DREAMCAST VGA QUESTIONS! come here for everything VGA w/ DC.

[Doodle329]

So, um, nothing I can do?

[Hobie-wan]

Some LCD monitors will not do 640x480 VGA which is what the DC puts out. It wouldn't surprise me if some TVs don't accept low res VGA either as few people would be hooking a computer to it set that low. Check the manual or look up the model online and see what VGA resolutions it accepts.

[Doodle329]

Some LCD monitors will not do 640x480 VGA which is what the DC puts out. It wouldn't surprise me if some TVs don't accept low res VGA either as few people would be hooking a computer to it set that low. Check the manual or look up the model online and see what VGA resolutions it accepts.

I searched it, VGA Input Support goes from 640x480 to 1360 x 768.

[Hobie-wan]

I searched it, VGA Input Support goes from 640x480 to 1360 x 768.

You also need to know what frequency it accepts the 640x480. The DC likely puts it out at 60 Hz. A 640x480 signal from an actual computer could be anywhere from 60 to 120 Hz and the TV might only expect higher ones.

If you remember computer CRTs from the 90s a big deal was often made about them being 'multi-sync' meaning they could handle a wide range of frequencies.

[Doodle329]

I searched it, VGA Input Support goes from 640x480 to 1360 x 768.

You also need to know what frequency it accepts the 640x480. The DC likely puts it out at 60 Hz. A 640x480 signal from an actual computer could be anywhere from 60 to 120 Hz and the TV might only expect higher ones.

If you remember computer CRTs from the 90s a big deal was often made about them being 'multi-sync' meaning they could handle a wide range of frequencies.

It says 60hz as well, I believe. I do know what you're talking about, the monitor I have right now has a ton of refresh rates. It's pretty nice.

These are the full specs for my television, I think:
http://www.sceptre.com/Products/LCD_HDT ... 0Specs.htm

[Hobie-wan]

Yeah, does say 60 Hz. Does the VGA box work with anything else? Another monitor or TV? Made absolutely sure the game does VGA out as well? A few don't.

[Doodle329]

It won't even reach the boot screen, and I've tried both JSR and Crazy Taxi. The only monitor I have (it's an old 4:3) has the VGA cord built into it, so I can't plug the Dreamcast into it, and the other televisions aren't available.

I got the VGA box straight here from Racketboy, surely it wouldn't be defective?

[CRTGAMER]

It won't even reach the boot screen, and I've tried both JSR and Crazy Taxi. The only monitor I have (it's an old 4:3) has the VGA cord built into it, so I can't plug the Dreamcast into it, and the other televisions aren't available.

I got the VGA box straight here from Racketboy, surely it wouldn't be defective?

There are simple adaptors or an inexpensive switchbox that allow your VGA cable to hookup to the VGA cabled monitor. I am also leaning towards your LCD not supporting the Refresh rate of the Dreamcast. If the older monitor does not work either, you can confirm your Dreamcast VGA setup by testing it at the local Thrift store which usually have a few VGA CRT monitors on the shelves. You would probably need that adapter I mentioned, most CRT monitors have a VGA cable already attached. Maybe even pick one of the VGA CRTs and get the Lightgun capability.

[Doodle329]

I'm strapped for cash at the moment, and my town is tiny and doesn't have any close thrift stores..Should I just give up and settle for S-Video?

[Hobie-wan]

I'd bug friends to try it with their TVs. It's possible there could be a problem with the box. Racket will exchange it if there's a problem so you want to know you've got a good one. S-video is pretty good, but VGA is amazing so hopefully you'll have a way to experience it soon if it is indeed your TV.