You lazy bastards need to buy a monitor and vga cable!

[Anthony1]

There are alot of Xbox 360 related threads that mention the fact that not everybody is privliged enough to own a HDTV. I just read the King Kong one, and alot of people in that thread were commenting on the fact that they just can't afford a HDTV right now, and they aren't going to be able to get one in the near future, ....yada yada yada.


God, this shit really pisses me off. It really pisses me off, that people don't realize that you can have a kick ass 20 inch HDTV for less than $100.


When you can have a kick ass HDTV for under $100, then you have no freaking excuse not to get one. Any dumbass, can go to www.craigslist.org and click on their nearest city, click on the computer section, and find somebody selling a kick ass 21 inch Sony computer monitor for dirt cheap, because they decided that CRT's are things of the past.

I was able to get a 21 inch Sony for $80, and you should be able to get one too. It's easy as pie. Then just get the XBOX 360 VGA plug.


Whoila...... Instant 20 inch HDTV for $100.



So please, stop it already with the damn HDTV's are still too expensive thing. If you don't have a spare $100 to spend on that, then you have no business buying a XBOX 360 right now anyways.

[pacmanhat]

I appreciate the advice, but I don't think that calling everyone on the boards a lazy bastard is a very wise idea.

[njiska]

It's been tossed around a few time on here in various threads but i guess not a lot of people think about it.

The VGA cable also seems to be a little hard to find in a lot of area's so that may have something to do with it.

Edit: On a related note anyone know where i can get my hands on an X RGB 2? or maybe i should wait for the Gamebridge.

[Anthony1]

The only reason I used "lazy bastard", is because I know it will cause people to actually read the thread briefly, to see what the heck the person is talking about.



It's just that a very, very, very small percentage of the human populace realizes that they can have a HDTV for under $100. It's simply called a freaking computer monitor.

You get a RCA DTC-100 for cheap, and you can watch over the air HDTV on it too! (it has VGA output).


Also, CRT's are way better than LCD's, but everybody is into everything being thin. I highly recommend that everybody get a black 21 inch PC monitor and use it just like they would a 20 inch TV. Except it would basically be a 20 inch 4:3 HDTV. You would need to get a cheapo transcoder to watch crappy TV and VCR and shiznit like that on it. You would also need a little 2.1 sound system for it. Of course, you can get a decent one of those on craigslist too, for dirt cheap.

[Lothars]

Well that's a good point, I actually never thought of doing it that way

Hmm I very well might go and do that.

I was the one who said I really couldn't afford an HDTV but I will agree they are definitly not to expensive plus they have dropped so much in price the last couple years

that is a really good suggestion though so I will thank you for that but to freak out because someone said that it was to expensive.....

whatever..

anyway thanks again.

I will go and look for one now.

[djbeatmongrel]

not to rain on your eye candy parade but some people rather use the money to get more games with that very same amount of money than a better video set up no matter how cheap it may be.

anyways is it bad when i read a title about graphics i know anthony1 started it?

[JJNova]

People play on TV's smaller than 27" ?!?!??!!

I don't see the point in getting HDTV if it's that small. For me, When I get the high definition television, I am planning to be stepping on up in my viewing pleasure. HSTV, to me, should be widescreen, and fairly large. If you aren't watching HDTV on a 32"+ screen, I see no point in even having it.

Henceforth, why HDTV is still too damned expensive.

Of course, this is my first complaint, so apparently your thread didn't concern me. I just wanted you to read it you jerk. Your 21" solution is stupid.

::cheers::

[meancode]

I got an idea. Why don't they make a flipping Xbox 360 DVI cable. Then I could hook my 360 up to my computer monitor. That would be nice, but I still would not be satisfied.

Why not? Because it is not sitting in front of my couch. Which is the same reason I am not buying a cheap CRT for $100 and the VGA cable for $40 so I can sit in front of a table to play my 360. I like having a comfortable chair to sit in while I play my video games.

[Oobgarm]

Wow, my opinion of you is even less than it was previously. Seriously, man, you need to chill the fuck out. You're coming off as a pompous ass and there's absolutely no need for it whatsoever.

Regardless of your intention with calling everyone a 'lazy bastard' or 'dumbass', it's still unnecessary. Not everyone places a priority on having the most amazing video setup. Not everyone has a huge boner about their video setup like you do, it'd be great to know that you understand that. It's one thing to be excited about something, it's another to be condescending towards those who can't/won't follow your advice for whatever reason. Your advice is solid for someone looking for a cheap solution to HDTV, but rather than posting it in a simple and helpful way (i.e. HDTV Solution for $100), you're rude to those who 'aren't as smart as you' or whatever.


If you don't have a spare $100 to spend on that, then you have no business buying a XBOX 360 right now anyways.

