ATI Component dongle

[korben_dallas]

Has anyone used one of these? Specifically, the DVI-to-Component on a 9800 Pro?

I downloaded the manual for it, and it seems really cryptic. I understand the dip switch settings for enabling/disabling modes, but the language makes it sound like it won't work in a standard resolution like 1024x768, which is what I am running to my sdtv out of the 9800's svideo out.

I'm about to purchase a small 20" tv, not HD, but it does have component inputs.

[stanger89]

The dongle (as it's "affectionately called) works nothing like the TV out your used to. The TV out on your video card takes your video cards output (from the framebuffer I think) regardless of resolution and converts it to S-Video.

The Dongle, in contrast, tells the card to output a component signal, and it's limited to a very few timings, namely 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. With an SDTV the only timing that will work is 480i, an so the only resolution you'll be able to use (without going virtual aka scrolling desktop) is 640x480 or 720x480.

Just a thought, but have you considered getting a 19-21" monitor instead of a TV? You can get 21" computer monitors (new) for under $400. Less if you were to go refurbished. It would probably give you a better picture than an SDTV, and definitely be more useable with a PC.

[korben_dallas]

Well, since I don't use the tv for anything other than watching shows, 640x480 wouldn't cause me a problem, unless there is a downside to watching component 640x480 vs svideo 1024x768 ?

[stanger89]

I'd be inclined to say no, but I don't think I've ever tried.

On the afirmative side, I seem to remember another member here doing the same thing and giving the "OMFG it's awesome" response.