DVI to RCA - TV Out

[ar0u3114]

Hi there,

Apologies if this has been posted in the wrong area, but I'm really stuck on this one.

I used to use an S-Video to RCA cable with my old graphics card, which went from the S-Video out (on the PC) to the RCA in (on the tv.) This worked perfectly.

I've recently installed an NVidia GeForce 8400 GS graphics card, which comes with a DVI out (no S-Video.) The problem is that even though the PC can detect the TV, the TV has no picture and instead is replaced with black and grey horizontal lines which change depending on the resolution I set for the TV.

I'm now using a 3M DVI-I Dual Link Male to M 3 RCA Audio Video AV Cable

Just to note, the TV is a few years old (no HD) with only RCA and SCART for input.

Does anyone know what's going on?


Many Thanks, Chris

 

[BMXTRIX]

A video card doesn't detect a TV. 'Detection' is called EDID and requires a specific wiring connection only found on more advanced displays. This means that what your card IS detecting is you using a non-standard connector type.

You can't set the resolution for any video to a display using single composite RCA (yellow) connectors. It supports one, and only one, resolution: 480i.

While I'm not a specialist with that card, you should be able to go into the card settings and you will set it up to output composite video. By default, it likely sets up for component (red/green/blue) video. Component video also uses RCA connectors, so saying "RCA" doesn't specify the exact connection used, but my expectation is that you only have that single yellow RCA input, which is called composite video. You need to figure out, with the graphics card, exactly how to send composite video to your TV, and that would be in the settings of the card.

Make sure, as well, that you are using the correct wire of the three wires for the composite video connection. As well, make sure the video card actually supports what you are trying to do. I have an inexpensive video card on my PC and it still shipped with a separate, and specific, video breakout cable to connect to my TV if I needed to.

If nothing else works, you could make that leap into the new millenium with a flat panel TV.

EDIT: What makes this much more difficult is that the nVidia card is actually a chip set used by many manufacturers so you haven't been nearly specific enough about the exact video card you have purchased. If you can provide a link to Newegg.com or Amazon with an exact model, perhaps you can get some specific instructions on what you want to do.

For example, this version of the card ($42) comes with the breakout cable that you specifically need...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814139018&cm_re=nvidia_geforce_8400_gs-_-14-139-018-_-Product

It would be incorrect to assume that because your old card did it, a new one would as well by default. Most people, these days, hook up their PC to their TV using a HDMI, DVI, or VGA connection for best possible quality. Composite video is VERY low resolution, and may be supported less and less by newer video cards. Especially cheaper cards. Just something to consider that it may not work at all.

 

[JerryLove]

What he said: only worse.

Are you running digital, analog, or mixed DVI? Digital DVI is identical in signal to HDMI without the audio and analog DVI is identical in signal to the VGA connectors.

In either case a simple break-out is not likely to be helpful. You are going to need to perform signal conversion. Simply put: I'd replace the TV with one that had a VGA, DVI, or HDMI connector (there are DVI-HDMI cables and adapaters).

 

[ar0u3114]

Thanks for both of your help. I have a really limited amount of knowledge on this subject but I'll try to be as accurate as possible...

I'm using the yellow cable only, as I have the audio already working from the green jack output.

I think the DVI is analog, this is the information that came with it...

SKU: D3R-3M
High Quality 3 Meter DVI-I (24+5) Dual Link Male to 3 RCA Male Audio Video Cable

NOTE: Your display system must support component video (Y, Pr, Pb) signal output function in order for the image to display properly. Please consult with your VGA card's user manual for more information.
Features:
Connects PC / laptop to LCD projector, HDTV, and other Y / Pr / Pb component RGB display system
24K gold plated connectors
Connectors provide maximum resistance to oxidation for error-free data transfer
Designed for Satellite TV, HDTV, DVI-I Component and most LCD Projectors
Shields for high resolution formatting
Your Video Source Must Provide a YpbPr Component Video Signal form the DVI-I
Video Ports to Use Cable
Interface Type: DVI-I (24+5 Pin) Male, 3 RCA RGB Male
Color: Black
Cable Length: 3 Meter
Packing: P.E Bag


.....how would I go about settting the graphics card output to composite? I have an NVidia Control Panel which I've used to set up the extra dispaly but there are no options on specific output types here.


Thanks

 

[BMXTRIX]

Well, things don't look good from what you've posted, but I must reitorate: What is the EXACT make and model of your graphics card? nVidia makes the 8500 GPU which is used by (literally) dozens of manufacturers in their own video cards with different feature sets.

But this line:

NOTE: Your display system must support component video (Y, Pr, Pb) signal output function in order for the image to display properly. Please consult with your VGA card's user manual for more information.