You need to stop right there. Not everyone has extra cash to just throw at things like you do. That $100 might be a drop in the bucket for you, but for many(myself included), money is a valuable commodity. I'm sure many folks will be getting theirs as gifts for Christmas(me again) or scraped together what little funds/trade they had available to get a 360.

Plenty of people will be playing 360's with basic composite A/V since they don't have the means to rush out and buy the latest TV, or even get a cheap solution. They're going to enjoy their system as much as you're enjoying yours, because they're willing to live within their means and accept what they have as the best, and there's nothing wrong with that. HDTVs are still a luxury item, and will be until it's the ONLY thing available on the market. I will continue to say that HDTVs are too expensive, because to me, they are. I make decent enough money at what I do, and the TV I currently have suits me just fine. It might not be an HDTV, but it looks great to me and I'm happy with it.

I enjoyed playing a friends' 360 on a standard TV just as much as I enjoyed playing it on an in-store demo kiosk. Nowhere does it state that you HAVE to own an HDTV to enjoy a 360. That statement really shows me what kind of person you are.

[Anthony1]

Look, the original title of the thread was more of a joke than anything. I could give a rats ass what you guys do. Continue playing your 360's on your black and white Zeniths from 1976 for all I care.


It's just that whenever I hear people talking about HDTV's like they could never afford them in a million years, it just irritates me, because I know that these people have no idea whatsoever about using a large computer monitor as a HDTV.

I cannot stress enough how easy it is to get a very large CRT computer monitor for dirt cheap. In fact, some people just give the damn things away, because they bought a flat panel LCD monitor for their computer, and they have this big 21 inch CRT monitor in their Garage taking up space.


I could go on craigslist right now, and find somebody that has a 21 inch monitor for like $125, and I can offer them $60 for it, and they will most likely take it. Simply because they thing that CRT technology is dead, and they just want to get rid of the thing.


So, getting the equivalent of a 20 inch 4:3 HDTV for $60, is a pretty sweet deal if you ask me. You can use the thing with your Dreamcast, and your XBOX 360, with the respective VGA cables. There are cheapo devices that were designed with allowing people with Playstations and GameCube's to use them on a VGA monitor, and it will take a S-Video signal and convert it so that it can be displayed on a PC monitor. So you just get one of those, and then you get a 4 switch VGA switcher, and you can have all kinds of shit hooked up to it.

I'm telling you, it's the best kept secret. I got a black 21 inch monitor, and I have it on a TV stand that was meant for 25 inch TV's. I got a little 2.1 video game speaker system hooked up to it, and I've played my Xbox 360 on it, and it looks absolutely fantastic. In fact, this display, even though it isn't widescreen, gives me the most clarity of any display that I have.


As for it being way too small, well it really isn't that small. How many people have a 20 inch TV in one of their bedrooms. It's basically the same damn thing. Obviously, you sit closer to it than a normal TV, but I'm telling you, if I came over to your house and brought my exact 21 inch setup to your room, and forced you to play Call of Duty and NBA 2K6 on it, you would never let me take it away from your house. You would be mesmerized by it.


And it can be yours for about $60 and a 360 VGA cable.



Sure, we would all like to have a 70 inch plasma hanging on our walls, but beggars can't be choosers. This is simply meant for the broken individual that wants to experience the joy of a playing a 360 in High Definition, albeit on a small 20 inch 4:3 HDTV, but hey.... it's a great stop gap solution to hold you over until you can shell out some good snaps for a real deal HDTV.



Again, the key factor here is that this is something that is super dirt cheap, super impressive, and super obtainable. Somebody, please try this out and report back. I guarantee that somebody that tries this out will be totally amazed by it, and they will say something like this in a future post,

"That Anthony1 dude really knows what they hell he was talking about. I decided to get a 21 inch PC monitor for cheap off Craigslist, and I got the 360 VGA cable, and now I can't believe the difference. It's truly astonishing! Thanks alot Anthony1 for letting me in on the best kept secret."


And you can show you thanks to me by sending me a TG-16 Hu card.

[pacmanhat]

People play on TV's smaller than 27" ?!?!??!!

I don't see the point in getting HDTV if it's that small. For me, When I get the high definition television, I am planning to be stepping on up in my viewing pleasure. HSTV, to me, should be widescreen, and fairly large. If you aren't watching HDTV on a 32"+ screen, I see no point in even having it.

Henceforth, why HDTV is still too damned expensive.

Of course, this is my first complaint, so apparently your thread didn't concern me. I just wanted you to read it you jerk. Your 21" solution is stupid.

::cheers::

My thoughts exactly. I have a 27" TV, and I wish it was bigger. I'm not about to downgrade to a smaller picture, regardless of the hike in picture quality, and I'm DEFINITELY not going to convert to a setup that makes hooking up multiple systems to one TV/Monitor more difficult (my main TV has 10 systems on it, and I don't have room to add another monitor).

