Connecting With Component Video

To make this connection possible, you must have the following:

• A digital TV with a component video input
• A 15-pin VGA output on your computer
• A high resolution capable VGA to component video transcoder or bundled component video accessory cable (A transcoder is a device that transforms RGB signals into component video signals)
• A 15-pin VGA cable
• A component video cable
• A 1/8" to L/R RCA cable
• A computer monitor (for setup)

If you have a computer with a component video capable graphics card, you may have received a component video cable in the box. If so, you do not need a VGA transcoder (skip to Section 2). If you didn't receive a cable in the box, but know that your graphics card supports component video output, your card maker may sell the necessary cable or kit to hook up your computer to an HDTV set separately. This will be significantly less expensive than buying a transcoder, and also more flexible and with better quality. Look for an alternate (typically round) connector next to the standard VGA or DVI output. If you see one, refer to your owners guide or card maker's website for details on what it is capable of outputting.

If your card is not component video capable, you will need to purchase a high resolution capable VGA to component video transcoder or replace the graphics board with one that is component video capable (recommended).

Avoiding the "VGA to Component Video Cable"

Many online discount stores sell an accessory cable that looks like it will connect a VGA input to a component video input. It's nothing more than a cable, and is often priced under $20. It's important to note that this type of accessory cable will not allow you to connect a computer to a TVs component video input unless the TV's component input is also RGB capable. Since there are few consumer grade TVs ever produced with this ability, this cable will not work for the majority of users.

"Why not?" you ask. Well, even though this accessory cable will allow you to match the physical connections for your VGA output and component video input, there's a significant difference in the signal format. Computers output RGB+HV signals, which is not the same as component video. This accessory cable ends up delivering RGB with syncs on green to the connected display, which nearly all televisions will not accept. I know, the connectors look like component video... but it's not. 

So what is this cable for? This cable is most often used to connect component video sources (like a DVD player) to a digital projector. These projectors often sport VGA (DB-15) inputs that support both RGB and component video signals.

Section 1: Connecting with a Component Video Transcoder

1. Change the TV input to the appropriate selection to engage the component video input.


2. Hookup the VGA cable from the back of the computer to the computer monitor.


3. Turn on the computer. An image should appear on your PC screen.


4. Right click on the desktop and select properties. Click on the 'Settings' tab.


5. Identify the compatible scan formats for your component video input. The possible formats are usually 480p, 720p, and 1080i. It is common to find that many CRT based TVs, such as direct-view tubes and CRT rear-projection displays, don't support 720p.


6. Since the component video input on your TV is not PC compatible, you will need to select a format that is compatible with
   your TV. Within the settings tab, click on advanced. Go to the adapter tab and select "list all modes." Select 720x480, 1280x720, or 1920 x 1080 (interlaced), High Color (16 bit), 60 Hertz from the list. Click "yes" if it asks you to keep this setting. NOTE: 1920x1080 (interlaced) is a very high resolution, which will make desktop items and text difficult to see.


7. Unplug the computer from the back of the monitor and plug it in to the transcoder. Hook up the component video cables from the transcoder to the component video input on the back of your TV. If you chose a compatible selection, you should have an image on your TV screen. Connect the 1/8" to L/R RCA cable from the audio output on your computer to the corresponding audio jacks on your TV.


8. Depending on the display format chosen, you might want to try different choices to maximize image quality. In the "list all modes" selection, you can try to find different resolutions that are compatible with your TV. When selecting resolution, the screen will blank out. If the image does not return, you found an incompatible display format. Do nothing and it should switch back to the last setting after 15 seconds. TIP: you can make more choices appear under "list all modes" by going to the monitor tab and deselecting the box that says "Hide modes that this monitor can't display."

Section 2: Connecting with a bundled component video accessory cable

If you have an accessory cable, your card maker will have simpler methods of making an HDTV connection (compared to the Windows Display Manager) in their latest software driver packages. Before you begin, I highly recommend locating and installing the latest drivers for your graphics card.

1. Change the TV input to the appropriate selection to engage the component video input.


2. Hookup the accessory cable to the back of the computer, and the other end to the TV. Connect a regular computer monitor to the VGA or DVI output temporarily.


3. Turn on the computer. An image should appear on your PC screen.


4. Right click on the desktop and select properties. Click on the 'Settings' tab.


5. Locate the graphics card managment software provided by your card maker. Sometimes it's an icon in the task tray, sometimes it's a tab in the 'advanced' area of the display manager.


6. Identify the compatible scan formats for your component video input. The possible formats are usually 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. It is common to find that many CRT based TVs, such as direct-view tubes and CRT rear-projection displays, don't support 720p or 1080p.


7. Since the component video input on your TV is not PC compatible, you will need to select a format that is compatible with your TV. In the graphics card manager, locate the area for managing displays, and look for an option to "connect to TV" or "Connect to HDTV". You should see a checkbox for enabling the component video output or a wizard for setting up your graphics card to connect to a TV, and should also find a variety of options to select the type and/or resolution of the display. Choose the best format compatible with your television. If you're not sure, try the different modes until you find one that looks best.


8. Unplug the computer from the back of the regular monitor. Connect the 1/8" to L/R RCA cable from the audio output on your computer to the corresponding audio jacks on your TV.

Once your component video connection is complete and working, you should not need the regular computer monitor. You should be able to shut down the computer when not in use, or use the stand by and hibernation modes. The computer will keep your current settings unless you physically change them or install new drivers for your graphics card.

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