The most common video output for computers is VGA, and the most common input for TVs is RCA. Since there are so many types of signal types and conversion types, this guide is sure to help.
VGA
First, let's give some background on VGA. Most people know VGA as that blue trapezoid connector with the 15 pins (this particular connector is also called HD-15 for all you pin-out addicts such as myself). The VGA signal is analog, which means there is no compression or any translation of data to images. Most RCA (composite and component, two signals we'll talk about soon) connections are also analog (with the exception of S/PDIF digital audio which we won't talk about here).
RCA
RCA video signals can be divided into two types of formats: composite and component. Composite RCA is probably the most common RCA interface there is, it is that yellow colored RCA that you can pretty much find on any TV these days. It is only capable of 480i, the lowest resolution in consumer video equipment today, and is usually accompanied by two other RCA ports (red and white) that are the right and left stereo audio connections.
Component RCA is typically three RCA connections that are red, green, and blue colored. These three RCA connections are often accompanied by an additional two (for a total of five) RCA connections for stereo audio. Component is capable of high definition up to 1080p. It does this by splitting up the different 'components' of analog video into three different cables, tripling the bandwidth from the composite predecessor.
VGA to RCA: Composite
VGA to RCA composite is the most typical VGA to RCA conversion. Since VGA and composite video are completely alien signals, you need a conversion box, and not a mere VGA to RCA cable (unless your VGA output also happens to output composite or component signals which is far lower than 1% of the cases you'll run into). The conversion box for VGA to RCA does the best it can, but since 480i is such a lower resolution you are always going to get a fuzzier looking image than the original VGA image. I'd recommend this conversion box for watching video where there are no component ports available, but if you are using to display text from your computer on your TV, you are probably not going to be able to read much.
VGA to RCA: Component
Although somewhat more expensive, the VGA to Component (aka PC to HDTV converter) can deliver full 1080p and display images that are practically as good as if there wasn't any conversion at all. Since VGA already has the capability to display resolutions far greater than 1080p, the PC to HDTV doesn't require any sort of upscaling (although sometimes it requires downscaling, but the result is identical looking to the original VGA signal unlike upscaling). Anyone planning on using their computer as a regular video source for their TV should get this as opposed to the VGA to RCA composite.
Along These Lines - Composite vs. Component for Wii
Along these same lines, there is a very popular product out there that upgrades your Wii's video output (which comes with a Wii to composite RCA cable) to component. Wii, however, does not support any high definition formats (like 720p or 1080p), but you can upgrade from 480i (standard definition which uses the included composite cable I just mentioned above) to 480p (aka "enhanced" definition). But what's the difference?
During video playback, 480i (i stands for "interlace scan") only updates every other line of pixels at every frame (usually around 30 to 60 frames per second). 480p (p stands for "progressive scan") on the other hand changes every single line of pixels every frame. So although 480p doesn't technically display more pixels than 480i, it refreshes twice as many pixels at a time than the 480i resolution. This results in smoother movement in your graphics and deeper color. So I'd say upgrading to 480p is definitely worth it, especially if it only runs you $10-$15.
Recommend : health and beauty best deal nonstick cookware Best deal Point and Shoot Digital Camera Bundles
No comments:
Post a Comment