Indicates that you are outta luck.

Component video is a red/green/blue connection, typically with RCA connections on the cable. It is strictly a video connection and all three wires are necessary (required!) to be connected to a component video input on your TV.

Your TV, apparently, only has a composite (yellow) connection on it.

Component video is not compatible with composite video. Much like your car key won't work in your neighbors car. It just doesn't work. You also can't covert from component video to composite video without a very expensive product. It's cheaper to replace the video card. Much cheaper.

But, all is not lost - get us the exact make and model of the video card you are using. The CABLE doesn't matter. DVI-I uses standard pins for red, green, and blue cabling/information. I've yet to see any product which doesn't follow DVI standards for color codes of pinout connections, so the cable is not at all the issue.

It's the card, and if the card can't handle composite, only component, then it won't work with your TV. Period.

 

[ar0u3114]

My graphics card is the 'Sparkle' NVidia GeForce 8400 GS, with...
256MB, DDR2, DVI-I and HDCP (as it says on the box)

I ran dxdiag and it came up with this........

Dac Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Approx. Total Memory: 512.0MB
Current Display Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (60Hz)


My TV has the Yellow, White and Red RCA inputs. Am I right in understanding that a DVI to RCA cable is exactly the same as a DVI to RGB cable?

Thanks

 

[TLS Guy]

My graphics card is the 'Sparkle' NVidia GeForce 8400 GS, with...
256MB, DDR2, DVI-I and HDCP (as it says on the box)

I ran dxdiag and it came up with this........

Dac Type: Integrated RAMDAC
Approx. Total Memory: 512.0MB
Current Display Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (60Hz)


My TV has the Yellow, White and Red RCA inputs. Am I right in understanding that a DVI to RCA cable is exactly the same as a DVI to RGB cable?

Thanks

You will need a different sound card or a different TV. I vote for a TV change. Even the thrifts will not take the type of TV you have any longer. And your problems are part of the reason you can't give away TVs like that anymore.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Is this your card?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187041

If so, then you basically need a typical video breakout cable, kind of what is shown at the top of this link:

http://www.patrickmin.com/linux/tip.php?name=playtv

Looking at the manual:
http://www.sparkle.com.tw/manual_detail.asp?id=79&m_id=6

The TV output is listed on page 12 and looks like it is adjustable. Page 13 shows the option to set it from 'auto-select to composite video directly.

There is other information in the manual about how to set your computer up properly, but you will still need the proper composite video breakout cable if you have that round video connector in the center...

This cable MAY work:
http://www.amazon.com/S-VIDEO-7-PIN-TV-OUT-Laptop-Cable/dp/B000S677D4

You should try to email Sparkle from their website or contact them for a specific cable that you can use, or ask them about that specific cable.

http://www.sparkle.com.tw/product_detail.asp?id=65&sub_id=118

It may work, but probably not through the DVI-I output. Fortunately, you should have some other options, and the HDTV/S-Video/Composite video output should work.

Also went to eBay and saw this...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230349961935&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=WXI7&GUID=4ea58b9b1130a0e17795bba5fff3f412&itemid=230349961935&ff4=263602_263622

Looks like eBay has some other offerrings as well. You may want to find a very PC savvy website and ask about the exact product you need if Sparkle can't help you.

 

[JerryLove]

NOTE: Your display system must support component video (Y, Pr, Pb) signal output function in order for the image to display properly.

TV must have component connectors

My TV has the Yellow, White and Red RCA inputs.

TV actually has composite connectors.

The two are not compatable. You could buy something to down-convert your video or buy a more modern TV.

 

[selden]

I think some of the respondents overlooked one item in the original post:

Just to note, the TV is a few years old (no HD) with only RCA and SCART for input.

European and Asian SCART connectors provide composite, s-video and/or RGB video connections, depending on the make and model of the TV. Usually they're used with AVRs which also have SCART connectors so the AVR can detect the TV's capabilities.

ar0u3114,

You'll need a DVI-to-SCART adaptor. A quick web search located quite a few. The ones made by Gifen seem to have a good reputation. Since I'm in the U.S., though, I have no experience with any of them. Caveat emptor!

 

[JerryLove]

I think some of the respondents overlooked one item in the original post:

European and Asian SCART connectors provide composite, s-video and/or RGB video connections, depending on the make and model of the TV. Usually they're used with AVRs which also have SCART connectors so the AVR can detect the TV's capabilities.

Sounds dangerous without knowing which SCART type (not all have Y, Pr, Pb); and I'm not sure which sync to use (NTSC or PAL) in that case either. To 480i@60Hz or 480p@25Hz.