pached's guide for getting 480p on a computer monitor with a Wii

pached · 11-15-2006, 10:48 PM

I don't watch that much tv, so I only have a regular tube CRT tv set with composite inputs. I've seen and heard how much of a difference 480p is, so I put together a pretty costly setup to get it on my Dell 2001FP 20" LCD monitor.

1. I start out with the Nintendo Wii and a component cable ($30) that I'll have to buy since the Wii only comes with composite.

2. I get a component to VGA converter box like this one for $45 http://sewelldirect.com/MayFlash-Com...to-VGA-Box.asp

3. I pick up a simple male to male VGA cable for $7 http://sewelldirect.com/VGAMaletoVGAMale6Foot.asp

4. To get the audio working, I get an RCA to 3.5mm stereo adapter so that I can plug it into the back of an extra set of computer speakers $13
http://sewelldirect.com/planet-waves...le-adapter.asp

The total cost is around $100, but it should allow me to play my Wii on my computer in 480p progressive scan. Luckily, my monitor has some very easy to use video input functions as well as picture-in-picture between the different inputs, so once I get this set up, I'll be one happy camper

I already ordered everything except the component out for the Wii, which I probably won't be able to get until mid-December with this whole issue of high demand and none available at retail stores at launch. I haven't been spoiled by 480p just yet, so I'll have to bear with composite for a little while.

Let me know if you have any questions

**Crusader** · 11-15-2006, 11:03 PM

Good stuff, dude. Those converters are handy.

Danzego · 11-15-2006, 11:13 PM

That was a well put together post.

As for playing it on a monitor, how big is your monitor? Seems unless you have something at least 19 or 20 inches (and even THAT'S pushing it), it would be a bit on the small side for a system where you're not going to want to be right up on it for....especially for shooting games like Red Steel or Metroid. I mean, imagine playing one of those games on a small monitor. *cringes*

pached · 11-16-2006, 04:10 PM

I've got a Dell 2001FP 20" that I "acquired" from my brother at the end of the summer since he went off to college with a laptop. It's quite large and my desk is pretty small, so I'm going to have to slide back a little for FPS games, which really isn't a problem. I watch movies and stuff on this thing all the time and it looks great. I'm really excited to get this thing set up, but I just have the small problem of component cable availability at launch.

**Crusader** · 11-16-2006, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danzego

That was a well put together post.

As for playing it on a monitor, how big is your monitor? Seems unless you have something at least 19 or 20 inches (and even THAT'S pushing it), it would be a bit on the small side for a system where you're not going to want to be right up on it for....especially for shooting games like Red Steel or Metroid. I mean, imagine playing one of those games on a small monitor. *cringes*

Oh, you mean Metroid Prime: Hunters? Yes, that small screen made me cringe for an FPS.

pached · 11-16-2006, 09:37 PM

I just learned that component cables aren't going to be available at retail stores until mid to late December. Damn you Nintendo!

Danzego · 11-17-2006, 01:55 AM

I take it you missed the post where I told how to order them from Nintendo beforehand (I should have mine either tomorrow or Saturday). Too late now, though, as they're all out.

As for Metroid Prime: Hunters, no, that's not what I mean. I mean you need at least a couple feet between you and the sensor bar in the first place, plus you're pointing at the screen with the Wii controller, aiming at stuff. Obviously, you're going to want to sit closer to a small screen, but not so close that you're just pointing directly at what you're trying to hit.

**GibtheGamer** · 11-17-2006, 08:23 PM

Very true. It's only good with a light gun...

Danzego · 11-18-2006, 03:34 AM

Ugh. The fools at UPS screwed up my component cables ("the package was left behind in a UPS facility) and now they won't be here until Monday. Paid 13 bucks for overnight shipping and Redmond, Washington is an "entire" 5 hours away....yet between Nintendo and UPS, they can't get a set of cables here by Wii launch when I ordered them Tuesday. AMAZING.

This does NOT sit well with me.

pached · 11-18-2006, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danzego

Ugh. The fools at UPS screwed up my component cables ("the package was left behind in a UPS facility) and now they won't be here until Monday. Paid 13 bucks for overnight shipping and Redmond, Washington is an "entire" 5 hours away....yet between Nintendo and UPS, they can't get a set of cables here by Wii launch when I ordered them Tuesday. AMAZING.

This does NOT sit well with me.

That's kind of ironic because my friend ordered his cables on Wednesday and got them yesterday. I live in NY.