Anthony1, if your preference is different from mine, then that's fine by me. I'm glad you found something you're that happy about - seriously, I am. But I for one am growing a tad tired of being persuaded to use these 'cheap fixes'. I like my setup just fine, and if you see it as inferior than I hope that can remain your own business.

[davidleeroth]

Seriously dude. People are tired of hearing this RGB/HDTV shit. All you're doing by ranting on is giving it and all it's fans, including me, a bad name.

Combine the stuff you have written here on DP onto a single webpage, put up some RF/composite/S-video/RGB/component/HDTV/whatever comparison shots, a list of people you've helped to see the light and a link to the page into your sig. If you can't find a free host, I'll host it for you, provided that you come up with better jokes than lazy bastards and dumbass.

But for the love of God, stop making these threads.

[Sniderman]

You have crossed the line from "raging fanboy" to "condescending asshat." Please, for the love of All That Is Holy, STFU.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c151/gameagain/bowlofdick.jpg

[squidblatt]

Seriously dude. People are tired of hearing this RGB/HDTV shit. All you're doing by ranting on is giving it and all it's fans, including me, a bad name.

Combine the stuff you have written here on DP onto a single webpage, put up some RF/composite/S-video/RGB/component/HDTV/whatever comparison shots, a list of people you've helped to see the light and a link to the page into your sig. If you can't find a free host, I'll host it for you, provided that you come up with better jokes than lazy bastards and dumbass.

But for the love of God, stop making these threads.

I've always thought the webpage idead would be a good one for you. Unlike others, I don't get annoyed with your thread and I understood that this particular thread's title was a joke. Still, you could just put a link to your site in your sig and advertise it that way. You can give all kinds of advice. Next year, I'll be in the market for an HDTV. If you had a well-crafted buyer's guide on the web, I'd check it out.

[sabre2922]

Hey if I wanna be called a lazy bastard Ill call my EX fiancee/GF thank you very much LOL

[gamegirl79]

I have rolled my eyes and kept quiet on these silly HD posts by you Anthony but this is getting ridiculous.

Don't assume that everyone here is a "lazy bastard" and knows absolutely nothing about HD, CRT's, and the like. I don't care if you were trying to get attention or not - people will actually still read posts without a degrading term in the subject. Really, they will.

Seriously, do you actually play your games, or just sit and watch the intro screens in HD? I'm genuinely curious.

I hope you get a stocking stuffed with RF switches this holiday. Merry Christmas!

[Six Switch]

hi
i want a tv,not a computer monitor that is 21'.

also dude,it is getting annoying and old.

[Nez]

I hope you get a stocking stuffed with RF switches this holiday. Merry Christmas!

LOL God that was good.

I appreciate your work on the subject anythony, just cut back on the treads with the same subject.

[Poofta!]

That $100 might be a drop in the bucket for you, but for many(myself included), money is a valuable commodity.

in that case dont get a 500 dollar gaming platform @_@ @_@ @_@


anthony has a good point, everyone here is just sour he insulted you guys, but that doesnt detract from him being right.

[johno590]

If you aren't watching HDTV on a 32"+ screen, I see no point in even having it.

My HDTV is only 27" but I still enjoy it and it's plenty big.

[Nesmaster]

If you aren't watching HDTV on a 32"+ screen, I see no point in even having it.

My HDTV is only 27" but I still enjoy it and it's plenty big.

That's what I was thinking. I played the Xbox 360 kiosk and thought the screen was a fair size. When I found out it was only 23" I have to say I was surprised. It really felt bigger. Of course I was less than 2 feet away, but I don't play my games from much farther than that at home anyhow. The only way I see having a HDTV smaller than 32" being an issue is if you play your games on the other side of the room, but from what I've seen and where I play my games, having one smaller than 32" is far from "pointless".

[slip81]

I got an idea. Why don't they make a flipping Xbox 360 DVI cable. Then I could hook my 360 up to my computer monitor. That would be nice, but I still would not be satisfied.

Why not? Because it is not sitting in front of my couch. Which is the same reason I am not buying a cheap CRT for $100 and the VGA cable for $40 so I can sit in front of a table to play my 360. I like having a comfortable chair to sit in while I play my video games.

This is the reason(myself included) that most people still say HDTV's are too exspensive. Because they don't want to sit huddled around a tiny 20" screen. I'm willing to bet that of all the Dper's, less than 5% play on a computer monitor, or want to.

Most people , like with watching movies, like to be comfortable, sit in a nice chair/couch, more than a foot awaya from the screen and game. A lot of people out there have their computer set up to, wait for it, compute. And the set-up isn't usually geared toward extended periods of viewing/sitting.

I am one of these people. I've had my systems hooked up through VGA to my monitor, and I ditched it because it wasn't comfortable. And sitting 6 feet away from a 20" screen I can't really see what's going on in a game.

I currently have a 27" tv, and it works fine. Someday, when I have more money, and they are cheaper I'll get a 32" HDTV, but now I can't afford it (I don't have a 360 either for the record).

