Common Misconceptions about PC to TV Converters

Misconception #1: Spending more money will give me a better TV picture.

Truth: When buying a TV, this may be true, but when buying a PC to TV converter it is not necessarily true. The display quality difference between our least expensive and some of the more expensive models is virtually non-existent, as many of them are converting to the same output (composite, S-Video). You don't really see a jump in image quality until you jump to the Hi-Wire converter (which converts to a digital signal to a HDTV).

Misconception #2: I can turn my TV into a big monitor.

Truth:

The technology of basic TV is essentially the same as when it was first introduced...over 60 years ago!

The VGA or computer display technology was developed much later, and thus able to take advantage of the latest technology of the day. The NTSC standard (the current standard for TV in the US) has a fixed vertical resolution of 525 horizontal lines stacked on top of each other, with varying amounts of "lines" making up the horizontal resolution, depending on the electronics and formats involved.

There are 59.94 fields displayed per second. A field is a set of even lines, or odd lines. The odd and even fields are displayed sequentially, thus interlacing the full frame. One full frame, therefore, is made of two interlaced fields, and is displayed about every 1/30 of a second.

The VGA standard can support a wide variety of resolutions and refresh rates that far surpass the 525 horizontal lines of TV. Also, a VGA display does not compose a display composed of "lines", but of pixels. By increasing the number of pixels from 640x480 to 1024x769, the display can obtain a greater clarity.

A TV's clarity is, by contrast, fixed to a certain extent. When you convert the progressive pixel-based image into the interlace TV image, there is a limit to how clear the display can be. Typically, the image looks slightly fuzzy and the detail is softer.

As imperfect a technology as TV is, they are much more plentiful and inexpensive than a 32 inch monitor. Whether playing multimedia (DVDs, internet downloads, etc.), slide shows or PC games, a PC to TV converter can enhance the experience by taking advantage of the large size of a typical TV.

Different Video-Out types (connectors)-- What's the difference?

Typically, a television can have basically four different types of inputs: coax (F-type connector, composite video, S-video or component video. Each offers a different display quality.

• Coax is what you typically use to connect traditional cable TV to your VCR or TV. It is a threaded F-type connector. The picture quality of a coax signal is limited, but it is useful because the cable can be run long distances. The typical PC to TV converter does not have a coax output. If your TV only has a coax input, then you must use an RF modulator to convert the PC to TV converter's composite video output into coax. Most VCRs can be used for this purpose as well.
• Composite video is traditionally what you would use to plug your VCR or video camera into your TV. It typically has yellow RCA-type connectors. The picture is slightly better than coax, but is still limited in terms of color clarity and detail. Composite video can be run 35 - 50 feet before the signal begins to lose noticeable clarity.
• S-video became more common on TVs with the advent of DVD players a few years ago. S-video can be found on most TVs larger than 27 inches. It is a round 4-pin mini-DIN connector. S-video signals offer a clarity about 20% better than composite video in terms of color and detail. It is the recommended method for connecting PC to TV converters, unless you have...
• Component video has become the most common connection method for digital television, HDTV and high-end DVD players. Component video consists of three RCA-type connectors (red, green and blue). Component video offers a clarity about 15% clearer than S-video when using a PC to TV converter. Component video is not yet common, so check your TV to see if you have it. If the TV is over 3 years old, it's a safe bet that you don't. If you do, then you want the Ultimate XP Pro: PC to TV Component for the best picture quality available on a non-high-definition TV with component video inputs.

What is the difference between each GrandTec PC to TV converter?

PC to Video EZ $49.99 Basic model for anyone simply wishing to plug their PC into their TV. Supports resolutions up to 1280x1024 converted into composite and S-video. Audio capability sold separately.

PC to Video Component: PC to TV Component $69.99 Includes high-resolution component video and an IR Remote Control for easier menu adjustments.

Ultimate Wireless: $149.99 Includes a 2.4 GHz wireless transmitter and receiver for wireless PC to TV. Wireless signal is composite video suitable for movies, gaming, and large-text presentations. Other nearby wireless devices may affect signal quality.

Hi-Wire: $199.99 VGA to component adapter for use only with HDTVs. Offers the best picture quality available.

Connecting a PC to a HDTV

While the vocabulary of high-definition television can be misleading at times, we'll try to be as clear as possible.

Devices connect to HDTVs typically using component video to take advantage of the higher quality display technology. Currently GrandTec offers two PC to TV converters with component video outputs. Each has its advantages depending upon what your application is.

Ultimate XP Pro: PC to Video Component - $69.99 - A true scan converter that converts resolutions up to 1600x1200 into interlaced video. Unit connects to any standard or high-definition television using composite, S-VHS or component video. The component video output is 480i. The result is that it will connect to any TV with the correct inputs, HD or not. The main advantage is that it will convert higher PC resolutions. The main disadvantage is that the interlaced signal produces a lower resolution on the TV. Effectively, the signal will appear slightly out of focus or blurry when compared to a PC monitor display.

Hi-Wire: VGA to HDTV Converter - $199.99 - The Hi-Wire offers the truest conversion available between a PC and an HDTV. The clarity of the HDTV display is directly related to how close the VGA out is in dimensions and pixels to the HDTV format. For instance, 640x480 is EXACTLY the same as 480p, so the HDTV display will be that of a true monitor in clarity. 1024x768 is closest to 720p and will generally look best on that HDTV resolution.

If the PC is outputting a resolution or refresh rate not supported by the HDTV, then it will not display properly. The main advantage is that the display will maintain the clarity of the PC monitor display, effectively turning the HDTV into a giant monitor. The main disadvantage is that there of limitations in terms of the resolutions and refresh rates supported by the HDTV format. Typically, HDTVs support only 60Hz refresh rate.