DirecTV to LCD monitor

[Alismurf]

Hi guys, I'm new to all of this so forgive me if I'm way off base...

I would like to use LCD monitors as TVs for my Standard Def DirecTV receivers (one is a DVR and the other is just the most basic receiver).

DVR Receiver outputs - HDMI, component, S-Video, composite, and coax
Receiver outputs - S-Video, composite, and coax
LCD Monitor inputs - VGA and DVI

I'm not overly concerned about an "excellent" picture quality, but something decent enough to see what's happening and not go cross-eyed while watching it. The monitors I have (from unused desktops are very basic without built in speakers. They will be used solely as TVs. I would prefer not to connect to a computer if possible.

I've read lots of posts and how-to's and all of them vary widely. Some say a "converter/tuner" is necessary and others say an HDMI cable is the only thing required. HDMI isn't an option. I am wondering if there is a cable that would be S-Video (male) on one end and VGA or DVI (male) on the other end? I would also need a cable that would change the stereo audio (red/white RCA jacks) to a standard earphone jack (female) for basic/old computer speakers. If they exist, where might I find them? (My Google search yielded gobbldygook to me.)

Hopefully something in this makes sense... I appreciate any help!

 

[TheViper]

You will need a converter box to handle the conversion from S-video to VGA or HDMI. A single cable can't do it.

StarTech Composite and S-Video to VGA Video Converter - $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817707114&cm_re=s_video_to_vga-_-17-707-114-_-Product


Isimple ISVE923 3 Feet 3.5mm to RCA Audio Cable - $7.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882781006&cm_re=rca_to_headphopne_jack-_-82-781-006-_-Product

Gold-Plated Inline 1/8" Mini-Jack Coupler - $5.39
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102671&filterName=Cable+type&filterValue=Couplers
^Use that to make the headphone jack female.

 

[Alismurf]

I assume that applies to composite video and coax as well?

 

[TheViper]

That's correct. Those 3 outputs only carry a limited amount of data and a VGA or HDMI cable carries much more so data would be missing. There's also the issue with going from analog to digital in the case of HDMI.

 

[Alismurf]

Okay sounds like a plan. Thanks!

 

[Alismurf]

Sorry, one more question... what about HDMI to DVI? Would that be a possibility to avoid the converter?

 

[TheViper]

Absolutely.

The digital signal for video in each format is the same thing. The main difference is DVI doesn't carry the audio signals that HDMI does.

 

[Alismurf]

So would something like this work? (with the audio cable you suggested earlier?)
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023104&p_id=2405&seq=1&format=2

 

[TheViper]

That will indeed do the trick.

 

[Alismurf]

Hooray! Thank you so much!