X2VGA Questions (Vs. VD-Z3)

[sj33]

Right now, I'm using a VD-Z3 to plug my XBox into the VGA port on my LCD TV, and it works fine. However, I'm sick to death of having to mess with the DIP switches... different settings for 480p, different settings for 720p/1080i, different settings for when I use my GameCube.

So I was looking at the X2VGA, which seems to be much simpler.

1) Is any changing of the DIP switches required when using 720p/1080i content, or does it 'just work'?
2) Unlike the VD-Z3, the X2VGA doesn't seem to require an external power source. This correct?
3) I assume we much provide our own VGA cable?

I'm hoping that with this, I can just use the X2VGA for my GameCube, configure my VD-Z3 for my GameCube, and all will be good ^_^

[HaHaUK]

Why not use a component cable instead for Xbox & GC?

[sj33]

Because I find the VGA input on my TV to give superior results to the Component input, even after using the transcoder.

[HaHaUK]

How much better is it than component?

Is the difference between the two noticeable or is it like upgrading from RGB Xbox to Component Xbox on the LG?

[sj33]

Oh nowhere near, it's not a chonic difference.

I just find the image to look slightly less 'bright and washed' through the VGA.
The trade-off is no 480i support, but that's a non-issue on the XBox where almost all games support Progressive, and those that cannot can be patched.

It's just me being picky.

[bignige]

Shakey, do you have time to play any games, or do you just sit there pressing buttons and twiddling knobs?!
I hear the picture quality isn't as sharp with the X2VGA compared to the Vdigi, if this is something that'll bug you, probably best to leave it!
I have the Vdigi & swapping between my Xbox & GC requires just the flick of 1 the dip switches. Although to be honest I've played neither on the Vdigi since getting a TV with component.
Just out of interest, have you tried the Vdigi with the 360 via VGA, is the result still washed out?

[sj33]

The 360 Component via the VD-Z3 looks excellent I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't want to shell out for a VGA cable. It's not as bright and sharp as the proper VGA cable, because it's still Component, but it looks as good as Component ever will.

Oh and, I just get driven mad having to mess with switches when I want to play Soul Calibur 2 720p, then change them back to play a 480p game, then change them back to use XBMC in 720p etc... just want a unit I can leave behind the telly

The X2VGA+ seems to serve this purpose, but I just tried to order one on the official page said that an X2VGA2 is on the way! Guess I'll wait for that

[bignige]

[QUOTE=Oh and, I just get driven mad having to mess with switches when I want to play Soul Calibur 2 720p, then change them back to play a 480p game, then change them back to use XBMC in 720p etc... just want a unit I can leave behind the telly [/QUOTE]

I don't need to change any switches between 480p & 720p have you enabled all resolutions in the Xbox dash? I only need to change dip switches if I want to play MX vs ATV at 1080i.

[sj33]

I need to switch DIP switch 5 or the brightness is slightly too low, and DIP switch 3 to center the image, then switch them back after. It's just a pain when you don't have to with the X2VGA :P

[gIzzE]

These are based on the original Key digital units, or rather the cheaper HK copies that were floating around, and they don't get the sync right giving either a washed out or crushed image, you can not calibrate a screen while using one of these transcoders.

The newer version sorted these problems out a treat.

http://www.copperbox.com/lite/popinf...uneek=52576105

I have a link on my laptop at home with a UK supplier, can't remeber the url now, but I will post it when I get back.