[Brush Master]

Basically, I have three video and audio sources currently feeding the (CRT) TV: DVD, Freeview STB, and a Popcornhour (networked multimedia player). Haven't used the TV's build-in tuner in years. Simple set-up, and don't foresee signifficant growth in complexity here.

While the TV's image and sound isn't bad, it's a CRT and only supplies 3xSCART (one with RGB, all with S-Video and Composite Video support). I don't care for surround sound and have no urge for HD-whatsit, but the image quality and price of a nice 24" LCD display like my Samsung SM245B on the PC is appealing.

Ideally, one could buy a box with a number of suitable inputs on one end, speakers (or switched audio output to HiFi gear), and a DVI (or similar) video output. Plus a remote for channel selection, volume control, and similar preferences. Basically, a TV without a TV tuner and without a display.

Is there such a thing? Of, is this idea nonsense and why?

[Nigel Goodwin]

You need an AV amplifier, they accept inputs from various sources, feed the audio to speakers, and the video signals out to your selected monitor device.

[GDK]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brush Master

Basically, I have three video and audio sources currently feeding the (CRT) TV: DVD, Freeview STB, and a Popcornhour (networked multimedia player). Haven't used the TV's build-in tuner in years. Simple set-up, and don't foresee signifficant growth in complexity here.

While the TV's image and sound isn't bad, it's a CRT and only supplies 3xSCART (one with RGB, all with S-Video and Composite Video support). I don't care for surround sound and have no urge for HD-whatsit, but the image quality and price of a nice 24" LCD display like my Samsung SM245B on the PC is appealing.

Ideally, one could buy a box with a number of suitable inputs on one end, speakers (or switched audio output to HiFi gear), and a DVI (or similar) video output. Plus a remote for channel selection, volume control, and similar preferences. Basically, a TV without a TV tuner and without a display.

Is there such a thing? Of, is this idea nonsense and why?

You're really talking about an A/V amp. Most are surround sound, but you don't have to have 5 speakers and a subwoofer. They'll work happily in stereo if that's all you want. And switch multiple video sources onto one output. Many these days output via HDMI, but scart ones can still be had.

As for the screen, be careful of using a PC monitor as the aspect ratios are often 16:10 instead of 16:9. And you'll struggle to find one with TV compatible inputs. If you really don't want the display to include a TV tuner, perhaps your best bet is to get an HDMI equiped A/V amp and HDMI monitor.

Hope that helps!

[sancheeez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brush Master

I don't care for surround sound and have no urge for HD-whatsit, but the image quality and price of a nice 24" LCD display like my Samsung SM245B on the PC is appealing.

Watch out here or you may be disappointed.

The reason your PC looks so good on a 24" monitor is that it is, effectively, feeding it an HD signal.

A standard, SD resolution, TV picture fed to the same 24" monitor (forgetting about aspect ratios and suchlike for now) wouldn't look anywhere near as sharp. The larger the screen you're feeding an SD signal to, the worse the image is likely to get. Upscaling can obviously compensate to a degree but it can only do so much and the image is never going to look as good as a true HD picture or indeed a PC outputting to a similar style of screen ....

[Brush Master]

Thanks - I didn't know A/V Amps control the video signal also. Looks like I better wait unti the current TV dies and then buy whatever one buys then.

Worth checking though.

[Nigel Goodwin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brush Master

Thanks - I didn't know A/V Amps control the video signal also.

That's why they are called Audio/Video amps

[RobAnt]

Quote:

Many these days output via HDMI, but scart ones can still be had.

I'm a bit confused with this statement. I don't doubt you're correct, but I've never seen any AV amp with a SCART output, or even an RGB output.

Mine has S/Video, YPbPr and composite - but there is no provision for RGB or a SCART output. It's pretty good too, it's a Cambridge Audio Azur 540 V2. Of course S/Video and composite can be connected to a SCART plug for the TV with converter cables.

I connect my PC's DVI spocket to the TV using an HD-Fury for HD output to a standard VGA socket. I connect my AV center to my receiver, and receiver to TV via S/Video (although I don't need to at present) and my DVD recorder to the TV using YPbPr.

My AV amp doesn't do much on the Video side really.

Can you give me an example of an AV amp with any SCART sockets?

[RobAnt]

I stand corrected the MARANTZ SR9200 [click] does indeed have a SCART socket. But it's a little off budget at £2000 a go.