Macbook to CRT (RGB SCART)

Hi,
I have a Macbook (13inch-mid 2010) and I'm wanting to connect to a SONY Trinitron CRT 4:3 with a RGB scart on the rear. So I can use MAME OS X and get those arcade perfect pixels
If I get a mini dvi to vga then a vga to scart cable would it work?
Mini dvi to vga>vga scart>RGB connector on tv
OS 10.6.8
Kind regards,
Retro Gamer

I never even heard of SCART until this post and had to look it up in wiki to find out what it is. That wiki article had a reference to this article. And if what it says is true, no, it will not work. The pertinent comment is near the bottom of that article:
A video projector with only VGA style RGB connector might be a good candidate to try, but a normal PC monitors are out of questions (in SCART the HSYNC frequency is around 15.6 kHz but VGA monitors want at least 31 kHz). Video projectors can usually handle the HSYNC rate used in normal video (15.6 kHz) without problem even on their VGA connector (check technical data or tech support to make sure of that).
...or make that a big maybe it won't work. Since your monitor uses that SCART, not VGA, you would think that the higher frequency signal put out by the macbook would be more than what is required by the monitor. So in the end, I am not sure. The "fun" part about connectors/adapaters is stringing them together and seeing if they work. These adapters aren't too expensive so you might as well give it a try.

Similar Messages

Connect ATV to an 16:9 analog TV with Component/RGB-Scart adapter

Hi all.
I will use an ATV on a older 16:9 analog TV. My TV has a Scart connector with RGB input. I will connect the ATV over a component cable with a component/RGB-Scart adapter.
Is this possible or need i a new digital TV with dvi or component connections?
Thanks, Ralph

Component/Scart adaptor?
Component is Y,Pb,Pr and scart is RGB, I'm afraid they are two different things and you can't just simply connect the two together. There are convertors that will do what you want but a simple adaptor won't.

MacBook to CRT TV... is it possible?

Hi all,
I have a 13" MacBook that I purchased in January 2010. I also have a very, very old CRT TV with an RCA port. I would like to hook up my laptop to the TV to watch YouTube videos and Netflix "watch instantly" videos on my TV screen.
After some internet research and phone calls, I'm still not confident I have the right answer. Before I go out and buy stuff, I wanted to...
A) See if anyone has done this successfully in the past
B) Make sure I'm buying everything I need but nothing extra
My best guess is that I need to buy...
1) RCA jacks
2) mini display port to s video/composite
3) apple mini dvi to video adapter
Will those give me video AND sound? One website said I will also need...
4) Audio Jack to RCA Audio Converter
One tech guy I spoke to thought even if I get picture and sound to the TV from the computer, it will be distorted and he thought I could probably only do this successfully with a newer TV.
Assuming that I know little about the ports on my laptop, and less about the ports on the TV, does anyone have any input on this project? Do all of the jacks I mentioned plug into each other or are there other parts I would need to buy to connect everything?
Thank you in advance!

Hi,
The later MacBooks (aluminum - late 2008 to present) have a Mini Display Port that is Digital Only. Your TV takes an analog signal. The older MacBooks had an Analog Mini DVI adapter with Composite and S-Video.
There are third party products - I bought the GrandTec PC to Video EZ Scan converter - that connects with the Mini Display Port to VGA adapter for the MacBook. It is powered via the USB port on the MacBook and offers S-Video and Composite (yellow plug) connection to the older TV's. It works. You need audio cables (Red and White) using a signal splitter as well as an RCA to RCA cable
So, the Mini DisplayPort to VGA goes for $29, the Converter for $29 at Amazon and the cables and splitter would be about $10 at Radio Shack.
It's not beautiful but if you absolutely need it, it will work. There is always the possibility of a new TV or a video projector.
Hope this helps.

CRT in Macbook?

I have a queation, is the litte iSight Cam in the Macbook with CRT Technologie?
Excuse me for my bad Englisch

Hello,
I had not heard that the iSight used CRT type technology. That is interesting.
But, if your concerns are radiation / emissions, then you should also research the built-in WiFi and BlueTooth technologies.
Both of these use signals similar to cell phones. And, do emit some degree of radiation.
I'm not going to tell you that it is harmful. But, if you are particularly concerned about emissions, then you should be sure you understand these technologies as well.
All new Macs include the AirPort (WiFi) and BlueTooth features built-in. The new education-specific model iMac is shipping without BlueTooth though.
From what I understand, if you turn off the AirPort and BlueTooth, they should not emit anything. But, you would want to check that with the people who are responsible for your care and those who know better.
I hope this helps.

