has auto syncing built in.

An added cost but still the best bang for the buck solution unless you go used.

Hope this helps.


peace

N6's on Ebay

10 N6's on ebay for 164 shipped. I'm not sure if that is a good deal or not.

MDFF

Same person was selling these for $129 including shipping 2 weeks ago.

Must have head of us PJ builders and wanted to try and make some extr cash.

ViewSonic NextVision ( N6 ), 1280x1024 Component Video Input Video Processor Box, TV Tuner and RMT, Factory Refurbished, 90 days, -VTDI

$129 plus shipping.

http://www.saveateagle.com/viewnexn612c.html

Matt

I'm just curious, what video scaler are you using brain?



"I'd say the absolute bang for the buck you can get right now is the ADS HDTV UpConverter II with a vga to component cable for computer input.

This thing comes at a amazing price that has Faroudja processing in it."

would that thing work well with the 15 inch liquid video monitor?

I plan on using my xbox as a htpc, and am looking for the best upscaler that wont cost me a bunch o money. i heard the x2vga has bad problemems with brightness.


EDIT: this one looks awesome! http://www.the-console-corner.com/Dragon_P...i_VGA_BOX_2.htm

great price to.

The x2vga and the Dragon PLUS are not scalers, they are transcoders.

They just convert a tv output to a vga output. If your XBox sends out a 720p component signal these boxes will transcode them to a 720p VGA signal compatable for a monitor. You could use these after the scaler I mentioned to transcode the signal as that scaler does not.

Don't know the quality of these things but is cheaper than these.

A scaler takes any resolution and converts them into one single resolution.

Hope this helps.


peace

Here's another transcoder: VD-Z3 Component -> VGA Transcoder

Review

peace

Currently Avermedia's TVBox 9. Had several and this is the best so far (the remote works )

Im looking for a line doubler. Im building a 7"pj soon, it already has the rca input so i dont need a complete tuner box. just a external line doubleer. ( besides it seems most of the tuner boxes dont have quality picture through rca) im wanting to know a few things. How much should i spend on a good doubler. (the dvdo seems to be over 400$$) Which is the best for the money. And where to get it( ive tried google and ebay with not too much luck) Any help would be great. thankx

You're asking for a way to input component input into your 7"?

so what site offers the best price on this "Avermedia's TVBox 9"?


thanks,

-Josh