I also don't appreciate being called lazy or cheap, or whatever because I don't want to spend $100 on a shitty second hand 6 year old Sony 21" monitor that I have to sit on top of to see all the detail and important information when gaming.

If I'm gonna buy an HDTV, it's gonna be a good set, not the cheapest alternative. Why spend $100-200 on a cheapo HDTV rig, when you can wait a year or two, save some more money, and get something that's infinately better?

[Oobgarm]

That $100 might be a drop in the bucket for you, but for many(myself included), money is a valuable commodity.

in that case dont get a 500 dollar gaming platform @_@ @_@ @_@

anthony has a good point, everyone here is just sour he insulted you guys, but that doesnt detract from him being right.

Perhaps you missed the part of my post where I mentioned that I didn't pay for my system, it's a Christmas gift.

I can't see a point in spending money on something that is clearly inferior when superior product is slowly getting cheaper. Save that $100 and put it towards a better item.

[poopnes]

I'm quite happy playing my 360 on a brand new 27" TV @ 480i through component cables, thank you very, very much.

[Eternal Tune]

I think this thread is offensive, because I can't get this image of a grown man, wear socks with his sandals, shoving various cables in his ass and blowing his load all over his "special" wall.

Who gives a flying shit about your setup? I have a 30 inch Samsung HDTV, but I only bought it because my little 20 some inch, 5 or 6 year old TV, died and I figured if I had to spend the money I'd get a nicer TV. I did not want to. I was happy with my old TV. It did what it was supposed to do and thats that.

I enjoy games with a story and interesting characters, not the "OMG THE COLORS MANG THE COLORS" type shit.

And yes I have an Xbox 360. And no I don't care if it can pleasure me orally. I've turned it down numberous times.

[YoshiM]

Anthony, I usually don't post on your threads about how you deliver your message but damn, man, this is a bit harsh. You gotta remember that text doesn't convey emotion, much less sarcasm. When I read your post, it comes off like the author is some arrogant prick who thinks everyone else has brains the size of walnuts or their visual tastes is crap (like a person has no business buying an 360 because they don't want to spend the extra $140 or so bucks on a PC monitor set up).

Like others have said, a large number of people play on their main TV. To shift to a smaller one, even though the visual quality is sharper, just seems like a step backwards. Then you have to think about the situations where other people are watching the game. 20" doesn't cut it. Probably the best situation would be a child's/teen's bedroom where the size of the room is small thus giving the illusion that the TV is "large". That was the last time I used a TV smaller than 27" to play my console games.

For the sake of typical human practicality, it still stands that a decent HDTV is still expensive and out of reach for a lot of people. No matter how pissed off you get about other people lack of spundulix or the differences in monetary priorities.

So pull that high-end stick outta your ass, ya milky-licker :D .

[Kid Ice]

I could give a rats ass what you guys do.

It's clear that this just isn't true since you are constantly dispensing advice.

I'm not sure why you feel like we need this much "help". Most of us have had good AV set ups for years. You are not the first guy to plug a VGA box into a Dreamcast.

It's really just plugging in a bunch of wires dude.

I don't like it when people pile on your posts but I'm beginning to understand why.

[Sylentwulf]

http://www.electricquarter.com/pics/cow.jpg

[njiska]

I think alot of you seriously need to back the fuck off because all the gangbanging on Anthony isn't really going to anything except fan the fires.

I actually spent a few hours on Xbox live the other night talking to him aand i can assure you that the only reason he's pushing the VGA is because he wants you to have the best experience.

To anyone who doesn't care about the graphics and thinks anyone who does is a graphics hour, you're an asshole because like it or not games have to be a complete package and good graphics are part of that package. There not the only leg you should stand on, but they are a leg you need.

Now i realize anthony is proud of his AV setup and likes to promote it, but that really has fuck all to do with this thread.

Anthony is right that a lot of people bitch about HDTV's being to expensive but i don't think a lot of you realize that it's not the size of the display that matters it's the resolution.

Just look at gamespots (http://www.gamespot.com/features/6139690/)comparision photos:

http://www2.ltlowe.com/~suprnova/DP/ncoma.jpg
http://www2.ltlowe.com/~suprnova/DP/nsva.jpg
http://www2.ltlowe.com/~suprnova/DP/n480pa.jpg
http://www2.ltlowe.com/~suprnova/DP/720p.jpg
http://www2.ltlowe.com/~suprnova/DP/n1280.jpg

Resolution is important and Anthony just wants us all to have the best experience.

Now granted he was a bit of an asshole in his opening, but to be fair how many of you who replied telling him enough already with the graphics actually paid attention to what he was trying to say?

He said stop bitch theres a cheap solution and you'll enjoy it.

Not fuck off HD for life yo!

Enough with the insults agree or disagree, but lets stop all the fussing and the flaming.