Apple TV on CRT TV (component to s-video)

Hi all
newb here, so here's the story.
Apple iTunes film rentals have hit the UK, wohoo! The 160GB Apple TV is literally US$220 more in the UK. I'm off to NYC in 3 weeks so I'm going to get one there but I've we problem. My CRT Sony 32" TV (which I'm not replacing) doesn't have Component or HDMI inputs (which the Apple TV only gives ).
I've figured 3 options:
1. Buy a special converter box (found 3 so far), that takes Component and on the fly converts to S-video - all around £70/$140
2. Buy a new AV Receiver/AMP that converts video signals on the fly (cheapest decent one is £400 Yamaha DSP-AX763, Denon and Onkyo do it too)
3. Get a DVD Recorder that will accept Component and output s-video on the fly (£100+)
But all of these cost more than I want! Suddenly I remembered ye olde VHS VCRs! Does anyone know of a PAL VCR that accepts Component but will output s-video (or RGB Scart would be even better) please? Or any better suggestions.
Many thanks, and to the lovely forum facists: yes I've searched the forums before posting my question

Sure man:
http://www.svideo.com/appletv2tv.html
http://www.threedoubleyou.com/otherconverters.htm (2nd item down - this is the component to SCART RGB)
http://www.howtoconvert.co.uk/howcomponent2rgb.htm (again SCART)
There's also an Australian company who make their own and a German one (from a well known company), but I can't remember either of them. Will post again if I find them.
But the best way and cheapest is the trick/hack that requires no hacking!:
http://www.tuaw.com/2007/10/08/found-footage-apple-tv-composite-hack-in-full-col or/

Component scart cable

Have a PANASONIC TX- 36PL30 36" which I think, but am not sure, has a "rgb scart".
Does that mean I can use it with aTV, and would I need a "special" component to scart adapter for rgb signals, or is it ok with any brand as long as my tv has rgb scart input? Can I use component cables with an adapter that has red-white-yellow rca:s in one end an scart in the other? I reads that any rca:s goes with component jacks, but that might not be the case for adapters. Or do I better use one of those listed below on ebay, that has a real scart termination?
http://cgi.ebay.com/23FT-7M-ATLONA-SCART-TO-COMPONENT-VIDEO-ADAPTER-CABLEW0QQitemZ350101237030QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item350101237030 &_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&trkparms=72%3A1234%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1% 7C294%3A50
http://cgi.ebay.com/Belkin-Pure-AV-SCART-to-Component-Video-and-Audio-NEWW0QQitemZ320334482614QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Electronics_Accessories_Wires_Cables? hash=item320334482614&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&trkparms=72%3A1234%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1% 7C294%3A50
http://cgi.ebay.com/2M-SCART-TO-5-RCA-COMPONENT-RGB-YPbPr-VIDEO-CABLE-LEADW0QQitemZ370139379344QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL?hash=it em370139379344&trksid=p3286.m63.l1177
http://cgi.ebay.com/SCART-TO-COMPONENT-RGB-VIDEO-ADAPTOR-SWITCHED-IN-OUTW0QQitemZ220346592855QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL?hash=it em220346592855&trksid=p3286.m63.l1177
http://cgi.ebay.com/1-5M-SCART-TO-5-RCA-COMPONENT-YPbPr-VIDEO-CABLE-LEADW0QQitemZ370146010020QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL?hash=it em370146010020&trksid=p3286.m63.l1177
http://cgi.ebay.com/2M-RGB-component-video-into-to-Scart-cable-for-DVDW0QQitemZ350154800489QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL?hash=it em350154800489&trksid=p3286.m63.l1177
Also, as the TV has a digital box which must be connected to the (only) RGB scart input (It seems to lose color when connecting it to the other scarts), is there a component/rgb compatible scart switch I can use to switch between the aTV and digital box? I know there are expensive adapters like Hama that converts component and has multiple scart jacks, but I'd rather go for cheaper and less bulky stuff if possible. Thanks for any input.

Andreas Svensson wrote:
Have a PANASONIC TX- 36PL30 36" which I think, but am not sure, has a "rgb scart".
SCART RGB input is not the same as component signal.
SCART RGB is higher quality than basic composite (the yellow connectors) but not as good as component.
Does that mean I can use it with aTV
No.
Would I need a "special" component to scart adapter for rgb signals, or is it ok with any brand as long as my tv has rgb scart input?
I don't know of any cheap/simple adapters that work but you can get converters to change the component signal to RGB for SCART or composite and probably S-video. These converters are not simple connection 'adapters' and tend to be very expensive.
Can I use component cables with an adapter that has red-white-yellow rca:s in one end an scart in the other?
No that's for poor quality composite video (yellow) and stereo audio (white and red).
I reads that any rca:s goes with component jacks, but that might not be the case for adapters. Or do I better use one of those listed below on ebay, that has a real scart termination?
I cannot comment on the products listed.
If you can find a user review that says these things convert component signal to SCART RGB then they might work, but as I said proper converters tend to be expensive.

The AppleTV SCART mess, part 2. Working converter?

