C64 Video to VGA converter

[DusteD]

hi, ive searched alot to try to find what i need, but without luck...

I want to connect my commodore 64 to a VGA monitor, i cant find diagrams or annything that i need, i hope somebody here can help ? :)

[JigPu]

I don't know of what would do it, but here's the info I have on it.

From what I've read, there are three types of video output from C-64s
1) RF output (this is what you plug into your TV)
2) Composite video (requires both monitor cable, and C-64 with monitor out)
3) Semi-Composite video (same requirements as #2)

The RF output I'm not sure how you'd get into a VGA signal. You'd need to get rid of the RF portion and leave the video behind and somehow get that to VGA.

The Composite output is exactly like the input video jacks on TVs today (you know, the RCA jack you have your PS2, XBox, Gamecube, ect plugged into!). Shouldn't be too hard to get that to VGA because somebody probably thought up a way to make their XBox be on a monitor :D The cable for the commodore has two jacks, one white (sound), and one that is either yellow or red (video).

The final one, Semi-Composite (or Semi-Component), is rather strange. According to my C-64 book (jeez I love this thing!!), it has two cables for video output. One cable carries the black and white image (luminance according to Commodore), and the other carries the color (chroma according to Commodore).
On how to get that to a VGA signal.... Uhhhh..... :D Don't ask me :D The cable has three RCA jacks on it, one white (sound), one yellow (luminance), and one red (chroma).

Hope that helps a little!
JigPu

[DusteD]

Do you think i can use this:

http://www.digieyez.dk/default.asp?id=156&pid=27&pcid=62&boxpage=2

[vinyljunky]

Originally posted by JigPu

1) RF output (this is what you plug into your TV)
2) Composite video (requires both monitor cable, and C-64 with monitor out)
3) Semi-Composite video (same requirements as #2)



In reference to JigPu's information:

1) To use this output you would be required to demodulate the RF signal. You can buy a box to do this for you, but it is relatively expensive. What it would leave you with is #2

2) The most likely solution to your problem. You have two main options at this point.
i) Buy a composite to VGA convertor, then you could plug the device directly into your monitor, through said convertor.

ii) Buy a standard TV card, with composite input, for your PC. Plug the composite of the C64 into that, and you have the C64 display on your screen. At this point may I recommend DScaler (http://deinterlace.sourceforge.net/) for use as your TV 'viewer' - aswell as being the best decoder available it also acts as a line doubler (effectively doubles the resolution of the TV signal, or in your case, C64 display).

I use method [ii] for using my Dreamcast, N64, Gamecube, Atari etc. on my VGA monitor, and it works a treat.

3) Smells of SVideo to me.

Hope this is of some use to you.


EDIT : Just had a thought. 1) could be used (without any demodulation) with the TV card method, since a TV card has an RF (coaxial aerial) input. You would just plug the coax into the TV card, and tune in to the C64 output.

[pip]

Several KVMs namely the ones from avermedia have an RCA-composite to VGA conversion

[DusteD]

ok, thx guys...