[mario2butts]

I think Anthony1's suggestion is a good one. If I had a lot of cash I'd rather go for a 1080p front projector but ... yeah not happening. On my current budget I'd rather emphasize quality over size.

I already have a cheap 17" LCD widescreen but it's a piece of crap for several reasons which I wont get into here. I've actually been eyeing the Sony GDM FW900, a 24" beast with optimal resolution of 1900x1200 (max resolution is much higher, forget what it is exactly). Semi- widescreen 16:10 aspect ratio. Can be found between $200-$400 on ebay.

I wonder if anyone uses one? Thoughts? DC and Xbox 360 can connect via VGA, use a component to VGA transcoder for GC Xbox1 and PS2 ED/HD capable games, XRGB2 for everything else... sounds good to me, does anyone have or plan to have a similar setup?

One issue which I've brought up in other threads of this nature which is worth mentioning again (maybe Anthony1 or anyone else can throw in their two cents).... HDCP (high definition copy protection). Future AV devices like HD-DVD players, Blu-Ray players, and (most importantly to us DPers) the PS3 will output HD resolutions over HDMI which may be HDCP protected. Will Sony make it impossible to play the PS3 in HD unless you're connected via HDMI to a HDCP capable TV? And if they do will people find a way to hack it so we can play PS3 in HD on our lovely analog VGA-only monitors? I'm almost tempted to get a nice PC monitor and simply not buy a PS3 if Sony decides to implement HDCP . Xbox 360 and Rev will certainly be enough! (By the way, from what I've heard Revolution will support 480p which is ED, not HD, over VGA, in which case it would be very PC monitor friendly... true?)

Ok that's all LOL

[gamegirl79]

The reason Anthony is getting such a backlash is because he collectively insulted the entire forum. If he's trying to make a point, he's going about it the wrong way. Calling people assholes and bastards right off the bat doesn't make me want to listen to ANYTHING he has to say. :roll:

Anthony, instead of posting threads with derrogatory language in them, why don't you write up something about HD and it's benefits, uses, etc. for the Knowledge Base? That way those who are interested can read it, and those who don't care can just move right along.

[Anthony1]

double post.

[Jibbajaba]

Why is everyone so sensitive all of a sudden? Why does everyone constantly flame the fuck out of Anthony? Where is he bragging anywhere in that post? People keep complaining that they can't afford HDTV, and he is showing you how you can. The idea that anyone here can't afford $100 towards their gaming equipment is ludicrous. Most of you guys spend a lot more than that every month on games. Next time GameStop has a BOGO sale, try this. Don't go. There's your $100. Sorry, but anyone who has an XBox 360 but doesn't want to spend $100 to make the picture look 100x better... :hmm: .

It's not like he said "You guys are all a bunch of fucking lazy bastards!!". It's like "Le's go, ya lazy bastid'." I always think it's funny when all of a sudden the collective sense of humor here at DP goes out the window and we all of a sudden all turn into the PC police. Several of you that I see giving Anthony shit have posted plenty of obnoxious, condescending, and sometimes insulting things yourselves. The whole RGB/HDTV thing with Anthony may at times get old, but you know what? Plenty of you insult the shit out of him and I have NEVER EVER seen him do it back. You guys flame him and tell him to shut the fuck up and he never retaliates and loses his cool. It's really easy to flame someone when everyone else is doing it and the guy doesn't fight back.

Chris

[Joker T]

Valid points. This is the next best thing to HD. I have a decent 17 Inch flat screen CRT monitor that i'm not using anymore and it could be a perfect canidate for this. I would like an HD eventually though because of the increase in HD support but this sounds like a good plan. I never really bothered with VGA on any other system because of the lack of official adaptors but I have seen a few for 360 I may pick one up when I get my 360 next year.

[Anthony1]

Wowsers! @_@


I don't even know where to begin.... The original title of the thread and the original post was more of a joke than anything, and everybody is taking shit way too personal.


The good news, is that it had it's desired effect. It's caused people to look at the thread, just to see what the F is going on. Then of course, most join the hate parade, but I'm sure there are a few people that weren't really aware of this, and a little light bulb went off above their heads. So I really don't mind the hate fests, if one person is enlightened and tries out the plan.



The main point I was trying to make is that I'm always seeing people bitch about HDTV's being way too freaking expensive, and that they simply can't afford one, and aren't likely to anytime in the future. Well, to me, $60 isn't that expensive. Not for a 20 inch HDTV.



To all of the people that are talking major shit and bitching about my posts, I can guarantee that if you walked into a Best Buy, and they had a 20 inch 4:3 HDTV for $60, you would buy it. Even though it might be smaller than you would prefer, you would find someplace for it. Only $60 for a HDTV, hell ya you would buy it. Well, the whole idea with the monitor is the same dam thing, it's just most people don't have the slightest idea that you can use a big ass PC monitor as a cheapo HDTV. Man, I could make a business out of taking 21 inch black PC monitors, and rebranding them as 20 inch Sony HDTV's, and people would buy them like hotcakes.