Wonder why the thread went locked?
Anyways..The SCART mess is IMHO boiled down to:
Sabaoth (starter) wrote:
There's something I can't really understand about this big problem with AppleTV and SCART connections in Europe->I don't know why customers without high definition TVs have to mess around buying expensive YPbPr to RGB transcoders.
Ljungbergarn (me) tought ATV had RGB out (wrong, and I am far frpm not alone here in EU) The "RGB" out is NOT RGB, it is (?) YPbPr (also called "Y/Pb/Pr", "YPrPb", "PrPbY", "B-Y R-Y Y" and "PbPrY") and since I am not a rocket-scientest
(as many others who bought ATV) I can not get ATV to work with my European fat TV.
Ian Parkinsson wrote:Apple do NOT state anywhere that the output is RGB, they clearly state 'Component Video'.<->
Correct. but again..I only looked at the connections looked like RGB.
My mistake, not knowing all these weird connectionsnames and that Apple did not take notice of EU tv´s are working.
MADIMAGE wrote (and put the finger right on the spot)
The question is, why is not AppleTV offering a RGB
output mode? This conversion could be easily done
at the driver level in the embedded OS X AppleTV
ships. All TVs with standard SCART connections
could display AppleTV video signals, without
requiring expensive convertors with external power
supplies; not to mention all the confusion concerning
standard definition TV support. Many users are
spending hours and hours reading forums and product
hints to find a solution.
In my opinion, adding RGB support from inside AppleTV
is just a matter of doing some easy math with the
signal before sending it to the output. It makes no
sense to disregard this solution, considering that
AppleTV is being shipped in Europe, where RGB is the
video standard - or at least it has been for a long
time <->
RC-R wrote:The "problem" is that Apple TV is not designed for standard TV's.
<->
How true...
AppleTVfan wrote:In Europe these kinds of TVs have been sold with SCART and composite or s-video inputs, but never with component inputs.<->
True again. So Apple did make a mess as Sabaoth said not thinking how TV´s are made in EU. (thanks Apple!! Grrr)
Now when we know that ATV demands a modern "US" tv is the question for us who has A: a European TV or B: a TV without HDMI or Composite.
THE HAMA Video converter did not work:
http://www.hama.de/portal/articleId113956/action*2563/searchMode*1/bySearchvideo+converter
It converts:
- YUV (Cinch in) in RGB + Sync (Scart out)
- YUV (Cinch in) in RGBHV (5 x Cinch out)
- YUV (Cinch in) in RGBHV (15-pol. HDD)
- RGB (Scart in) in RGBHV (5 x Cinch out)
- RGB (Scart in) in RGBHV (15-pol. HDD)
None if this worked! (of cource)
here is the the answer from HAMA:
Dear Mr. Ljungberg,
thank you very much for your e-mail.
The Component-input (YUV) of the Video Converter 2-3 is able to handle interlaced signals up to 576i and progressive signal up to
576p. These signals are converted to Scart-RGB an are availabel on the Scart RGB-out of the converter. So because you want to make a
connection to a TV-set with Scart-RGB input you have to take attention to the supported signals of a Scart-RGB input of any TV set.
The TV set will only accept interlaced signals up to 576i. If you setup your Apple TV to any progressive signal or to any interlaced
signal higher than 576 i you will see corrupted picture or no picture on the TV screen.
To make shure that your TV set is able to display the signal without any problem, you will have to setup your Apple TV to 576i
output, all other setups are wrong and will cause corrupted picture.
After you have connected the Apple TV and switsch it on the first time, the setup will start automatically, this setup also includes
the setup of the picture format. It is alos possible to start this setup manually at any time. To do this, press and hold down the
"Menu"-key and the "+"-key togetehr for about 6 seconds. Apple TV will now start to switch slowly between the different picture
resolutions. As soon as it it setup to a resolution that is supported from yout TV set, you will se the Apple Logo clearly on the TV
screen, click the "OK"-key at this moment, to stop the searching procedure. To exit this menu, press and hold down the "Menu"-key
until the Apple TV mainmenu is shown.
For some TV sets there may be need to setup the Scartinput manually to RGB-mode, please refer to the TV manual. TV sets with more
than one Scartinput usually will have only one Scartinput that is able to handle an RGB-signal. Please refer to the manual or the
menu of the TV set for this.
Cables with poor shielding quality may cause interferences and so the picturre quality will not be very good. We recommend to use
cables with seperately shieldes wires ony, please do not use cables with only one common shield for all wires together.
With good quality cables and the Video Converter 2-3 you can reach a cable length of up to 30 meters with perfect picture quality.
Since the Apple TV is available, many customers are using our Video Converter. Until today only a couple of problems appeared. In
any case the problem was solved by seting up the correct picture format 576i on Apple TV and using high quality cables.
Best regards
Hama GmbH & Co KG
Karl Schabert
Customer support
Adolf-Thomas-Straße 10
D-86653 Monheim
Germany.<-> end from HAMA
Buying a ATV is asking for headache (IMHO)
NOW IS THE QUESTION; WHAT CONVERTER WILL WORK?
Old G5 Duo 2.0 Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2GB Ram

