Hi all,

I have recently purchased a 22 inch ASUS VW222U wide 2ms monitor that has dvi and vga connections. The specs say the input is DVI-D and D-Sub. It also has an audio input for the inbuilt speakers.

I also have a spare standard definition AWA STB that has just the normal rca connections.

What I want to do is to be able to plug the monitor into the STB and use it as a TV. I found on ebay DVI-I to 3 rca converter cables, but cannot find DVI-D to 3 rca cables.

I figure the DVI-I to rca will not work because the "I" means it is not digital. Is this correct? Is there a way I can connect it up?

If not, then I suppose I could buy another HD STB and a DHMI to DVI-D converter cable (is there such a thing?) to get it working. Will this work?

Can you assist please.

Cheech

DVI-I can carry both digital & analogue signals whereas DVI-D is digital only.
The reason you can't find a DVI-D to 3 rca adapter cable is that the cable you found simply adapts the analogue pins in the DVI-I to the appropriate rca plugs to give analogue RGB.
To convert an analogue signal being output over rca to a digital signal over DVI or HDMI you would need a powered converter. (If such a beast even exists??)

Adapters to connect DVI & HDMI devices are readily available but...
The other obstacle you will face is that your monitor will only handle between 56Hz & 75Hz. An Aus FTA STB outputs 50Hz & is therefore incompatible with most PC monitors.

If you do a search for the word monitor in 'titles only' you will find more info.

Even if you do use a converter, the PQ will look bad as it's only composite to start with.

A HD STB will probably be cheaper than a composite/DVI converter anyway and will provide superior PQ, plus the extra channels.

Thanks for the feedback. Mr F, that explains the cabling. Seems like a dumb question now that I understand the answer.

I had actually read that thread from John before I created this thread, but got a bit lost when he headed off on the track of that special box. I have however done that search and will check out more threads.

Col, so are you confirming that it will work if I buy a HD STB and converter cable? If that is the case, I will happily go that way. I have HD on my 42 inch and love it. Will be cool to have HD in my office as well. Just need to add a couch and I will never leave it.

What do you mean you got lost?!?!? I'm not that confusing!

As Mr F explained, one possible issue is ensuring your monitor can handle the incoming signal.
So even if a STB has a dvi or hdmi output, it will output at 50Hz, so you need to make sure your monitor can accept that.
i.e. at max resolution, my 1680x1050 monitor can only accept 60Hz. Would it work if I plugged an australian stb into it? I'm not sure.

This is why I am looking down the "special box" path, because (in theory) it will output at standard monitor frequencies, not just 50Hz.
Mind you, I haven't found a decent one yet.

Yes, provided the screen input and STB output match. eg: both 50Hz or both 60Hz.

Many HD STB's also have VGA output