This may seem like a dumb idea considering how bad composite is, but I have a couple CRTs that I’d love to use as computer monitors, and I’m not in the position to mod them for component or RGB. I want them to “just work” for the time being. I’m looking for a device that converts modern HDMI to analog, but the only good options seem to be really high end devices with support for every format under the sun, which are great, but way more then I need. Otherwise, what am I left with? Cheap, no-name boxes that’ll die in two weeks and add half a second of lag? I’m not sure if the product I need exists, but I figured this would be a good place to ask since I can’t find a dedicated CRT community. Any help is appreciated!
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You might want to purchase a scaler rather than connect your computer directly to the screens.
justification: those old screens are going to need a low resolution like 480i and modern games/apps are just not designed for that so they may not run at all, or you may find that some elements like menu items are cut out and don’t render properly.
Thankfully, Mint allows me to output in 4:3 aspect ratio. Now, if the actual resolution will still be an issue, then yeah, I suppose I’ll need that. But if I send a converter a ~720p 4:3 signal and it outputs it to composite, what does it matter to the CRT that doesn’t have pixels anyway?
I suppose it depends if your CRT is capable of displaying a 720p signal. If it’s not, then it won’t work.
Likewise if your converter requires the input format to match what the CRT expects (i.e. it doesn’t have scaling built in), then the converter may not work either.
Right, thank you I’ll try to keep this in mind. What do you mean by the TV supporting it though? Like I said, CRTs have no pixels to the best of my understanding, so how would it be aware of the resolution in order to reject it? I can understand it causing problems, but how exactly can a CRT outright reject a signal like that?
If you send a CRT an image larger than it can display, it will either display nothing, some garbage or as much of the image as it possibly can - normally cropping the top left corner.
Okay, I see. Thanks for the heads up. Are there any specific scalers I should consider for minimizing latency that you’re aware of?
I would only buy Extron, Crestron or Kramer for that use case, but if you’re on a budget and need to compromise then also consider Cyp, Atlona, Lindy, Blustream or everyone’s favourite SY Electronics.
Your issue is that you are converting digital to analog so latency will be added regardless.
Perhaps looking into VGA, lots of USB C to VGA adapters, and VGA to Composite adapters. May get you closer (or more reliable results).
Another solution is VGA monitors.
Funny you say that, because I have an old laptop that has a native VGA output on board and I’m testing it out right now! It works and Mint outputs through it just fine, but I’d need to get a VGA to composite adapter. Buuuut, if I’m gonna do that, I might as well just get an HDMI to composite adapter for the compatibility.
Also, any USB to composite/s video/component adapters? That sounds like a great workaround.
Also yeah, I know latency will exist, but it can always be minimized.
USB -> Anything requires adapters/drivers/dedicated hardware. Composite is a dead format so you’ll be hard pressed to find one, let alone find one which works. VGA is a least a video standard supported by almost all video chips (why I recommended it).
The only PC made in this century which supports composite natively, is the Raspberry Pi.
Yeah that makes sense. I’ll have a look into VGA converters, thanks for the tip!
These absolutely exist as I owned one, though technically it was DVI to composite active converter, but it had no issues with an HDMI-> DVI converter in the chain. I bought the one I had many years ago now though, so you might have to deep dive into some less mainstream sites. I wouldn’t worry too much about the brands being some nonsense, it is likely the same internal hardware as anything with a recognizable brand.
Maybe you’ll find a converter but consider the costs: you can find cheap used VGA monitors, you can also find raspberry/old PC with analog video output.
Maybe my bar is low because of where I’m from, but these “no name brands” usually work fine from what I tested.
Like right now, I’m sending a Rapberry Pi 5 signal to an HDMI switch to another HDMI switch (because multiple devices to a same screen) to an HDMI to VGA cable, the former 2 being used for some days, and the latter for months, and this gambiarra seems to work pretty well so far.
Hmm, okay I’ll consider cheaper options. Thanks for the feedback. Latency isn’t too much to deal with I take it if you’ve been sing it for that long.
Does it take VGA? And do you have a spare PCIe slot in a desktop?
You can slap in an old GPU to power it directly, with no latency or conversion issues. I know my old Nvidia 980 TI supports VGA directly, albeit with a passive dongle. As a bonus, this would save VRAM for your other displays, and (if you wish) offload whatever you do on your CRTs from the main GPU.
Now, if you want a GPU with composite output, you have to go waaay back to the GTX 200 series or the Radeon 4000 series. Getting working drivers for these on linux might be an… adventure.
Sadly it does not take VGA but I do have an old laptop with native VGA out so I could convert that to composite easier. VGA is already an analog format, right?
Mmmm, yes, but for composite it’s not trivial like it’d be for S-Video. To quote some random Redditor:
You need a device called frame buffer. VGA signal are sampled (ADC) and store in a memory. This memory is read by another circuity, at NTSC/PAL frame rate, and RGB converted to NTSC/PAL. For a standard VGA (640x640@60Hz) a line converter (only a FIFO memory) can be used to convert to NTSC. More details here.
https://www.epanorama.net/circuits/vga2tv/vga_to_tv_techniques.html
they do exist.
i’d just pick one up on bestbuy’s site (their store brand, on clearance, $20). i’ve had good luck with their brand for other video converters (have ones that go usb to vga, hdmi to dvi, and dp to hdmi).
they’re also easily found on azn (for even less. look for ones with both a good rating and many reviewers). get one to try, then get a second one once you’ve checked it out.
note that these are all probably not bi-directional, and that converters that go the other way (composite to hdmi) also exist–so be careful when buying that you get one that goes in the correct ‘direction’ you need.
What ports beside composite do those CRT have?
None unfortunately. That’s why I’m asking about composite specifically. My only other option is RF lmao
Brother, I have what you need:
https://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Converter-Modulator-Old-Transmitter/dp/B07W58PNPP?&language=en_USIts hdmi to coax, and hdmi to rf.
Edit: i misread and was thinking of TVs. Maybe this could help someone idk
I am pretty sure they are talking about TVs, but they want COMPOSITE inputs. The red, yellow, and white plugs. So you have the right idea. They do have boxes like that for HDMI to composite (and RGB), too.
https://www.bestbuy.com/product/insignia-hdmi-to-rca-converter-black/J2FPJK9G8J/sku/6633030
I have one of these, myself. Just make sure the RCA side is the OUTPUT, and not the INPUT. They make both, and the analog to digital converters are more common than the digital to analogue ones.
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