how can I play consoles on a computer monitor

[Squidlekins]

OK, I'm sure this question has been asked plenty of times before, but I couldn't find any thread that had exactly what I wanted to know...
and my question, as the topic suggests, is: 'how can I play consoles on a computer monitor?'
specifically, the original xbox, and even more specifically, I'd like pinouts and janx so I can just wire it directly.
but if there is some place where you can buy a converter for real cheaps then that would be swell.

[bicostp]

They make converters that can do this. Here's one for about $50.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6815276009" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It's simple to hook up and it's also an analog TV tuner, however the image quality will only be as good as what you put into it. That is, composite video (the yellow plug) will look like garbage.

There's some information on building your own Xbox to VGA adapter cable here:
http://www.xbox-linux.org/wiki/Xbox_VGA_HOWTO" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This is the way to go if it's just the Xbox you want to use, since you'll get the best video quality.

For the 360, the best solution is an HDMI to DVI adapter cable, if your monitor has DVI inputs.

[Black Six]

Keep in mind that you'll have to hook the audio up to some kind of speakers or an amplifier if you plan on using the speakers built into your monitor.

[nightwheel]

This is USB Video Capture Device. But I don't see how it can't be used t play video games on a computer

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5707" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Squidlekins]

ok, so my next question, after deciding to go with the 'build-your-own' method found on xbox-linux.org, is how do I tell if my monitor is sync on green?
this is the monitor I have: http://www.pacificgeek.com/product.asp?id=847334" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
(except I got mine for $40)

[Aguiluz]

This is USB Video Capture Device. But I don't see how it can't be used t play video games on a computer

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5707" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

THIS. Get the Easycap. I have one of these and I play my PS2 and PS3 on my laptop with no lag.

I can also record them. Quality is a bit on the low end of the spectrum with the composite but it works.

Here's a sample recording:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3EOa_-T ... annel_page" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Black Six]

The capture device requires a computer. I think he just wants to hook it up to a spare monitor he has, so that doesn't help him.

[Squidlekins]

you're right Black six, I do want to just use a monitor but that usb thing looks pretty sweet, I'm assuming it would work for other consoles too? like Xbox 360 and even n64 and such?

ok, so I think my final question would be can I wire the left and right audio directly to the headphone jack on the back of the monitor? or do I need another adapter for that too?

[bicostp]

You should be able to find an RCA left/right to 1/8" headphone adapter at Radio Shack for around $5. [link] That solution is better if you're using some sort of converter box, since you'll be using the original AV cable with its RCA jacks.

Since you want to build a VGA cable, I recommend getting a 1/8" jack [link] and making the cable with extra wires for sound. That way you only have 1 cable running from the Xbox to your monitor. (Alternately you could get a 1/8" to 1/8" cable [link], cut one connector off, and solder the cut end to the Xbox AV plug. This would give you a professional-looking cable that you can run to another device, like some external speakers.)

Either way, you should be fine as long as you connect audio to the monitor's Line In port. (However I recommend using a set of real speakers, since the speakers built into most monitors don't sound very good. The only ones I really thought were decent were the ones that attached to the side of those old Packard Bell monitors in the 486 days. )

[Squidlekins]

uh, right... so again, how do I tell if my monitor is 'sync-on-green'?

[Black Six]

I advise against plugging the console's audio directly into the speakers of a monitor. Generally the speakers don't have an adjustable amplifier (at least all the ones I've seen), as they rely on the computer to adjust the output volume. So if you want to use the built-in speakers you'd need an amp of some kind to put in between.

[Squidlekins]

uh, right... so again, how do I tell if my monitor is 'sync-on-green'?

[bicostp]

What model is it?

If it's a relatively new one you might be out of luck. (Definitely if it's an LCD.) In that case, you just have to get an LM1881 IC (National Semiconductor makes them, and may send a sample your way) and add it to the cable to get the separate sync the monitor needs. (The instructions are on the VGA cable page linked earlier.)

@Nightwheel: My Acer H233H does that too. The speaker is mono and sounds muffled, though. External speakers and headphones FTW!

[nightwheel]

I advise against plugging the console's audio directly into the speakers of a monitor. Generally the speakers don't have an adjustable amplifier (at least all the ones I've seen), as they rely on the computer to adjust the output volume. So if you want to use the built-in speakers you'd need an amp of some kind to put in between.

I had the HP vs17e 17" LCD monitor. And they have built in speakers. The monitor has built-in digital Volume control. That worked independently of the computer.

But I would say that unless you have that HP monitor. Your better off doing what Black Six suggested

[hailrazer]

Ebay has composite to vga connectors pretty cheap. Around $30. Then you just use a small portable radio with Rca inputs for the sound. Easy peezy lemon squeezy.

Course as mentioned it might look like crap lol