Using the iMac as a Monitor?

denmaru

The Title says it all...



I plan to buy a console, but since I'd like to play in HD, and HD Tvs are far too expensive for me, I thought "Why not use the nice 20" Monitor of my iMac G5?"



And indeed, there are cables to connect a console via RGB - so theoretically, it should be possible. My main problem with devices like the ones from Elgato us the fact that they don't support the PAL 60hz Mode, so buying them isn't an option.



Thus, my questiona are as follows:



1) Is there a way to use the mini-DV via the VGA-Adapter as input device, aka: "Make the TFT of the iMac a Monitor for another device?".



2) If there isn't, does anybody have experiences to share regarding hooking up your console(s) on your Mac?



Thanks in advance!

Marvin

This seems to be a popular request. I wonder if Apple would consider adding this sort of functionality.



I'm pretty sure using the video output ports is not an option. The best way to get video into the iMac is via firewire. I know that I've captured a VHS into firewire and I know that a console can plug into a VCR.



I'm guessing something like this might work:



http://www.dvshop.ca/perifs/converter.html



but it's expensive and you'll still need to find software to capture/display the firewire video stream smoothly.



I'd say the cheapest option would be to get a PAL->NTSC converter and use it with the miglia TV or elgato. You can get converters for $20:



http://www.chipzone.com/marketplace/...ClientID=11052



and miglia TV tuner for $99:



http://www.welovemacs.com/aptvcade1.html



Actually, the miglia says it supports PAL I but not PAL M. I don't know if that would work for you.

woody56292

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvin


This seems to be a popular request. I wonder if Apple would consider adding this sort of functionality.



I'm pretty sure using the video output ports is not an option. The best way to get video into the iMac is via firewire. I know that I've captured a VHS into firewire and I know that a console can plug into a VCR.



I'm guessing something like this might work:



http://www.dvshop.ca/perifs/converter.html



but it's expensive and you'll still need to find software to capture/display the firewire video stream smoothly.



I'd say the cheapest option would be to get a PAL->NTSC converter and use it with the miglia TV or elgato. You can get converters for $20:



http://www.chipzone.com/marketplace/...ClientID=11052



and miglia TV tuner for $99:



http://www.welovemacs.com/aptvcade1.html



Actually, the miglia says it supports PAL I but not PAL M. I don't know if that would work for you.

Yeah I was all for buying a 24" imac fully loaded until I found out I could not use it as a TV/console setup.

mrtotes

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woody56292


Yeah I was all for buying a 24" imac fully loaded until I found out I could not use it as a TV/console setup.

I think the EyeTV Hybrid would overcome your issues.



--- --- --- ---



To the OP.

See this post about using VNC.

woody56292

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrtotes


I think the EyeTV Hybrid would overcome your issues.



--- --- --- ---



To the OP.

See this post about using VNC.

Thanks for the link, but I wouldn't consider that an option.

1. even a few milliseconds of delay can mean alot in FPS games.

2. Not even component? no HD? no thank you. The whole reason I want to use a computer monitor is for higher fidelity video.

darktiki101

I have the same goal as you, using my iMac as an HD Monitor for a console (360). I found an adapter in a rather exhaustive search. Im not sure if it will work, or if it is even real. The picture of it is a simple vector drawing and I couldn't find anything on the supposed manufacturer's website about it.

http://www.overstock.com/Bulk-Electr...90396#moreinfo



I do know that Slingbox is coming out with an all in one HD box. My original idea was to wait for that to come out and use it for my 360.