How can I make an RCA or S-Video to VGA adapter?

Question

Is there a way that I can build (without buying something premade) an adapter so I can hook up my DVD player to a computer monitor? I'm looking for something that would convert RCA, S-Video, or component into a VGA signal.

Answer 1

The closest thing I've seen is S-Video to RCA/composite video.
To hook up a DVD player to a computer monitor, most people buy DVD players with built in VGA output.
A more complicated way is to hook up the RCA output of the DVD player to a video capture device on your PC, then use video capture software to display it to your monitor. That's what I do to watch VHS tapes off a VCR without a TV. Several PVR computers these days come with video capture software/sockets.

There are many many more PINs in a VGA signal compared to any of RCA, S-Video, or component. It must take crazy amounts of circuitry to make such converter. The cost for circuitry parts may exceed the cost for an adaptor.

If such adaptor exists, buy it. It comes with warranty; homemade stuff doesn't. A simple shortcircuit may damage your DVD player and/or monitor.
Gliding Squirrel.

Answer 2

The method suggested above will not work. RGB is NOT the same as Y, Pr, Pb. The former are independent signals for the red green and blue, often with separate pins for horiz and vert sync signals. Y,Pr,Pb are color difference signals, in which Y is luminance, Pr and Pb are R-Y and B-Y respectively, and the sync signals are carried by the Y connection.

You may be able to find a converter from RCA (composite video) or s-video to to VGA, but I suspect that might be difficult to find. Converters from component level to RGB are available but they are expensive ($200-$300). Google "component to RGB".

To build a converter yourself, you have to matrix the Y,R-Y and B-Y to add Y to the Pr and Pb (in the correct proportions) to get R and B, then add those together and subract from Y to get G. This can be done with passive resistor networks with some loss of signal level. Also, you need to know how your display device accepts the horiz and vert sync signals; some will accept them on the G signal, others may require you to so separate those from the Y signal and put them on the right pins. You might try a net search to see if you can find a circuit.

Answer 3

VGA is basically analog RGB. The only way to convert this is to come from the DVD component outputs (Y/Pr/Pb) on one end of a cable, and a standard D-Sub 15 on the other end. Easiest way would be to find an old VGA cable,, cut one end off, strip it back, then find the three pairs of video, (R, G, and B). Obviously, just splice the R to Pr, the B to Pb, and the G to Y.

Answer 4

I dont know what a vga is.