[omega9C1]

Basically I want to run my PlayStation 2 on a computer monitor which only has a RGBHV input (VGA). I found a VGA to component cable adapter online that says it only works for computer graphics cards that output YPbPr, so I'm wondering if it could conversely send a RGB signal through the VGA and therefore output RGB in each of the RCA cables on the component end, or in my case vice versa.
If I set my PS2 to RGB component output and plug its component cable into the component to VGA adapter which I plug into the monitor, will I be set? The PS2 does output sync-on-green I'm assuming? (Also I'm in the U.S. so we don't use RGB much around here except for computer displays.)

[fallenangle]

Whatever combination of cables you're proposing to use won't work unless your monitor will accept what ever signal the PS2 is outputting. Some VGA inputs/outputs are Component enabled but you can't just connect up a Component output to any VGA input and expect it to work. If only it was as simple as that but wires are just wires they can't convert one type of signal into another.

(RGB) Component (YPbPr) and VGA (RGBHV) are totally incompatible without some form of transcoder.

I do believe there is a specialist electronics DIY mod that can get the PS2 to output VGA but otherwise what you need is a decent Component to VGA transcoder as can be found fairly easily on eBay etc. There are also some dedicated games' VGA adapter boxes which are essentially the same thing but have more features/options. However I've read bad things about some of them.

If you just Google "ps2 on vga monitor" you'll find plenty more info on this matter. There's also a thread here about connecting a PS2 to a LCD TV which may be of interest.

[omega9C1]

Ok. Basically my PS2 is capable of outputting both RGB and YPbPr through component cables. And my monitor accepts a VGA (RGBHV) signal. Would a simple connector for VGA to component work to connect the two? This connector is not a transcoder and is primarily for computers that output YPbPr through their VGA port.

As long as the thing is wired properly, I'm guessing the red, green, and blue signals should work, but I'm not sure if the connector will be able to split the sync signals.

[fallenangle]

Sorry, I thought I had made it clear but I think I may have confused you by prefixing Component with (RGB). I did that because on some web sites selling Component cables and adapters similar to the one I think you have, that is how they're described. It can lead to just the sort of misunderstanding we appear to have here.

The RGB output you can select from the PS2's set up menus is not RGBHV ie. VGA. Unless your monitor will accept the PS2's particular RGB sync on green* output it won't display correctly and probably not at all. I can't tell you for sure whether your monitor will allow this but I'll hazard a guess that it won't. If you've got the cables why haven't you actually tried it out yet?

Remember all you're doing is using some cables to connect two pieces of equipment together. The same PS2 output signal that went in one end is still all that is coming out the other no matter what it is plugged into. Without a transcoder you can't change that.


* I've done some checking for you and the best list for sync on green compatible monitors I've found is on a PS2 Linux website. I think the supported monitor database is quite old though.

http://playstation2-linux.com