AREA Intros VGA Down-Scan Converter

[btarunr]

AREA introduced the SD-DSCV, a VGA down-scan converter device, that lets you convert your PC's VGA output to legacy/TV-compatible outputs such as Composite and S-Video. The converter supports output resolutions up to 1024x768 pixels, with TV formats such as PAL and NTSC. What's more, the VGA connection isn't interrupted, and VGA output can run simultaneously with the other analog outputs. Measuring 91 x 66 x 24 mm, the device requires an external DC power input, but instead of a bulky AC adapter, AREA included a USB-DC cable, that lets you plug the device to a USB port, and draw power from it. Slated for April 09, the SD-DSCV from AREA is priced as low as 4,980 JPY (US $59.4).



View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[The_]

Is it April 1st already??

 

[bear jesus]

I have what seams to be almost this exact same product (the case on mine looks a bit more blue) it has USB power as well, it is an unbranded unit distributed through a small UK company.

I would assume this could be the same product branded AREA?

Is it April 1st already??

How so? have i become so behind with TV that products i use have become a joke?

 

[KonstantinDK]

Wow. That could be really useful 10 years ago.

 

[erixx]

2 weeks ago I bought one, identical, other brand, for a huge last-gen flatscreen tv. The online shop had three brands (none being Area), all identical looking, prices ranging from 18 to 30 euros...

 

[faramir]

2 weeks ago I bought one, identical, other brand, for a huge last-gen flatscreen tv. The online shop had three brands (none being Area), all identical looking, prices ranging from 18 to 30 euros...

Huh, 18 euros ... where ? I don't think you'd be doing anybody here a disservice by giving out few clues, these things are usually in the $60/€60 territory

 

[brandonwh64]

I had one of these on a AMD K6 back in 1998. Worked great back then but dont see how it would be useful today when almost NO PLACE sells old CRT Tvs that have RCA connections. Most are Composite HD, HDMI, VGA, some have DVI

 

[digibucc]

How so? have i become so behind with TV that products i use have become a joke?

well if you still have a use, it's not a joke - but to "intro" technology that has existed for more than a decade is kinda of silly.

 

[erixx]

Faramir:
http://www.pccomponentes.com/logilink_pc_to_tv_converter_vga_a_rca_s_video.html

or
https://www.google.com/search?q=PC+...dH8XPhAf0gvSkCg&ved=0CEwQrQQ&biw=1673&bih=955

To busy to look for more, but that is the one I have

 

[bear jesus]

well if you still have a use, it's not a joke - but to "intro" technology that has existed for more than a decade is kinda of silly.

I admit i gave up on TV years ago so the only one in my house is a big fat CRT TV that i have not watched of my own free will in many years and i already own this product so it is pretty silly to introduce this as if it is new.


Really it is only still of use to me on the move as i can take it with a net book to friends houses and use it as a portable HTPC which is compatible with every TV i have tried so far. But i am yet to come across a TV that has no composite, s-video or SCART inputs although i am sure there are HDTVs with only HDMI as an input but i guess i have just been lucky that i don't know anyone that owns one with so few inputs.

 

[digibucc]

i am sure there are HDTVs with only HDMI as an input but i guess i have just been lucky that i don't know anyone that owns one with so few inputs.

yeah generally only cheap sets will be limited to hdmi, and i mean CHEEEAPP... even the "inexpensive" ones tend to have many inputs.

 

[Bambooz]

ehm.. an identical converter box costs ~14usd from the friendly chinese ebay spammers.. *rolleyes*
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw...BOX&_clu=2&_fcid=1&_localstpos=&_stpos=&gbr=1

.. or about 8 pounds if you're in the UK
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/?_kw=VGA ...id=3&_localstpos=&_sc=1&_sop=15&_stpos=&gbr=1

I've seen these well over 5 years ago while looking for an external TV tuner box with VGA out..
Nothing new about them. In fact, the OP says "Slated for april 2009" .. how is this considered news if it's 3 years old?!