So, being a learner that I am, and needing a better monitor like I do, an individual tells me that since I have a GeForce2 MX 400 I can run the SVideo out to my DVD and into my TV. I'm thinking I heard in the past that it CAN be done, but that it isn't good for games, etc because of the low resolution.

But I have a big TV.

So, the idea of a 33" monitor is really interesting.

Is the increase in screen real estate worth the loss of resolution? Is there something else you think I should be considering? I've included some info about the related hardware below.

System:
Dell Dimension 8200
1.9 G P4
512 M RAM
GeForce2 MX 400

Home Theater:
Sony DAV-C700 DVD/SACD/DTS decoder/receiver

I look forward to you thoughts...

I did exactly the samething my ge Force2 mx 400 did not have tv out so I put a card in. It works on Tv but the resolution is not very good. I did it on a Sony 32. It is alot of fun, but not as good as amonitor
Mark

Hmmm... I'd try it just to see if I were you. For games, it just might work, but I can't comment on the loss in resolution without knowing what resolutions you intend to play (or perhaps just your current monitor's size). For a 33" TV, I'd say somewhere in the neighborhood of 800 x 600 to 1024 x 768 would look OK, but most likely your GF2's TV-out feature is limited to 800 x 600 anyway.

Given that you have a DVD/DTS decoder/receiver, you might also try going digital out, by means of all that fancy coax/optical cable stuff. That may end up costing more than a new monitor, tho, unless it's built-in already. Just remember for TV-out that S-Video is better than component out (red & yellow & white cables). I don't know why that's just what I've heard.

As to TV-out not being good for games, well if it's only good for DVD then it wouldn't be much use, would it? :p Seriously tho, for low-res 3D gaming it should look fine/OK, but don't try it with anything 2D 'cause it will look horrible most of the time. Also keep in mind that monitors were designed to be used up close, but TV's were designed to be watched from the couch across the room. Don't plant your face two inches from the screen! :eek:

One other thing I forgot to mention in my last post , the cost of the cables from the computer to the tv. unless you are within 12 feet it gets very expensive. By the time I got thru it cost well over $100. As far as the resolution, ok for movies, but not great for anything else. Again I thought it was a great idea, but not perfect.
Regards mark