VGA to DVI (Dual Link) converter?

Question

My monitor has two slots in the back, one is for VGA the other is for DVI and is a Dual Link type:
http://www.lyberty.com/encyc/articles/tech/img/all-DVI-types.jpg
I need the 4th one on that picture

I want to be able to plug in my computer (VGA) aswell as my Xbox 360 at the same time. However with Only one VGA slot and both the computer and the Xbox using it I have to keep swapping them and changing them around.

Where can I get a converter which will change a VGA connector into a male DVI Dual Link so I can plug both into the monitor at the same time.

It is the Dual Link part I'm having trouble with as all suppliers seem to be selling the "DVI-I (Digital And Analogue) Dual Link" when what I need is "DVI-D (DVI Digital) Dual Link"

The DVI-I connector won't fit because there are extra pins anfd no holes for them

thanks

Answer 1

That input slot of your monitor will only take in digital signals. You can NOT feed it directly with analog (VGA) signal. You would need a VGA to DVI conversion box.
My suggested workaround is a simple 2 port KVM switch. It has 2 VGA inputs (from PC and XBOX) and its VGA output goes to VGA input of monitor. You just switch the KVM as to what should be your source of signal to the monitor.
http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=1&pid=517

Answer 2

DVI-D at high resolutions will always be superior to VGA. VGA was intended for analog monitors (namely CRTs, those big ones we used to use). Your video card and monitor will have to support the 85Hz refresh rate. The high refresh rate will be less tiring for your eyes. If you are a gamer, this could also be significant when playing games. Gold plated is better as gold conducts electricity better. Hit up Amazon, the expensive "monster" cable is no better than any cheaper brands. I am not going to do this research for you, but a simple search in amazon will give you all the results you should need. There is zero reason to use VGA if your video card and monitor support DVI or HDMI.

Answer 3

You can not.

You are trying to convert an analog signal to a digital one. You are going to need more than a simple adapter to do that.

I would recommend that you take this opportunity to upgrade your PC's video card to one that has a DVI connector. Then you can connect the X-box via the VGA and the PC via the DVI-D.

It is going to be cheaper to do this than it is to buy some black box to convert VGA to digital, and may have questionable quality.

Answer 4

It's VERY hard to upgrade a signal from analog to digital.

The convertors for something like that are not a simple plug, rather a small box that will convert the signal. They're pricey. Usually around a hundred bucks.