Computer graphics crap

[Turtleboy1017]

I own a graphics card with DVI-I output, and I put a DVI-I to VGA converter on it and connected it to the VGA port on my monitor. My monitor only has VGA and DVI-D input slots. However, if i were to buy a VGA to DVI-D converter, put the converter on the VGA cable that i have coming from my desktop, could i make it show images on my monitor?

 

[Martenzo]

I doubt it. VGA is one-way, the card only gives info to the monitor on what to show. But DVI-* is two way and the monitor also gives its' specs to the card. Sure, it's possible to convert to VGA, but since VGA doesn't support two-way, you can't convert VGA to DVI. You might be able to find a DVI-I to DVI-D coverter, though.

 

[Alex_P]

Usually, it is possible to chain converters. So you can do DVI-I cable -> VGA converter -> DVI-D converter -> monitor if you want.

However, you won't get anything out of it, just the worst of each. Imagine converting a song to a 96k MP3 and then from that 96k MP3 to a 192k MP3. The data lost when you make the 96k file isn't going to magically come back when you put it back into the higher bitrate. Something similar happens here.

-- Alex

 

[Turtleboy1017]

Well as long as I can do it, that's fine by me. The only reason I'm doing this is because I want to make input my Xbox 360 into the monitor via the xbox to VGA cable, and I only have one VGA slot. I want to be able to quickly and easily switch from analog to digital so i don't have to bother with cables every time. If it works and image quality doesn't drop i'm completely fine with that.

 

[Alex_P]

Hmm, good point: if you already have the VGA slot it's unlikely to make it worse.

I think it should work. I've certainly seen chained converters in other situations and I don't recall any problem. My only concern would be signal strength but I doubt that could be an issue. I guess if it is a problem then you can just put the converter onto the XBox's VGA cable -- so, no problem, go for it.

Are you hooking the XBox sound into your speakers? I did that. I went and bought a short-ish audio-jack extension cable so I can switch them right on my desk rather than having to go behind the speakers.

-- Alex

 

[Turtleboy1017]

Yeah I also purchased a female twin RCA to single female 3.5mm stereo jack for the audio, just going to use my PC's normal speakers. I do have a stereo for it as well, but that's just for when i have lots of friends over or something. Oh and a split audio jack to make audio switching easier is also a very good idea... Thanks for the help!

 

[Alex_P]

Yeah I also purchased a female twin RCA to single female 3.5mm stereo jack for the audio, just going to use my PC's normal speakers.

I did that too and then it turned out that my XBox VGA cable (I ended up buying the branded MS one rather than the slightly cheaper off-brand one) came with one of those already.

-- Alex

 

[Turtleboy1017]

Hahah, that sucks dude. Mine is the version Microsoft packaged for a cheaper price, and although i do love Microsoft I doubt they would be generous enough to include one of those =/