The orignal tone of the title and the original post was more tongue in cheek than anything, and it was more of a joke type thing, a sarcasm type thing, and I'm not any kind of elitist or rich bastard or anything like that. Quite to the contrary, I'm actually on the lower end of the economic scale. It's like whenever I mention my screen in my Garage to somebody, they instantly assume that I'm some super wealthy individual. But it's not the case at all. I pride myself on finding the absolute cheapest way possible to get the most audio/visual bang for my buck that one can.




In regards to the haters, and the people that just can't stand me. It's all gravy baby. You guys don't bother me at all. That's the real funny part about it. You must think that after you do those posts that you are really hurting my self esteem or something. Like you are really making me hurt with that. I'm not bothered in the least. I actually enjoy these all out attacks. It doesn't bother me in the least. Flame on BITCHES!!!! :D

[Bluteg]

Anyone seen that episode of Seinfield where George Constanza goes around calling everyone "bastard" and "son of a bitch". I think this is the same tone that Anthony is taking. Jesus Christ some of you people are up tight. It was more of an FYI more than anything, if you don't like ignore it but I'm sure some members here would be interested in this. It's a lot of bang for your buck.

There is a lot of shit posts floating around and you guys single out Anthony again. I also agree with Jibba that many posters here easily spend that much in a week and if your spending close to $500 on a console (Premium, 1 game and tax) then $100 should not be a big deal. I would never scrape up every penny just to buy a fucking video game console. What if your tire blows out? What if you need a few dollars for a co-payment to see a doctor? Shit happens and I just don't understand the logic behind that statement.

Now if he said "Xbox 360 was made for HDTV so if your not playing it on a 60" HDTV then your a dumbass" That would have deserved flaming but he didn't, he offered a cheap alternative. Some of us do enjoy his threads and its very annoying to see them bogged down with hate and garbage. His threads have always seemed well though out and informative which cannot be said for some of the other posters who DO NOT get this much flamage.

I also realise that many of you could care less about graphics, I personally will take the 2D games of the 16 and 32 bit era over modern games any day but I still want to play the game with the best graphical quality possible. I'm sure many of you would rather play 5200 or 7800 ports over the 2600 ones and I honestly do not see a difference between this and wanting to play 360 games on an HDTV.

[unwinddesign]

He's got a point with the whole VGA thing. It's true; it looks quite nice. However, with friends over, no one wants to huddle around a computer screen -- they want to play it on the projector. Doesn't matter that the computer screen running in 720p looks absolutely amazing and the projector looks noticeably worse (though still quite nice) in 720p, they want size.

But if it's mainly a single player setup, I say go for it. 20 inches is more than enough screen real estate for gaming, and the resolution and colors look unreal.

Sadly, I don't have a VGA cable to test out my 360, so my experience is limited to the Dreamcast (which was in 480p, no less -- and it still looked freakin' sweet).

[MR.TI994A]

Excuse me for being a dumb lazy bastard here, but how is a computer monitor a TV? Last time I checked, I can't tune in any TV stations on my monitor.

Your cheapo solution seems to ignore this most pertinent point. Most people play their games on their TV (and a big one for the most part - 27" and up). As others have already suggested, they want to sit on their couch and play their games on the same display device that they can watch "Lost" or whatever TV Show of the moment that they desire. They don't want some ghetto setup with an old PC monitor off to the side. Your proposal may be fine alternative to play games on, but for the moment an all in one solution (large screen HD Television [not display]) still remains out of most people's reach financially.

The two alternatives are NOT comparable. Apples and oranges I say. So don't come off all high and mighty because others don't get it. We get it, we just aren't buying it.

[njiska]

It's not meant to be an all in one solution. Although you can very easily convert compeonent into VGA and view HD on your monitor.

For those of us who have little space, this is a perfectly reasonable alternative.

[s1lence]

I almost bought one of those cables just to try it. But I figured it would be too much of a hastle the way my room is set up.

[Queen Of The Felines]

Maybe it's just me but I think the component 720 looks better than the VGA shot. :/

But what do I know, 2600 games don't look much different on whatever format you use. :P

Kristine

[njiska]

Maybe it's just me but I think the component 720 looks better than the VGA shot. :/

But what do I know, 2600 games don't look much different on whatever format you use. :P

Kristine

That largely has to do with the fact that one is a photo of a rear projection TV or LCD screen (i forget what they used) the other is a shot of a CRT, so the different techs and the differing materials the screens are made of, are going to produce different looking picutres that are not entirely representative of how the image loocks to the naked eye.

[YoshiM]

Jibba, it's all about context. And context is very important in an online realm when you can't see the smirk on the author's face or hear a somewhat whimsical tone. That's probably why emoticons were invented. Reading his initial post was like flipping on an old episode of Morton Downey Jr.: irritating and just off kilter.