Ola,
If it is any consolation to you, many people all over the world are confused by the many different video standards & connection methods used for different video formats. SCART was one of several attempts at an "everything" connector to simplify things for consumers, but since it was developed almost 30 years ago, long before digital TV, HDTV, & electronic content protection became a reality, it is inadequate for today's needs.
The same is true for older TV's, & this is not limited to one part of the world but is -- or soon will be -- the case pretty much everywhere. This is not the fault of Apple or any other equipment maker. If you are looking for something to blame for this, blame the march of technology, which both demands & makes possible more efficient & flexible use of the ever more crowded TV channel spectrum available around the world.
Put simply, all major, technologically advanced countries are switching to digital TV. Because its benefits cannot be fully realized while analog broadcasts continue, all these countries either have or are contemplating turning off analog broadcast TV transmissions after some transition period. For example, in the US all analog TV broadcasts will be turned off by Feb. 17, 2009. (For other countries, see the Wikipedia's Analogue switch-off entry.)
What this amounts to is the first worldwide effort to move from a number of incompatible TV standards, each based on regional electrical standards over half a century old, to a single set of flexible standards suitable for everyone, whether they want HDTV, SDTV, or a mix of both. This should be a good thing in the long run, but for now it means a huge amount of TV equipment is about to be rendered obsolete.
Moreover, most consumers (regardless of where they live) can no longer assume new & old gadgets will work together without converters that will themselves eventually become obsolete.
With this in mind, it makes sense to decide if a converter or a replacement TV is the better value.

DVI to S Video Adapter (PAL)

I have just tried this connector on my PM G5 Dual 2.7, from the adadptor I used SVideo to RGB scart lead this is the same lead I use with my Windows media centre to connect to my CRT television and this works perfectly, when used with the MAC the picture is full of rainbows a bit hard to explain a bit like a poorly tuned picture but instead of white snow I've got coloured snow. Now the reason I'm trying this, its because I would like to buy and use a Mac Mini as a media centre but I need it to connect to my 36" CRT TV, I've tried the various settings under display settings to no avail, Help!

See this:
http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/25/how-to-turn-your-mac-mini-into-a-media-center /

Best external connection

i have a massive plasma and would love to have my new macbook use it as an additional screen vis the mini dvi port but whats bes dvi to vga or dvi to dvi?? i have been told vga is best but surely digital is better for flat screens? if i go dvi to dvi i have to convert this to hdmi so it go (mini dvi to dvi to hdmi) i gont have a vga input on my plasma just hdmi/component/rgb-scart/video via audio plugs and s-video?? i had my emac set up on it and the picture was great with dvd of movies but on the desktop/ finder it was extream ly blurry vis the mini vga to s-video output??

You can try the mini DVI to DVI adapter and then a DVI to HDMI cable. It might work. But it might not, too. It would be best if you searched around using your TVs model number to see if others have had success attaching it to a computer.
Or if you don't mind risking the cost of the cables, you can try for yourself. Maybe a retailer will let you return the cables if things don't work out.

Connecting to Lcd HD Tv, which connections etc?

Thinking about getting this HD tv but wanted to know if it has the right connections so i can connect my macbook pro/ mac pro and display things on it etc.
Here are the inputs:
HDMI
YES
HDMI 2
YES
PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In
YES
Component
YES
4 Pin (Y/C) In
YES
MiniJack (Head/Earphone) (mm)
3.5
PCMCIA Card Slot
YES
RCA Audio Out
YES
RCA AV Input
YES
RF In
YES
Scart 1
YES (RGB)
Scart 2
YES (RGB)
What will i need to connecy my laptop?
Many thanks

You can connect. Best bet is a DVI-to-HDMI cable (e.g. this one) for the video. You'll also need a mini-stereo-to-RCA cable (e.g. this one) for the audio (I don't see a digital audio in, aka toslink, in your list). Links are from Amazon, but these cables are widely available in stores (Target, Best Buy, etc.).
Hope this helps...

