Sound system - XGA box or PC

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netpro2k

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Joined 2005
#1
I’m starting to work on my DIY projector, and im trying to work out the secondary accessories I want to get with it. So far I think im going to get the XGA box (http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=219&products_id=3235) to hook up video games and such. Now im looking into getting a fairly cheap 5.1 system to go with it all. Most "Home theater in a box" (HTIAB) type things come with a DVD player that acts as the output for all the speakers. I’ve heard that I can get much better video quality out of a PC than from a regular DVD player through the XGA box,
1) Is this even true (it seems it would be) and
2) What’s the best way to set up a sound system with this in mind? The main problem I see is that most of the low end HTIAB systems only have a stereo audio input, which would mean I loose my surround sound (correct?).

Also if anyone has sugestions on a better VGA box (one with a tv tuner would be kinda neet, but not if its lower quality than hte XGA box), or at least some good experiences with the box I have listed, please let me know.
 
#2
1. I'm not an expert, but I'd say that a PC with a decent graphics card and/or hardware DVD decoder card will do a much better job at de-interlacing and such, than some cheap stand-alone unit. The scan-converter you linked to doesn't even have component inputs (much less accept a progressive scan or hi def signal) and I can tell you from experience these types of "VGA boxes" absolutely suck.

2. Not neccessarily. You can get Dolby Prologic II through analog stereo inputs. While it won't be as good as Dolby Digital or DTS, it is at least 5.1 surround.
 
#3
If you want a VERY cheap 5.1 system, one that works but is almost blasphemy to mention on an audio enthusiast website, I can tell you how to hack a Wal-Mart $35 "surround" system to get true 5.1 sound out of a computer instead of mixed stereo. Those systems are NOT Dobly Prologic to begin with, BTW.
 
#4
fuzzylogic said:
1. I'm not an expert, but I'd say that a PC with a decent graphics card and/or hardware DVD decoder card will do a much better job at de-interlacing and such, than some cheap stand-alone unit. The scan-converter you linked to doesn't even have component inputs (much less accept a progressive scan or hi def signal) and I can tell you from experience these types of "VGA boxes" absolutely suck.

2. Not neccessarily. You can get Dolby Prologic II through analog stereo inputs. While it won't be as good as Dolby Digital or DTS, it is at least 5.1 surround.
Click to expand...

I plan on using a VGA box for game consoles, and most likely a PC for DVD's... if "these types of "VGA boxes" absolutely suck." Whats a better solution for game consoles, I imagine the VGA boxes must be better than a tuner card on a PC. no?
 
#5
netpro2k said:


I plan on using a VGA box for game consoles, and most likely a PC for DVD's... if "these types of "VGA boxes" absolutely suck." Whats a better solution for game consoles, I imagine the VGA boxes must be better than a tuner card on a PC. no?
Click to expand...
I am in the exact same situation... does a VGA box suck that much?
 
#6
For regular TV they're "okay". I have a Viewsonic Nextvision 5. The picture seems dull and washed out, and there is as much color bleed as on my regular TV in the basement.

For DVD, I'll say this: If you've never seen progressive scan or HDTV, then go ahead and use a VGA box, since you wouldn't know what you're missing.

For sources that have component outputs (specifically, with 480p or HDTV signals) you want a scan-converter/transcoder that accepts those inputs. I have a Key Digital Systems XBlaster KD-XB which usually goes for under $75. I use it for DVD, but this model was actually marketed for XBox and GameCube use. Expect to pay a lot more for one with multiple inputs or with a selectable output resolution, however.
 
#7
fuzzylogic said:
For regular TV they're "okay". I have a Viewsonic Nextvision 5. The picture seems dull and washed out, and there is as much color bleed as on my regular TV in the basement.

For DVD, I'll say this: If you've never seen progressive scan or HDTV, then go ahead and use a VGA box, since you wouldn't know what you're missing.

For sources that have component outputs (specifically, with 480p or HDTV signals) you want a scan-converter/transcoder that accepts those inputs. I have a Key Digital Systems XBlaster KD-XB which usually goes for under $75. I use it for DVD, but this model was actually marketed for XBox and GameCube use. Expect to pay a lot more for one with multiple inputs or with a selectable output resolution, however.
Click to expand...

The one I have posted above has a selectable output resolution and sells for like $50 ... don’t really know about the quality though, but I have read a review or 2 that says it’s pretty good. I have basically decided I am definitely using a PC for DVDs, but does anyone else have any suggestions on a better way of using consoles, either a better VGA box, or perhaps a really good tuner card? For reference I am planning on using a dukane 4003 and a Viewsonic ve150 (if that changes anything).
 
#8
Should I buy a TV Tuner video card instead?

I migh change video card soon, but as I remember ( I already had a TV tuner vcard ) the quality and software were so-so.

Does any pci card have decent inputs, aka component & s-video?
 
#11
Stay way clear of that tv box with the X on, all high contrast colours go funny and blured, if you have very high speed action, it decides it wants to turn off :| and then wait for it to stop before turning back on so for games you might have trouble with that one.

TV cards for your pc might bring about a few seconds of lag, cant help you on choosing one just what to avoid :smash:
 
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