I'll give Anthony props for bringing up the idea of using a PC monitor. It was at the back of my mind but I never gave it serious thought. But as others have mentioned, his ideas and the people who say they can't afford an HDTV are on different wavelengths. They were thinking main TV replacements, he wasn't.

How's this approach:

"There are alot of Xbox 360 related threads that mention the fact that not everybody has the money to go out and buy an HDTV to get the most out of that new system. I just read the King Kong one and alot of people in that thread were commenting on that very problem and that they aren't going to be able to get an HDTV in the near future.

I offer another option, something that might have skipped your minds while figuring out what to scrimp from to get the coveted 360: a large PC monitor. From like $35 used on eBay up to around $100 you can get a quality 20" monitor. For say $20-$40 [note: I'm guessing, I don't know how much a 360 VGA cable costs] you get the cable that connects your 360 to the monitor and there ya go: HDTV quality for several hundreds less.

Yes the picture is smaller than your 27" main TV but I think the benefits of a sharper, more defined image outweighs the loss size. And while you play your 360 the best way possible, you can be saving up on the side or paying off that Best Buy card to get the HDTV set you want without missing on the next-gen action."

Now there, isn't that better? Same information, less of a slap to the face.

Vinegar or honey...vinegar or honey...

[Jibbajaba]

Maybe it's just me but I think the component 720 looks better than the VGA shot. :/

But what do I know, 2600 games don't look much different on whatever format you use. :P

Kristine

I was thinking that as well, but I think that it may be because all of the shots except for the VGA shot were taken on the same TV. I think that the color on te VGA monitor was not adjusted properly, as it looks washed out.

But what do I know, I still use composite for everything. Looks fine to me.

Chris

[Anthony1]

As others have already suggested, they want to sit on their couch and play their games on the same display device that they can watch "Lost" or whatever TV Show of the moment that they desire.



It's interesting that you mention "Lost" considering that is my favorite network TV show right now. Lost also happens to be broadcast in HDTV, and if you tracked down a used RCA DTC-100, you could actually see it in HDTV on the 20 inch computer monitor. Of course, used DTC-100's typically go for around $125, so that's not exactly a cheap solution, but it's something else to think about.


Also, you must understand that there are cheapo transcoders out there, that I've seen for like $45. They will take a S-Video source or a composite source, and convert it for use on the VGA monitor. So even if you want to hook a old VCR or whatever to it, you could.


If it was up to me, I would have a VGA switchbox, with 4 switches on it. (A) would be for the XBOX 360. (B) would be for a PC. (C) would be for my DTC-100 (to watch High Def TV on) (D) would be for my Sega Dreamcast. I could watch DVD movies via the XBOX 360, and I can watch TV via the DTC-100, and I can also play games on the 360 and Dreamcast and PC on it. And don't even get me started about the XRGB2-plus, and playing all kinds of retro systems on it in a pseudo analog RGB quality. Talk about your jack of all trades. This setup would actually be "better" than any HDTV. The only negatives are the size, and the fact that it isn't widescreen.


Again, you can't have everything. We are talking about a cheapo HDTV solution here, so you can't have your cake and eat it too, but believe me, a setup like that would be mighty impressive, and I can say with pretty good authority that if you got used to playing your games on that setup, and even watching High Def TV on it, you would be hard pressed to give it up, even for a larger display.

[Arkaign]

This thread kills kittens.

Well, seriously .. VGA rocks for gaming.

20" is quite good for single-player gaming unless you're blind or like to sit on a couch or someplace 4 feet or further away.

This is a good option for those who would otherwise not be ready to spend $500ish for the small HDTVs (which often are not that great to begin with)

Whoever mentioned the sony 24", those are AMAZING, and I'd bet the 360 would be ownage on one. I posted in another thread about how good a deal those are in comparison (1080p! widescreen! cheap(er)!)

As has been beaten to death here, this thread could probably have begun a little better.

Oh well.

[Mangar]

The problem with the XRGB-2+ as a solution, is the near impossibility of finding an easy and reliable source for Japanese RGB cables.

Euro Scart RGB - Easy as hell to dig up. But the Japanese variety has been rather problematic. It's the only reason i don't currently own an XRGB.

[Tanis178]

the prob with all these fancy gizmos is that lately things are being produced way too fast and too often

SED is set to challenge lcd and plasma, 6.1 and 7.1 audio are like third tits compared to 5.1, blu-ray and hd-dvd will be alongside dvd's and later holographic media, etc etc. with no stable base for any length in time consumer interest will fall and hardware will become obsolete before it's even paid for just like a PC

if i'm not mistaken only 10% of homes have hdtv capability, hell even s-video isn't even a standard for most new consoles or tv's and it's been out for years.

whether people will admit it or not sound is more important than graphics, and have been since the beginning, whether it's the ringing and buzzing of arcade machines and pinball tables, or how people will deal with grainy theatre screens to have booming sound, i'd choose 5.1 over vga or hdtv hands down every time

and if you need an example, play a game in high-def with the tv's speakers, then switch to standard tv with a 5.1 setup involved LOL

[Mangar]

SED is set to challenge lcd and plasma,

Actually - I find both Plasma and LCD to already be inferior to DLP. Especially for people who intend to play lots of videogames on their HD sets.