Windows XP Media Center Edition FAQ

What is a Media Center PC?
It is basically a regular PC, but designed to fit into your home entertainment system to replace your DVD player, Hi-Fi, TV set-top box, as well as allowing other functions as email, web browsing and more, all from the comfort of your armchair, or elsewhere
Many new Media Center PCs (MCPCs or Home Theatre PCs - HTPCs) are styled like hi-fi components to blend in under your TV, while many are regular PCs with extra multimedia functions.
What is Windows XP Media Center Edition?
Windows XP Media Center Edition (or XP MCE for short) is basically Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 2) without advanced networking support (but including Remote Desktop Connection) and extra applications to turn your PC into a fully fledged Home Theatre PC (HTPC). The main Microsoft Media Center appplication allows a full screen interface suitable for viewing on TVs (pictured below left) and controlled by an easy to use Microsoft remote control device (below right), so you can watch and record TV, view DVDs and listen to audio CDs and digital music files.
How do I get WinXP MCE?
At the time of writing, XP MCE is only available as an OEM pack which you can purchase from your nearest dealer or online reseller, or if pre-installed on a purchased system. MCE is currently only available as a 32bit (x86) version, but works on 64bit systems.
The Media Center application is also included with the Home Premium and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista.
How do I install WinXP MCE?
MCE installs the same way as any other version of Windows XP. However it cannot be installed as an upgrade, you must do a clean install. MCE comes on two disks; a WinXP XP SP2 disc, and the MCE extras disc. Boot from CD1 as you would normally when installing Windows. The setup screens will indicate Windows XP Professional, this is normal. During the graphic part of the install process, you will be prompted to insert CD2. This is obviously the second CD of the set which you should insert, as it contains the necessary extra Media Center enhancements. When it is done, Setup will ask you for the "Windows XP SP2 CD". It is actually just asking for the first disc again, so reinsert it and let it continue.
When install is complete, the system will reboot, and you will see the normal Windows XP desktop, though with a slightly different theme. To begin using the Media Center program straight away, click on Media Center in the Start Menu to begin the Media Center Setup wizard.
What graphics hardware is required for MCE to work correctly?
MCE works with DirectX 9.0c, so ideally your hardware at a minimum needs to be DirectX 9.0 compatible.
MCE requires a minimum of 64mb video RAM (shared or dedicated), 128mb recommended for the full visual "eye-candy" interface effects.
For Nvidia GPU chipsets, MCE drivers can be found here: nVidia Drivers. You'll need at least a Geforce FX5200 for MCE to work (however I have it running on an integrated Geforce 4 MX with no problems).
For ATI GPU chipsets, drivers for MCE can be found here: ATi Drivers. You'll need at least a 9250 for MCE to work, but I understand that the 9200 may also suffice.
Unfortunately, I understand that SiS and Via (S3) chipsets (as found on many mobos with integrated VGA) are NOT MCE compatible. Some Intel integrated VGA chipsets will work now, you should refer to Intel's website for updated drivers. I also understand that Via have introduced MCE compatible drivers for their Epia SP13000 ITX board, again refer to Via's website for correct drivers. However, it is recommended to use an add-in VGA card for best results, unless you have a new board which has integrated Geforce 6100 or ATI Xpress chipsets
What TV hardware works with MCE?
In order to display TV output, MCE requires an MPEG2 stream to display. It cannot encode this itself, so requires a hardware based TV tuner / capture card, such as the Hauppage PVR MCE series, or the MSI Theater 550PRO (above left). The card receives analog video through the aerial connection, or svideo / composite inputs, encodes it into MPEG2 format, which MCE can display.
This type of analog card is required to connect a cable or satellite box (eg Telewest, NTL or Sky in UK). Using the Microsoft remote receiver, two supplied IR blasters affix to the set-top box, so MCE can automatically change channels when needed.
For best picture quality on digital TV though, you can use a software-based DVB-T card, such as the Hauppauge Nova-T or the Black Gold DVB-T (above right). Using a regular aerial, these receive high quality digital terrestrial (OTA) signals (eg the Freeview service in UK), which are broadcast in MPEG2 format, and therefore no encoding is required. In the USA, ATSC is the digital terrestrial standard used, as DVB is not available there.
Unfortunately UK users of DVB-T cards will currently not be able to make use of DVB subtitles, interactive text-based services such as Teletext and BBCi, or listen to the Digital Radio services available on Freeview. UK DVB Digital Audio services are now available with MCE Rollup 2.
Unlike with VGA cards, MCE requires that your TV hardware has special BDA (Broadcast Driver Architecture) drivers which are MCE compatible. Check your hardware manufacturers website for compatible drivers.
Unfortunately, analogue TV hardware that is software-driven (such as MSI TV@nywhere and Vox) won't work in MCE.
Windows Vista Media Center will introduce support for cable (DVB-C) and satellite (DVB-S)tuner cards
Do I need any other software to make MCE work?
As MCE is essentially based around Windows Media Player 10, you will be aware that WMP cannot play DVDs until you install a suitable DVD codec. This is also the case with MCE, as until you install this MPEG2 codec, MCE won't play ANY video (including TV). So you will also need to purchase additional MCE compatible DVD player software, such as Cyberlink PowerDVD 6, Intervideo WinDVD 6, or Nvidia's DVD Decoder MPEG codec. Results can be varied using different codecs, so it is best to try a trial version of such software to see which gives you the best results before purchasing. You may find that suitable DVD software may already be supplied with some VGA or TV tuner cards.
Anything else I need?
You will also require an internet connection (not imperative, but certainly very useful) in order for MCE to access the internet in order to find and download TV guide listings, and album and artist information when playing CDs, MP3s and WMAs.
Without guide information, you will have to manually schedule TV recordings, and no programme information will be available.
If you are planning on having your Media Center in your living room, the Microsoft Remote Controller will allow you to control all aspects of the MCE interface without the need for a keyboard or mouse connected.
If you are connecting your Media Center to your TV, then your video display device will need TV-out capabilities (S-Video or Composite). S-Video offers better picture quality over composite video, but you will need to ensure your TV supports S-Video input, otherwise you will just see black and white video.
If your TV supports RGB inputs, then you may be able to obtain a VGA > RGB adaptor, which offers even better picture quality (search with Google, there are lots of sites about this). Many modern LCD and plasma TVs also support direct VGA / DVI inputs. VGA > RGB/SCART is only compatible with ATI Radeon VGA cards.
Can I watch one channel while recording another?
Yes, but you will need two identical TV devices, eg 2x DVB-T cards. You cannot have one analogue card, and one digital, as MCE presumes both hardware devices receive same channels, and can pick and choose between them. (However in the USA, you may have two analogue tuners, and one HDTV tuner)
This is straightforward when using two identical DVB-T cards. MCE has a channel list and guide data, so for example you are watching BBC1 on one tuner, MCE uses the other tuner to record the other programme on ITV2. Both cards are receiving the same input.
It gets a little more complicated if you want to do the same with a paid subscription service, such as NTL Cable or Sky Satellite in UK. As well as having two matching tuners (although I understand that some companies, including Hauppage, are releasing "dual-tuner" cards) you will also require two set-top boxes, with a subscription for each, as MCE needs to be able to change the channel on each set-top box seperately.
Good links....
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 homepage
The Green Button - very good MCE community forum
MCESoft - for all sorts of plug-ins and extras for MCE
XPMCE.com - Windows Media Center forums
ukShazam.com - Media Center help & more
Note: MSI is not responsible for the content of external links[/b]
Look out for me in the XPMCE forums if you need further help!
That's about it for now, hope you find it useful. As I think of (meaning "remember" ) other stuff I'll add it above. If you know something that I've missed out, please post below with as much info as you can, and I'll add it to the guide, with a credit to you!
If you need help to solve a problem or want to ask a question, then START your own thread, with as much info as you can, please do NOT post in this thread, this thread is only for tricks,tips and useful reference info.

