360 and VGA?

[lostn]

I've read that you can buy VGA cables and hook it up to your VGA monitor instead of a TV.

Does anyone know more about this?

Specifically, I'd like to know, does the X360 output a true VGA signal, like the Dreamcast did, or is it getting converted into VGA (like a VGA box would do)?

And what kind of resolutions (and refresh rate) can you expect to get when playing through VGA?

[Synthesthesia]

I've heard that it outputs a true VGA signal, as that's why a few people on here are buying the VGA cables over the Component. It lets you set any of the following: http://images.domino.org/albums/next...dash.sized.jpg

No idea about the refresh rate though, sorry.

[themanwithapc]

AFAIK, it does output a true signal, as it can provide a HD image through this. In fact, most people claim that the 360's VGA output is the best way to output the picture anyway (better than component, scart etc.).

As for refresh rate, I think it'll be standard 50Hz~60Hz when playing games. Not 100% sure though, maybe someone can confirm.

[sj33]

Yep it's true VGA, and lets you select a greater number of resolutions than the Component cable (so you get 1:1 upscaling on 1366x768 sets and plasma sets which have non-standard resolutions).

I'd imagine all games will run in 60Hz, as few monitors support 50Hz through VGA. The Dreamcast VGA cable ran at 60Hz even on 50Hz-only games remember.

[H-Man]

The problem being that 60hz on a crt will make your eyes bleed :/

[EvilBoris]

No it won't I used to play my xbox in 480p @ 60hz on a Crt, it looked just fine. Playing a game isn't the same as staring at a desktop

[lostn]

I didn't realize a VGA monitor was capable of displaying some of these resolutions... 1280*720? Some of these resolutions are 4:3 some are 16:9? How is that going to work? My monitor is not widescreen... and if I choose 1024x768, then it's 4:3... How does that work since evert 360 game is widescreen?

The product description says it does 480p, 720p, and 1080i. How does 1080i look on a monitor? Monitors aren't interlaced.

And also, how do you get sound? With a VGA box, you plug the speakers into the box, but how is that done with the 360?

By the way 60hz "hertz" my eyes with bright images (pun intended).

EDIT: Last of all, I forgot to ask... where does the VGA cable connect to? Which jack, since monitors don't take input. To the graphics card, like a VGA box, while the monitor cable connects to the 360 somewhere?

[Richard.John]

And also, how do you get sound? With a VGA box, you plug the speakers into the box, but how is that done with the 360?

By the way 60hz "hertz" my eyes with bright images (pun intended).

EDIT: Last of all, I forgot to ask... where does the VGA cable connect to? Which jack, since monitors don't take input. To the graphics card, like a VGA box, while the monitor cable connects to the 360 somewhere?

You plug the VGA cable into the VGA port on your PC monitor. As for sound, if your monitor doesn't have internal speakers and audio RCA inputs, you will need to plug the RCA connectors (red and White) on the VGA cable, into a seperate amp.

[lostn]

I didn't know PC monitors have VGA ports... mine has a cable that is attached to the monitor and can't be removed, and that cable leads to your graphics card. The other connection is for power. Is my monitor compatible with the 360 VGA cable?

[Peet]

Yeah, you plug the cables together.

[Richard.John]

I didn't know PC monitors have VGA ports... mine has a cable that is attached to the monitor and can't be removed, and that cable leads to your graphics card. The other connection is for power. Is my monitor compatible with the 360 VGA cable?

Does it have one of these on the back?



If not then, err, I am not sure if you can use it with the 360. What kind of monitor is it then? Maybe it's time to buy a more modern one!

[lostn]

Yeah, you plug the cables together.

Ahh, you plug the two together. I hadn't thought of that. VGA boxes could have worked that way too...

From what peanuts was telling me, I was envisioning a port (input) somewhere on the back of the monitor itself.

Still... it would have been nice if the monitor input was on the xbox 360 itself (like with a graphics card), instead of thru a cable you have to buy.

And I wonder how a monitor is going to do interlaced 1080i.

[Richard.John]

Oh, I see, using male and female ends of a VGA cable. Sorry for the confusion.

[NeilMcRae]

Not all VGA monitors will be able to display the resolutions, check your manual. a good quality monitor made by NEC/Sony/Dell etc should be able to do it. In terms of the aspect ratio. The reason there are so many resolutions to choose from is to deal with that. Experimentation will be required to get the best picture.

Neil.

[momobeast]

You plug the VGA cable into the VGA port on your PC monitor. As for sound, if your monitor doesn't have internal speakers and audio RCA inputs, you will need to plug the RCA connectors (red and White) on the VGA cable, into a seperate amp.

You got an optical out on the VGA lead too I think