360 + VGA Monitor?

Ecl · 19 Dec 2006 at 12:19

Ok so I'm planning on getting a 360 for xmas and as I only have a small old rubbish TV would like to know whether I can play it on my 19" Acer AL1916 VGA monitor?

I googled it and came up with: removed

Would they enable me to do this?

Also is there a way that the monitor will be connected to the PC and 360, and when one is turned on, auto-detect it instead of having to swap cables often.

Thanks

Manlove is my forte · 19 Dec 2006 at 12:22

Yes it will work and you will want a KVM (keyboard video mouse) switch. Get the official MS version of the VGA cable. Ocuk sell the KVM switches (also they sell 360s so that link is probably deemed a competitor)

Caustic · 19 Dec 2006 at 12:46

You'll have to remove the linky! OcUK rules.

Ecl · 19 Dec 2006 at 13:33

Ok sorry, I removed the link. Is this the same thing: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CO-071-MS

Also, is this the KVM switch I will need: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-035-LS

And that will allow me to have both plugged in at the same time correct? Although the PS2 leads I will forget about as all i need is the VGA plugs?

Azraeluk · 19 Dec 2006 at 13:51

I have it running on a Samsung 930bf looks lovely, Pc on DVI, 360 on VGA.

Manlove is my forte · 19 Dec 2006 at 13:54

Ecl said:
Ok sorry, I removed the link. Is this the same thing: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CO-071-MS

Also, is this the KVM switch I will need: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-035-LS

And that will allow me to have both plugged in at the same time correct? Although the PS2 leads I will forget about as all i need is the VGA plugs?

You will need a keyboard attached to the switch in order to perform the switching (it uses a hot-key). there are also usb versions.

Ecl · 19 Dec 2006 at 14:07

I use a Logitech G15 which uses usb instead of a normal keyboard plug, what then?

Manlove is my forte · 19 Dec 2006 at 14:17

Ecl said:
I use a Logitech G15 which uses usb instead of a normal keyboard plug, what then?

Ocuk don't seem to be selling the USB ones atm. (I'm sure they have in the past). There is a USB KVM made by belkin. But you will have to find it yourself, I'm afraid.

Ecl · 19 Dec 2006 at 14:19

I understand

young lad · 19 Dec 2006 at 16:22

take a look at this mate thread i made askin that and a few more questions.

forum post

Ecl · 19 Dec 2006 at 20:26

Ty mate, am probably going to get the official MS VGA lead and then possibly the KVM switch if needs be.

dokko · 19 Dec 2006 at 20:45

I've got my 360 on a Acer AL1916W and its canny.

The backlight bleed shows up a lot when games are loading, the colours are very much washed out and there's nothing you can do to change that really.

The settings on the Acer dont do enough to make a difference so its really pointless recalibrating the monitor for the 360.

I'm using the official lead as well, the switching of leads isn't that great a deal, once you do it about 20 times, its in and out no problem, although it would be nicer not to have to do it.

One thing is for certain, the 360 looks sharper on the Acer than my dads 32" HDTV, and i'm actually thinking of getting a better monitor instead of a better TV in the future.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17666948

WolfR1der · 19 Dec 2006 at 22:20

Ecl said:
I use a Logitech G15 which uses usb instead of a normal keyboard plug, what then?

That could be a problem, the G15 needs power to run the lights and screen which is always a problem with kvm switches, unless they're powered. All the extra buttons and things mightn't work either, which would be a waste. Do your homework to make sure any switch you buy will work with the G15 before you buy!

On the other hand, for a £20 outlay (and a bit of bother swapping the cables) you should get a nice visual upgrade over a "small old rubbish TV"

The back-light and color problems do affect the picture slightly, but it is definitely liveable. VGA is not quite the same as a full HDTV, but a damn sight better than a regular tv imo (and more affordable)

Now. Screenshots;

One of my favourites, really shows off some of what the 360 can do.

The dashboard

R6:Vegas

Ecl · 21 Dec 2006 at 10:39

Thanks Wolfr1der,

I have the same monitor only it's not the widescreen, just the normal 19" version.

Would the only different be is the black bars at top and bottom because the monitor does not support widescreen? (And I dont want to distort it just to fit the screen).

gam3r · 21 Dec 2006 at 10:58

Ecl said:
Thanks Wolfr1der,

I have the same monitor only it's not the widescreen, just the normal 19" version.

Would the only different be is the black bars at top and bottom because the monitor does not support widescreen? (And I dont want to distort it just to fit the screen).

That would be the only difference - you would have black bars as your monitor is not widescreen. I played with black bars when i had my CRT and it was decent, still better than a normal tv.

dokko · 21 Dec 2006 at 11:15

@ Wolfr1der.

Mate what settings have you got the monitor on?

Contrast, brightness, Red, green & blue.

Also what res in the 360's menu?

Its just mine looks very washed out, and my monitor is splitting the pic horizontally especially in demos while moving about.

Thanks

pellaeon · 21 Dec 2006 at 17:23

does anyone have pictures comparing a normal tv to a HD tv and monitor?