For some reason when using the "certified" MCE version of the Forceware drivers, after a short while all the buttons in the menus become "corrupted"
The simple solution: use regular XP/2000 version of Forceware drivers. They still work perfectly in MCE2005, and the graphical corruption doesn't appear.
nVidia Drivers
EDIT: this problem appears to have been corrected in the recent Rollup 2 Update

LCD TV recommendation?

Hi,
Our language lab will be replacing all computers and displays this summer. We'll be installing Mac Pros and are now looking at possible 19 or 20 inch LCD TV displays. Currently we're testing 19" Samsung and Westinghouse LCD TV displays.
One issue with the TV displays is the rather fuzzy resolution when using as a computer display. I'll try SwitchRez to customize resolution settings but am not so sure this will help that much in the end. We really don't want to use regular LCD displays, so I would love to hear recommendations or suggestions from forum members as to what LCD TV displays may be best for our needs.
Thanks in advance.

with 1080p screens that's no longer an issue , try viewing a decent full hd lcd with an hdmi input and you'll see
plus the convenience of having things like hdmi , rgb scarts / s-video and a freeview tuner outweigh any supposed superiority of a dedicated lcd monitor , connectivity really is SO important
computer lcd screens like apple's offerings while stunning are basically dead end in comparison , ie ; not terribly versatile

Connecting AppleTV to TV

The more I read on different Forums about how to connect my appleTV to my TV which does not have a HDMI, DVI connection or Component , then I get just soooo confused as there are so many solutions suggested and so many contradicted ideas so I need some help.
My TV is a Philips 32PW6506/01 a 32 inch widescreen
The input connections are;
on the back:
- Ext1= Scart Euro A/V Connector RGB in, CVBS in/out
- Ext2= Scart Euro A/V Connector S-Video in, CVBS in/out
- Stereo Audio out
on the side:
- CVBS video in (composite
- Audio L/R (cinch/RCA) in
I don´t know a thing about Scart, YUV, RGB... so I hope some professional can help me with an advice what I really need.

Hi, I've got the same problem (and also the same TV model)
There is a possible solution here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=906299
You will also need an adapter to plug the composite cables from the Apple TV in a SCART connector: http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables/YUV-RGB-SCART.html.
Good luck!. If it works, please let me know!
PowerBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.6)

PAL 60hz on VOX USB ???? Help!

Hi
I've just bought a MSI VOX USB to play with my videogames consoles on the tft screen of my portable thinkpad, but I've a problem with the 60Hz mode.
In fact, the VOX work good in NTSC 60Hz, but in PAL I can't play in 60Hz! It's work, but the games appeared black and white... So, if I want to play in color, I've to play in 50hz mode but that's sux >_
Why can we play in PAL 60hz? Can I found something to upgrade the vox or the InterVideo program
(I play on a portable, so I can't change the refresh rate of the screen)
Thanks in advance

I know that NTSC is 60hz et PAL 50Hz, but there is also PAL 60Hz
In general, PAL consoles don't support S-Video signal, there are composite or rgb scart...
So if the Vox support NTSC 60Hz, why is it impossible to support also the Pal 60hz? It may be possible

HD Preset sees cropping or margins on HDready TVs.