I can explain why if anyone cares to hear, but i'm sure similar explanations are all over this board someplace.

[The Manimal]

SED is set to challenge lcd and plasma,

Actually - I find both Plasma and LCD to already be inferior to DLP. Especially for people who intend to play lots of videogames on their HD sets.

I can explain why if anyone cares to hear, but i'm sure similar explanations are all over this board someplace.


I think DLP's look way better than LCD's, but then again DLP is a risk because you may seen "rainbow effect", and also that the largest DLP supplier out there, Samsung, has video lag on most of their sets.

As far as SED, it sounds like a flat panel version of CRT. Probably will look fantastic, but will have same drawbacks as CRT and Plasma (not good if you are gaming or using it as a PC monitor).


I might actually get a LCoS/SXRD set, if they don't move to 3-chip DLP sets...which is unlikely in the near future.

[mario2butts]

The problem with the XRGB-2+ as a solution, is the near impossibility of finding an easy and reliable source for Japanese RGB cables.

Euro Scart RGB - Easy as hell to dig up. But the Japanese variety has been rather problematic. It's the only reason i don't currently own an XRGB.

The plugs are the same shape so it is possible to re-wire a SCART cord so one end is SCART and the other is JRGB.

http://www.gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=av:av_pinouts

SCART capable consoles -> SCART selector -> homemade SCART to JRGB cable -> XRGB2+ -> VGA selector -> VGA monitor

Haven't done it yet but it should work. I'm still curious if anyone has information/opinions on PS3 and Rev's AV connectivity (see my previous post).

[Mangar]

I've never seen the "rainbow" effect, and count myself in the camp who considers it more fiction then reality. I remember the months prior to purchasing an HDTV, when i was doing research on every different model, which one was the best, side by side comparisons, etc... - (BTW: Anyone who spends 4k on a TV without doing research is a fool. Of course, there is also an argument that can be made that ANYONE spending that much for a TV is also a fool, but alas....) The Samsung DLP's were clearly the single best HDTV available on the market. Especially if you intend to play Videogames.

This year however, i've heard some reviews from some worthwhile sources that the "new" stock of Samsung DLP's with the 1080p - Are near the bottom of the barrel so to speak. The market and product are so fickle and changing, i almost feel sorry for the average consumer who walk into a store blindly to purchase a TV.


The plugs are the same shape so it is possible to re-wire a SCART cord so one end is SCART and the other is JRGB.

heh - I have as much of a shot at rewiring a scart cord, as i do of building my own RGB HDTV in my basement. :) - I remember reading something about the PS3's AV connectivity.

Essentially: The only way the PS3 will come with component outputs, is if Sony is confident that they can in no way be able to display Blue-Ray disc movies out of them. IE: If Sony thinks that enterprising modders can reverse engineer the PS3 to utilize those outputs for movies, they simply will not include them. Sony is the main antagonist in the current drama regarding the industrys plans to make component useless for HD-Movies. As such, they will never allow one of their own devices to be used for such a purpose.

[Kamino]

I hope you get a stocking stuffed with RF switches this holiday. Merry Christmas!
HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAH
I'm pretty sure that would kill him.
Seriously anthony, chill out. Yeah, I'm all about better video myself - You know that yourself, you've seen my work firsthand.


Do you see me making an OMGWTF!!! Thread every time i do another mod? no.

Hey, not everyone gives a shit. I'm still too lazy to get RGB going, I'm using an RGB monitor as a bench tester for s video mods. LOL LOL LOL

[mario2butts]

Essentially: The only way the PS3 will come with component outputs, is if Sony is confident that they can in no way be able to display Blue-Ray disc movies out of them. IE: If Sony thinks that enterprising modders can reverse engineer the PS3 to utilize those outputs for movies, they simply will not include them. Sony is the main antagonist in the current drama regarding the industrys plans to make component useless for HD-Movies. As such, they will never allow one of their own devices to be used for such a purpose.

The PS3 in addition to 2 HDMI outputs also has the same AV out port as the PS2, which would suggest that it could use component. I won't be surprised at all if Sony decides to not allow HD for movies over component. Toshiba has said their HD-DVD's (BluRay's rival) will output only 480p over component, if you want HD, gotta use HDMI. I expect Sony's PS3 and other BluRay players to do the same. This sucks, but really what I'm worried about is if they do this for games. It wouldn't make much sense (oh geez we gotta keep people from copying the HD video output from a video game x_x) but it's possible.