Need assistance to use Monitor as VHS/DVD/ Console display

[Ryushikaze]

Alright, so here's the setup. I have a Monitor (21 inch, 1600 x 1200 CRT sun microsystem X7146A) I picked up for very very cheap recently, and it's been lovely so far for monitor usage. The thing is, this particular monitor has two input switches, so I figured I might as well get some use out of it that way, and use it to play my Hi def console games, etc and watch and such without needing to purchase an HDTV.

So, using a VGA- Component adapter cable I had lying around from when a place I was working for was getting rid of cables it didn't think it was going to be using, I hooked my Wii up via component cable, and, well, nothing. Now, I know the component cables work, and I'm fairly certain the VGA converter works, though It does originate from a projector.

So, the dillemma is thus. Is there a cheap way to convert Component or other signals into the proper VGA type for Monitor input? If it requires a converter box, that's fine, but I'd rather it be fairly inexpensive.

Any ideas? I've found a decent bit of info on going from Computer to Televisions, but very little on taking signals that normally go into televisions and displaying them on hi-res VGA monitors.

[Seggybop]

I have a similar problem and I haven't had any luck either.

The component to VGA connector cables don't actually convert to VGA. They only pass the component signal through the same kind of 15pin connector VGA uses. I don't know who thought this setup would be a good idea, but in any case, it's pretty useless.

I saw some converter boxes that would work, but they were all pretty expensive. I also tried to find a video capture card with component input, but there aren't any I saw that aren't absurdly costly.

Maybe someone else has better information x.x

[Arthur_Tuxedo]

You need a transcoder. I use one that was designed for the XBox but will convert any component signal to VGA.

[Resinence]

A high end HDTV card will work too (most have multiple inputs), also allowing you to capture the signal, but is a lot more trouble to set up and not worth it unless your making a multimedia box.

[phongn]

You need something like the Vdigi VD-Z3 to transcode the signal.

[Ryushikaze]

You need a transcoder. I use one that was designed for the XBox but will convert any component signal to VGA.

Got a product code on that?

Also, Phongn, the Vdigi site only had Wii and PS3 to VGA transcoders, and I'm looking for one with component ends, as opposed to plugging straight into a particular console.

Though I have found a 'make it yourself' transcoder discussion over at Lumen Labs, so I might be going that route if I feel competent enough to assemble it all.

Addendum: So I found this transcoder for $60.00, with two Component inputs, and VGA in/ out. Anyone know of a better deal, or is this generally the best I'm gonna do?

[Ryushikaze]

Addendum: So I bought This puppy off ebay, for 10 bucks less than the xvga one would have cost. Has one less Component input, but that's not that big of a deal, all told. Will give a review of how good it's working for me once it arrives.