Premiere CS3
I am desperate to resolve this apparent simple task. I need to know, why does Premiers presets not fit HDready TV's ?
See the results from three different TV’s further below.
Just what should I make the width and height of a project (and what pixel aspect ratio ?) to have videos played on PAL dvd players fit a HD ready screen ? I need to put stills into the video. What size and pixel aspect ratio should they be made ?
The advice I followed sees margins and cropping. What other settings should I be choosing in Photoshop and then in Premiere and in TMPGenc ?
I am using Pshop CS2 WinXP, I have an LCD monitor. Client has LCD HDready TV PAL. (Native res 1533 x 768px.) the standard dvd video is to also play on friends LCD TVs. (they don’t have blueray players), all are dvd players with scart. People are buying LCD but keeping existing dvd players and thus using scart, picture quality is less than my Wega !
Why don’t the suggested presets from another thread create videos that fit HDready screens ?
I have need of making stills or video fit the screen of HD Ready TV’s (dont we all ?? !!!) and I am following advice that said use either 720x576 or 1280 x 720 or 1920x 1080 and ignore the screens default resolution. The 1920x1080 is the size of full HD TV’s and the 720x576 is not 16:9 ratio so probably intended for non HD Ready TV’s though I tried it anyway, picture quality on HDready was poor and it still saw cropping so it must be the 1280x720 then for the HDready.
To test this out, I created a chart of 1280 x 720pixels Square pixels in photoshop, saving as tiff.
It has a square grid of black lines on a white background (20 squares wide - each is thus 64pixels) and circles at left middle and right. At the sides are 5 pixel increment rulers heading into the chart with 0 at picture edge.
We want our stills or video to fit the HD Ready screen without distortion.
Thus the goal is to get the test image to fit the screen and see all edges as 0.
I went New Project in Premiere and chose the suggested 1280 x 720 size 25fps which exists as a preset.
Imported the tiff into the timeline. Made a video and authored it in TMPGencAuthoringWorks. It saw it as 720x576 and no options existed to make it otherwise. I chose Progressive.
Playing it on DVD players connected to LCD TVs we get anything but a fit to screen ! Why ?
Note they all are using scart, both shops and private TV’s. Would a HDMI enabled dvd player connected via hdmi see a fit with 0 at all four screen edges and perfect grid and circles, and no ghosting on the verticals, and the 1pixel zebra chart visible ?
I also noticed that text created in premiere was of better quality than Photoshops text in the tiffs, which on the Panasonic had jpg type artefacts around it, but not on the Wega CRT. Why ?
Panasonic HD Ready 32inch scart DVD to TV.
Auto     0 on all four sides so picture all in but with Black margins 3inch sides and 2 inch top/bottom.
16:9     0 on all four sides so picture all in but with Black margins 3inch sides and 2 inch top/bottom.
Zoom 1    0 and 0 left and right, 25 top and 20 bott, 4 inch wide black margins at sides.
Zoom 2    0 and 0 left and right, 25 top and 20 bottom so some cropping, circles a little stretched north/south
Zoom 3   0 and 0 left and right, 100 top and 100 bottom so 200 pixels lost in top/bott crop, circles heavily stretched north/south
14:9   0 all four sides with 5inch black side margins and 1inch black top/bott margins, circle heavily stretched north/south
4:3 though not an obvious choice for filling a 16:9 screen, gave 0 all round and 8inch black left/right and 2inch black top/bott.
Best then was Zoom 2 but 40 pixels lost north/south.
All vertical lines had ghosted lines either side, horiz lines ok.
LG (LH2000) 42inch LCD scart dvd to TV.
16:9   0 all four sides with black margins. Circles slightly stretched north/south
Full Wide   0 all fours sides with 3.5inch margins left/right and black margins top/bott.
Zoom   0 at left, right and bott but 20 at top. Black margins at left, right and bott but not at top. Most odd ! Circle stretched north/south
Original   0 all four sides and black margins 3.5 inch sides and 1.5 inch top/bott with Circles slightly stretched north/south.
Again All vertical lines had ghosted lines either side, horiz lines ok.
Samsung 32inch LCD scart dvd to TV.
Margins measured also using the pixel ruler of the chart, though its obvious its been compressed, else e.g. the 1024px margins of 4:3 take up almost all the screen width which they don’t in fact.
16:9   0 all four sides with black margins 202px wide at sides and 197px tall at top/bott. Circles distorted east/west.
Zoom   0 all four sides with black margins 202px wide sides and 90px tall top/bott. Circles distorted north/south
4:3   0 all four sides and black margins 512 pixels wide sides (6.25inches) and 240 pixels tall top/bott (3.25inch)
Autowide    0 all four sides with black margins 202px wide sides and 250px tall (3.25inch) top/bott. Circles distorted east/west.
Again All vertical lines had ghosted lines either side, horiz lines ok.
A second chart featured zebra crossings (alternate black/white lines) vert and horiz orientated of sizes 1,2 3 and 4 pixel line weights. All TVs were able to show the 3 pixel sets, in that the 1 and 2 were blurred and one could see the 3 was alternate black/white, not pin sharp though but somewhat woolly !
Playing the 720x576 Sq Pixel Interlaced chart :-
Sony Wega digital CRT 42inch: (scart dvd to TV):-
Smart   15left, 5 right, 54 top and 58 bottom with circles slight stretch middle east/west and more stretched for the outer ones. No Margins
14:9   20 left 0 right, 60 top and bottom. Black margins at sides of 72px width left and 55px width right. Circles ok.
Zoom   20 left, 14 right, 80 top and 85 bottom, No margins. circle ok middle and some stretch east/west for outer two.
Wide   20 left, 13 right, 15 top and 24 bottom No Margins with all three circles stretched east/west.
4:3    20 left, 0 right, 20 top and 25 bottom. Black margins at sides 128px width. Circles and grid almost perfect. Crazy though to be losing one side of image.
No ghosting of vert lines.
Panasonic LCD 32inch (same as in earlier test above..clients TV)
Auto 0 sides and 30top, 15 bottom, circle distorted east/west. No black margins
16:9   0 sides and 20 top, 15 bottom, circle distorted east/west. No black margins
Zoom 1   0 sides 90 top, 85 bott no black margins, Circle OK
Zoom 2   90 sides and 90 top, 85 bottom. Circle distorted east/west. No black margins
Zoom 3   90 sides and 16 top and bottom. Circle slight distort north/south, quality poor.
14:9   0 sides and 60 top, 55 bottom. Circle ok. Black margins sides (50pixel wide)
4:3   0 sides and 20 top, 15 bott. Circle ok. Black margins sides 120px width (3inch)
16:9 probably best but with cropping top and bott and distorted circles east/west so nothing here of use.
Vert lines ghosted either side
Nothing of any use.
Envirographics

