I'm getting an Xbox 360 soon and I'm going to be connecting it to my Dell 2405FPW.

Would I get best image quality connecting them via the supplied component cable or the VGA accessory cable?

TIA

-hartigan

Actually in this case, I don't think it really matters, cause you're on a standard monitor, nothing HD right?

Well, that's the thing. The 2405FPW is a 24" LCD at 1920x1200 @ 60Hz. So the resolution is 1080p quality which, as you know, is HD. I'm just not sure which cable to use because this is not a LCD TV, it's an LCD monitor.

I'm not sure if there's a difference but from the little I've had time to read out on the net, there's some confusion regarding this issue. Some information says that the component cable is identical to the VGA, some says it's better, and then some says that the VGA is better because it carries additional information for "PC Monitors".

Some even go as far as to say that a 360 using a VGA cable for an LCD Television compared to a component won't provide any benefit, whereas a 360 using a VGA cable for an LCD PC Monitor, when compared to the quality of a component WILL provide better image quality.

TBH, I got tired of wading through the debates and came here hoping to get "THE" definitive answer.


Thank you for the reply Yunk!!

I'd try both the cables and see which one looks better to your eye.

If you get an elite, also get an HDMI to DVI connector and use that instead of component or VGA.

Quote: Originally Posted by eascarface I'd try both the cables and see which one looks better to your eye.

That's certainly an option, but I'd like to avoid buyin the accessory VGA cable if there's no advantage to using it.

4x0n - If decide to go with the Elite, I'll definitely keep that in mind. I hadn't realized there is an HDMI to DVI connector. Thanks for the tip!!

Also, what would I do about the audio side of the signal considering the HDMI/DVI adapter only moves the Video signal? Is there an HDMI cable that has a break out of the audio side?

Pff, you don't need audio, just play games with subtitles :geek:


This seems to split the audio from the video signal, the video signal is still HDMI but the audio is routed through either optical or RCA (same package). So that with this and you should be good to go

Probably want to check which HDMI to DVI cable people recommend though.

Thanks for the linkage 4x0n!!

I'm going to wait one more paycheck so I can get my shekels together.That way I'll be able to buy all the accessories I need (thinkin' 'bout the hd-dvd drive too) in one shot.


Thanks again for the information.

While you're offering links, you don't happen to know where I could find an inexpensive 2x1 DVI switch, do you?

I'm not certain if DVI 2x1 switch and inexpensive go together in a sentence Maybe you should seek T2's aid in that And glad I could help

Ah I didn't realize the 360 didn't come with said cable. Poor XBox owner. :geek:


BTW with the HD-Drive it is supposed to come packaged with 2 movies (Bourne Identity and something else) and you will also qualify for the 5 free movies via mail offer.

Actually, now that i think about it.

Just get a DVI to HDMI cable. You can use regular audio cables to hook the 360's sound to your speakers.

Xbox Premiums have HDMI now, you just have to read the fine print.

Quote: Originally Posted by 4x0n I'm not certain if DVI 2x1 switch and inexpensive go together in a sentence Maybe you should seek T2's aid in that And glad I could help

ANy cable + the word cheap can go together


BTW -

If you get the official HDMI or VGA cables, there WILL be something to get you audio. The HDMI cable has an adapter that fits into the video input on the 360, and the VGA cable (which I have) comes with its own stereo to RCA splitter.

Another option you might try is this...it doesn't do HDMI, but you can use any other video cable you want. It plugs directly into the USB jack on the back of the 360 and does a stellar job. It's actually what I use at the moment as well.

Quote: Originally Posted by eascarface Ah I didn't realize the 360 didn't come with said cable. Poor XBox owner.

Hey, better than the PS3 owners who get no HD quality cables with their system

If you get a 'core' unit (don't) you get just your standard video cables...
If you get a 'premium ' unit, you get the standard and component cables
if you get an 'Elite' unit you get a HDMI cable and component cables

So, the only cable you 'really' don't get is VGA. And you can probably find them pretty cheap at EB Games used.