Quote:
Originally Posted by
ajmas 
I thought the same thing, then realised that can't be right, otherwise there would be no way for Apple to be providing the mini-displayport to VGA adapter. Either that or the adapter has D/A converter in it, which would surprise me. An explanation from someone in the know would be useful. BTW I am not sure what to make of
this, then?
Hmmmm....... apparently I'm wrong. It seems to be hard to find any info, but I've seen a few references to Apple including analog video on the Mini DisplayPort spec-- unlike the standard Displayport, which does not, and which is where my reasoning went awry. I just assumed that Mini DisplayPort was a miniaturize version of the full size spec, but apparently not. As you note, the fact that Apple makes a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter means the analog has to be in there somewhere (although if you read the reviews at the Apple Store there seems to be some problems, so the implementation might be flakey).
I'm actually a little surprised Apple went this route, since they don't usually worry to much about backward compatibility when it comes to connectors.
At any rate, you're
still on the hook for a converter box, since VGA video handles RGB and timing functions as separate entities, whereas composite and S video are looking for those things combined. And no, it doesn't work to just stick all the wires together inside an adapter shell, it has to be done electronically.
EDIT: I just saw that your TV supports component in. Depending on the video card and the display device, just a simple VGA to RGB on RCA cable
might work. You can get a six footer from Monoprice for like $6, so it might be worth it to give it a shot.
Failing that, you'll have to spend upwards of a hundred bucks to get something like
this.
and go from mini display port to DVI to component to TV without much trouble. The only thing I would be concerned with would be the ability to see the proper resolution, but I am fairly confident it would work.