Hi, Thanks for the advice.
How do you wish to show your project on an HDTV?.
Client has dvd player (not bluray capable) via scart and hopefully soon a hdmi lead.
Currently tried 1280 x 720 square pixel images created in photoshop (hence sq pixels) to suit the input preset of PAL 1280 x 720 25fps Square Pixel and going File>Export>Adobe Media Encoder and choosing MPEG2-DVD and PAL Progressive Widescreen High Quality which yields 720 x 576. This seemed suitable for a non HD playing device. It looked good on screen in TMPGencAuthoringWorks. Am I right in saying people buying LCD HDready TV's need to get a new dvd player capable of HD so as to make the most of the image quality of their TV ? Most seem to buy LCD and plumb them into their existing dvd players !
As the dvd player is not capable of bluray output, choosing this seemed logical BUT trying out all screen aspect settings on the Panasonic LCD HDready TV sees the following cropping of our 1280x720 test image with grid and circles, the cropping we got is simply unacceptable. (192 left /right means 192 on each side totalling 384)
On a plus note, quality improved, now seeing horiz black/white lines 1 pixel line weight, vert ones were a little woolly though. 2px test lines were ok. Thats an improvement over only 3 beijg best. Finding the Adobe Media Encoder has seen some benefit !
Auto 55 left /right ( that’s 8.6% lossage) and 25 top and 20 bott (6.25% lossage), Circles OK
16:9 ditto
Zoom 1 55 left /right (8.6%) and 105 top/bott (29% lossage) Circles stretched vert
Zoom 2    192 left /right (30%) and 100 top/bott (27%) Circles ok
Zoom 3   192 left/right (30%) and 168 top/bott (47%) ..a disaster !
14:9   55 left/right with black margins each 96px , 75top and 65 bott (19%) Circles stretched vert.
4:3   55 left/right with black margins each 192, 25top and 20 bott (6.25%) Circles stretched vert.
Auto and 16:9 best but we ned to see 0 on all four sides else we are losing people out of the picture ! ...or should we add black margins to it ! ?
Any answers to the following gratefully received.
What should I choose for PAL dvd video to HDreadyTV. ?
1) Pixel width and height of still (tiff) ?
2) Pixel aspect ratio of still (tiff) ?
3) Preset for input source or custom setting and what to choose ?
4) Adobe Media Encoder output settings:-
     a) MPEG2 or MPEG2-DVD
     b) PAL option ..which one to pick with regards pixel width/height, fps, interlacing or progressive, quality effect on pixels and our desired goal ?
     c) or custom output and what ?
Envirographics.

Macbook to CRT (RGB SCART)

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