PLVZ2 Connection Options?

[dean randle]

As one of the few people waiting for their new Z2 to arrive, I have a couple of questions of connections:-

1) As there is no VGA connector, what is the best option for connecting a VGA device? Is it a VGA - DVI (which one, by the way? I? D?). Or a VGA - component?

2) Is it better to have the playback device near to the PJ, and have a longer audio cable to the amp/speakers etc? (eg, optical digital sound cable), than having the longer dvi, or component etc cables?

[nunew33]

1) DVI - I. I did a DVI FAQ a few days ago with everthing icould find. You need a vga to DVI converter (about £15)

2) there is an issue with DVI length being > 7.5 metres(look at faq). Some people say they have done longer runs, but I didnt risk it, I put in VGA cable. Not sure which is best. Set up is kit at front and 10m cables channelled in ready for a Z2

[Ivojo]

Extron do a range of boosted DVI cables up to 75 feet but they are rather expensive (the 75ft retails for £871+VAT).

[buns]

ouch........ thats going to hurt a bit! I guess I might manage to get away with 5m....... what is the difference betwee I and D? Presumably one is digital ad one is analogue? Lindy have cables of 5m odd at £30 or so, is this good enough?

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[Ivojo]

I wouldn't have thought that there's going to be any problem with 5 metres and Lindy are cheap enough that it's worth a go. If you do have problems then try re-routing the cable and normal data cable advice applies (keep away from mains cables etc.)

DVI-D is digital only, DVI-A is analogue only, DVD-I is both.

[buns]

please excuse my ignorance on this...... I am going to use the dvi out from my radeon 7500...... which variety of dvi cable should i get?

And out of interest, how can a digital video interface connector be refferred to as analogue!? Isnt that a contradiction!

thanks

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[Ivojo]

Yes and no. I would think the analogue side of things is just for backwards compatibility. Remember the DVI was origionally developed for computer use and having an analogue facility means that a DVI output can still be used (via an adaptor or appropriate cable) with a RGBHV (15 pin d-sub, 5*BNC, 5*RCA etc.) analogue input display.

[buns]

so what type of cable do I want for between my radeon 7500 and the z2?

thanks

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[Dutch]

Hi buns,

A dual link DVI-D to DVI-D would be what you want. Lindy's cables are very good and also reasonably priced.

Steve

[buns]

Thank you very much Mr Dutch!

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[Woz!]

So, I would be in trouble needing a 15m run then?

Anyone know what my best and cheapest options would be - I was going to run 4x phono component leads for the DVD player, but I also have a Tivo and PC that I would want to connect.

The problem is that we're about to decorate and the wiring will be behind coving, maybe before I get the PJ....

[nunew33]

Woz, I am using VGA with a vga DVI converter at the end tpo get round log cable runs.

This means I can use 3 componant for DVD, composite for VCR (rarely used), s-video for camcorder and a scart to VGA for sky (assume you would use RGB to vga for Tivo).
Hope this is of use.

Ive seen some us sites with a DVI splitter, splitting into VGA ad DVI-D. This may be a possible future purchase and Ill simply have to have a DVI cable visible, with the DVI source at the rear of the room rather than the front. But seeing as I have no DVI sources this ist an issue

Caveat: I am just learning about DVI so please be kind if Ive misunderstood things

[Woz!]

Originally posted by nunew33
Woz, I am using VGA with a vga DVI converter at the end tpo get round log cable runs.

This means I can use 3 componant for DVD, composite for VCR (rarely used), s-video for camcorder and a scart to VGA for sky (assume you would use RGB to vga for Tivo).
Hope this is of use.

Ive seen some us sites with a DVI splitter, splitting into VGA ad DVI-D. This may be a possible future purchase and Ill simply have to have a DVI cable visible, with the DVI source at the rear of the room rather than the front. But seeing as I have no DVI sources this ist an issue

Caveat: I am just learning about DVI so please be kind if Ive misunderstood things

Oooh, cheers, that's really helpful!

What length of run are you doing? is it 15m or more?

I was just getting horrified at the option of getting an RGB to Component converter after I'd seen that I was looking at the best part of £150.....

[buns]

whats about this

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[nunew33]

Woz,
Im doing 10m, got 4 rca leads,vga and svid from vcd trading for about £90. Anticipating £12 for DVI/VGA and £20 for scart to VGA and scart splitter/amp for £30 which I will get when Z2 arrives.

For all leads my budget was £150