DVI to Component Video - Compatibility Question

Hello, everyone. I am in a pickle with my soon to be new Mac Mini, concerning the issue of hooking it up to a TV for use as a monitor.

My problem is thus: The TV is a 26" LCD with only a maximum of a Component Video input (no VGA or HDMI), and the Mini has only DVI out. I have seen a cable and/or adapter on the internet that converts DVI to Component, but there is a warning that says the DVI port must support it, or the graphics card must support it. I am wondering if anyone knew if this would work with the Mac Mini. My only other alternative is to use the DVI to Video adapter with S-Video, which on the 1368x768 TV would be inferior. I would prefer component, but am unsure if it would even work because Apple's Tech Specs on the Mini lists only DVI to VGA conversion or the S-Video/Composite adapter, and does not specifically say if it supports Component.

Any support would be GREATLY appreciated, as I have been up for three hours into the wee hours researching all the aspects of my problem, and am unable to figure it out. THANK YOU!

Duncan

EDIT: Here is a link to the adapter: http://sewelldirect.com/dvivideoadapter.asp

And cable: http://sewelldirect.com/DVI-to-Component-Adapter-Cable-6ft.asp

That way you can see what I mean about that cryptic warning. All I need to know is if the Mac Mini can support that sucker! Thanks again!

Posted on Dec 1, 2007 2:36 AM

Reply
7 replies

Dec 1, 2007 4:22 AM in response to Kaladbolg

Our local video "expert" is BSteely, and hopefully he will weigh in on your question.

Some posts of his from the past, which may relate:

http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=5458457#5458457

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=5537321&#5537321

The impression I get is that you might need a more expensive adapter to convert DVI to component.

BTW can you give us the model number of your LCD TV? Thanks!

AppleTV is probably better suited for a component-only TV, though the Mini can certainly do a good job when the TV does have digital or VGA inputs.

Dec 1, 2007 12:03 PM in response to Boece

The model is a JVC LT-26X506, and it is about 2 to 2-and-a-half years old. I am starting to think this may not work but I'm still not 100% sure...

If there is a more expensive adapter as you suggested that may work, do you know where to find it? I saw some other, more expensive ones in my search but they still had the same warning, so I don't know if they would work, either.

There also IS a $100 box at my work (RadioShack) that converts VGA to Component, so I could do DVI>VGA>Component that way, but I'd rather see if there's something simpler out there that would work.

Thanks for your input and links!

Feb 11, 2008 12:46 PM in response to Thomas Garner

Hey Thomas, I have the same goal as you and same A/V amplifier ! I got one of those cables listed above (DVI to component, which I plugged into the Apple mini-DVI to DVI), but the MacBook does not even detect there is an external display.

Have you had any feedback from your shop ? Do you have a working setup now ?

If only I could force the graphic card to send some signal on the mini-DVI port, even if no display is detected (I guess some "high" signal is missing on one pin of the DVI plug).
Thanks

Feb 11, 2008 10:17 PM in response to SwissRv

SwissRv, there are a couple problems with the connections that have been made. Firstly, the Apple Mini DVI to DVI Adapter does not carry any analog signals to the DVI connector. Therefore plugging in a DVI-I to Component cable will not pick up any signal. Secondly, a simple DVI-I to Component video cable won't work from a MacBook because it cannot do the necessary translation from RGB to YPbPr.

What you need is a DVI to Component video translator, which is an active device/box, not a simple converter cable. You could also get an Apple Mini DVI to VGA Adapter but you would still need a VGA to Component video translator box. The VGA version might be found cheaper than a DVI version. Good luck.

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DVI to Component Video - Compatibility Question

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