Convert VGA to TV
Converting VGA Video Signals
The
process of converting a VGA signal to a usable TV format such as Composite
Video can be done with special cables. These cables will usually have a special
VGA connector as well as a stereo plug which fits into a normal headphone or
sound output jack. This will then convert the video and sound data to the other
end, which would be a standard RCA connector. This will compose of a Yellow
video cable, a Red right sound channel cable and a White left sound channel
cable. These options come in various lengths as well as “female” cable ends for
devices which connect into the converter cable.
The
other option to convert the VGA to TV signal is through the use of special
video converter hardware. These consist of special input boxes which can
convert the video data directly into the needed TV signal. The hardware boxes
may have several different options for connecting to a television. This could
be an RCA output, HDMI output or other options depending on the hardware.
Several different manufacturers make these hardware options which could connect
your PC or compliant VGA device to a TV screen.
Advantages of VGA Conversion
There are
many reasons why directly converting the VGA signal can be an advantage for
many reasons. The video signal can be used for various different uses. The
following are benefits of converting VGA signals to TV signals:
Easy Presentations – Some companies may not want to spend on a
projector and additional hardware to make presentations. By using a VGA to TV
converter, connecting a notebook computer with a VGA port allows you to make a
Microsoft PowerPoint presentation or display presentation videos without the
use of a projector or other device. This can be very effective and much cheaper
by using materials already on hand such as a television. This also tosses out
obsolete hardware such as Video Cassette Players.
Watching Downloaded Video Media – Some people enjoy using popular services
such as iTunes or other equivalents to purchase and play videos, movies and
other media. Watching these videos on your home entertainment system is always
much more entertaining than the constraints of your computer monitor. Some
laptop/notebook PCs have tiny screens which make watching this type of media
difficult. The use of a television is also more convenient as you are able to
relax in the comfort of your living room or bedroom.
Having a Larger Display Option – Some people simply want a larger monitor
screen without having to pay a large amount for a new monitor. Using a
television as a monitor is also a smart option, especially if the television is
fairly new but does not have the modern VGA connector for HD video devices.
Gaming on a larger screen is also more enjoyable for many people who have a
video card capable of rendering high end graphics that deserve a larger
computer screen.
Temporary Backup Monitor – Disaster can strike at any moment and a
monitor can break and become useless. If you do not have the money to purchase
a new monitor right away, a VGA to TV converter option could be a useful way to
have a temporary monitor to use. The TV can also be used as a larger, secondary
monitor. Many people want to have a dual monitor setup without having to buy a
second monitor if they have a video card which supports dual monitor connection
with the original motherboard connection. This is possible through the use of a
VGA to TV converter.
Disadvantages
to VGA Conversion
Small Resolution Size – Since VGA output from most computers is
designed to work with the resolution which the video card can support with
generic monitors, it is often restricted to smaller screen resolutions. The
common resolution is 640 x 480 pixels while some video cards can display larger
sizes in addition to this size. Most televisions which are not modern will only
be able to display the smaller sizes with older graphics cards. Modern
televisions may already have VGA input on them so checking to see if it is
included is a must.
Reduction in Color Output – The VGA to TV converters will most likely
reduce the amount of colors which can be displayed on the television,
especially on older television sets. This is simply because the conversion of
the signals is not perfect and results in some loss in quality.
Slow Video Response – Some VGA to TV converters will have a low
bandwidth output and will only show a certain amount of frames per second. The
fewer the frames, the slower the video feed will be, which may seem less than
perfect. Flickering of the screen and in some cases artifacts may occur from
the feed. This is not unusual in VGA to TV converters which are designed to be
a simple bridge between video data. Some software take more steps to ensure
that the video quality is greater, thus reducing this unsightly side effect of
VGA to TV video conversion.
Video Deformity – The output from VGA to TV may not match
well enough and have either a too long or short height or width setting. This
may or may not be adjustable with your television and can look awkward for some
uses. The video output may not work with every television and depending on the
brand, some TVs may have issues while others may not. Higher quality
televisions are expected to have better results with VGA to TV converters.
Manual Sound Connection – Some VGA to TV converters are video only.
This means that you must figure out a way to connect the sound on your own,
purchase an additional sound cable to feed into your television or simply deal
with the sound option that your PC or notebook has. This can be severely
difficult to deal with and may make the connection of the video not as perfect
as needed.
Additional Power Consumption – Some VGA to TV devices will require
additional power to run and will take up additional power sockets or consume
batteries to operate. This may not be the best option for some people who
already have several devices consuming power. This may also not be as portable
as needed for some applications. Either way, consuming more power will always
equal spending more money over time. Rechargeable batteries also consume
electrical energy when they are recharged.