Connect LCD to TVBOX to set top box to play HDTV

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Hi I have a really old LCD monitor that supports only VGA or DVI-D. I want to use it to play HDTV so I bought a set top box, which supports outputs 1. Composite 2. Component YPbPr 3. HDMI.

Because there is no direct ports between the set top box and my LCD monitor, so I dig out my old TV box which supports inputs 1. RF 2. Composite 3. Component YCbCr 4. PC VGA and outputs VGA.

Currently I am using the composite to connects the set top box to my TV box, but I find the screen quality is not really good, I want to ask which of the following is the best combination to get better screen quality and the cheapest for my devices? Thank you!

  1. Buy a HDMI to DVI-D cable, connects set top box directly to monitor
  2. Buy a HDMI to VGA convertor, connects set top box directly to monitor
  3. Buy a YPbPr to YCbCr cable/convertor?, connects set top box to TV box then to monitor
  4. Buy a HDMI to YCbCr cable/convertor?, connects set top box to TV box then to monitor

user1589188

Posted 2014-01-01T08:04:30.370

Reputation: 179

1As far as I can tell, HDMI to DVI-D seems to make the most sense, as only an adapter is required and can be bought from sites like Monoprice for less than US$5. The other options all require a converter. I didn't put this as an answer because I'm not entirely sure - other users may have better explanations. – yjwong – 2014-01-01T08:15:41.333

Thank you. $5 sounds good to give it a try. You could have answered seeing that the only answer is the same as yours ;) – user1589188 – 2014-01-02T00:01:35.590

Answers

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HDMI->DVI-D is the best choice for maximum allowed resolution and they're cheap ($5-15 at your local Target/WalMart) and most LCD's handle native digital resolutions better than composite/component scaling anyways.

txtechhelp

Posted 2014-01-01T08:04:30.370

Reputation: 3 317

Thank you. I am just not sure if all HDMI can be adapted to DVI-D without a converter. But I am sure I can learn a lesson for $5. – user1589188 – 2014-01-01T23:59:28.297

HDMI allows for HDCP (think BluRay), DVI-D does not. This does not mean you can't watch BluRay through DVI-D connection, it just means the HDCP link is not there (and better off for it IMHO) .. As long as you're using the HDMI->DVI as way to connect to your LCD, you'll be alright :) – txtechhelp – 2014-01-02T00:50:36.187

Asked: 2014-01-01T08:04:30.370

Viewed: 2 916 times

Active: 2014-01-01T11:19:52.487