DVI to composite video

[dustboy]

I'm trying to connect my old G4 to a TV. I know you guys are waaaay over it, but I've done a lot of searching with no answers.

I bought Apple's DVI to Video adapter (composite RCA, S-video), but it won't make anything but a scrambled picture. Yes, I know, Apple does say this adapter needs a G5, but to me that sounds like a challenge. I mean, DVI is DVI, right?

I was really hoping this HTPC thing would work simply by buying a $20 adapter. If that won't work, what will? My budget disallows a new display, although that would be ideal.

The specs: G4 867 dual processor (mirror drive doors), NVidia geforce 4 Ti card (DVI and ADC outs), OS 10.4.latest

 

[NJuul]

Are you sure it's not a software setting? Like selecting "TV" in "displays" and choosing the correct resolution?

 

[dustboy]

Hmm, that would be convenient wouldn't it. I'll have to hook up a monitor to try that.

 

[Joony]

I'm pretty sure those adapters are only for the video cards in the G5s, probably some unused pins in the DVI connector that can be used for composite and s-video...

You'll have to get another video card that has a dedicated s-vid out or get a scan converter (VGA to s-vid/composite)

 

[dustboy]

I tweaked the display prefs and got it to display a dim, monochrome, scrolling version of what I should be seeing. I fear Joony is probably right, but I've gotten this much and I'm not ready to give up just yet. Any more ideas?

 

[NJuul]

Well, probably a long shot, but remember once connecting my girlfriends Dell to our tv, and the picture came out black and white only. We then found out we could buy a small cable (called a "composite colour-fix", i think) that plugged into the S-video cable. All of a sudden there was colours on the TV! It costs like 5-10 bucks. Don't know if it'll help in your case though.