RGB output needed for my TV

[qubit]

I have the hardware to build a Windows 7-based media PC to use as a DVR. In particular, I have the excellent Hauppauge Nova-T 500 dual Freeview tuner card to put in it.

However, my old Thomson DHD4000 DVR could output an RGB picture to my analog CRT TV through the scart socket, which gives a much better picture than composite video or S-video - much clearer and no annoying dot crawl. Unfortunately, all the graphics cards seem to put out S-video signals through their TV ports. And even those are now being dropped for HDMI ports on newer cards.

The main video connector on them actually puts out analog RGB (as well as a digital signal) but as far as I know, the drivers for both ATI & nvidia cards cannot be set to output a UK PAL TV standard video signal over these connectors. Also, the sync signal required is probably composite, but I'm not sure.

Anyone know of a patch or something to fix this? I'm even prepared to buy a particular model of graphics card if that's what it takes. I really don't want to watch a substandard picture after having had a superb one from my DHD4000 over the last five years. Oh and why am I replacing it? Because the company that maintains the nightly 14-day EPG updates has suddenly stopped doing so for good. "Contractual reasons" apparently. Nothing like forced obsolescence, eh? Setting recordings manually is a royal pain in the ass, so the only way I'm gonna get back an EPG, is to replace my DVR.

 

[twilyth]

There are converters that will take HDMI and give you composite component out - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002SFT3ZI/?tag=tec06d-20

 

[Sir_Real]

Dont go thinking that a HDMI to component out converter will work with your crt tv !

component RGB used for HD tv's & the standard RGB used in crt tv scart sockets are not the same thing & are not compatible with each other.

No crt tv's i know of will work with component RGB.

>More info Link<

 

[qubit]

Yes, it would definitely need a composite sync signal for a TV, I'll second that.

Really, all we need is a mode definition to set the video card to output a standard PAL video signal with composite sync. It's a trivial thing for the hardware to manage, but ATI & nvidia don't see fit to include it, because there's not many people that will use it.

As digital TV are becoming ever more pervasive, people with old CRTs like myself are just getting left out in the cold.

As it happens, my TV is a high end Sony 32" widescreen CRT with frame interpolation and an excellent picture, so I'm not getting rid of that in a hurry.

 

[Sir_Real]

Seems its possible to get a standard RGB (not composite RGB) from a custom made VGA to RGB scart lead. >Linky<

Thats just not practical tho ! & it wouldnt work with vista or win7. Xp only.

S-video signal is good enough just use that.

 

[twilyth]

S-video signal is good enough just use that.

I was thinking something like that. If it's a CRT television (as opposed to computer monitor), then how good can the resolution be? 640x480 tops I would think.

In that case, anything past s-video is overkill

S-Video carries standard definition video (typically at 480i or 576i resolution), but does not carry audio on the same cable.

 

[qubit]

Thanks for that link, Sir_Real. It looks like it might just do what I want.

To both of you: I have compared s-video with RGB on TVs and the difference is very visible. In fact, I compared them on a lesser CRT TV than I've got now. I definitely won't compromise.

If you look at that web page Sir_Real linked to, the author actually lists some of the benefits, such as better colour rendering and clarity.

 

[m1dg3t]

Svideo is garbage don't waste any time with it, IMO it look's the same as STD coax :shadedshu

Isn't RGB the same as component? When sending the vid this way i believe the quality of the cable's can make quite a difference seeing as it is analog. Component can send up to 1080i signal so it's no slouch

For bit's n' bob's and everything in between check these guy's out www.partsexpress.com and www.monoprice.com i'm sure if you spend enough time there you'll find what you're looking for

EDIT: A quality CRT can still display a VERY good picture with the right source and IC's (inter connect's)

 

[TheCrow]

As it happens, my TV is a high end Sony 32" widescreen CRT with frame interpolation and an excellent picture, so I'm not getting rid of that in a hurry.

Same here! I love my 32" sony tv to bits, the picture is in my mind equally as good when using a good source and RGB rather than s-video.

It's just getting to the stage like u said thats it's getting left behind by newwer technology. Shame.

 

[95Viper]

qubit... I believe this may give you some more insight into the situation you are encountering and maybe it will help.

RGB Scart

Goodluck

EDIT: Scart DataSheet