[comp.sys.ibm.pc] Connecting Nintendo to IBM CGA monitor

neumann@udel.EDU (Brian R. Neumann) (07/10/89)

Does anyone know if it's possible to hook up a Nintendo System to an
IBM CGA monitor?  The Nintendo has two Phono plug outputs; one for Video
and one for Audio.  Hooking the Audio to my Stereo works fine, I just need 
to know if there's some way to connect the video to the CGA monitor.
This is a pure video signal (I assume), not RF modulated, and works fine 
when hooked to our Zenith TV in monitor mode.

If it helps, the manual that comes with the monitor has the following chart 
for the monitor's input connection:

   -------------------------------------------------------------------
         
       (5)                              PIN #        SIGNAL
	       (9)                   -------------------------
       (4)                                1          SHIELD
	       (8)                        2          GROUND
       (3)                                3          RED
               (7)                        4          GREEN
       (2)                                5          BLUE
               (6)                        6          INTENSITY
       (1)                                7          NC
					  8          H.SYNC
   9 Pin D-Sub Connector                  9          V.SYNC

   -------------------------------------------------------------------
   Input Signal:
	Video       : R.G.B.I. TTL Level,positive
	H.V.Sync.   : TTL Level,positive
   -------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm willing to try anything that won't destroy the monitor.  Any kind of
suggestions would be appreciated.  Is there a chance that it is possible
to make this connection?

Please E-mail if possible.

Brian Neumann ---->  neumann@udel.edu

brown@astroatc.UUCP (Vidiot) (07/10/89)

In article <19356@louie.udel.EDU> neumann@udel.EDU (Brian R. Neumann) writes:
<Does anyone know if it's possible to hook up a Nintendo System to an
<IBM CGA monitor?  The Nintendo has two Phono plug outputs; one for Video
<and one for Audio.  Hooking the Audio to my Stereo works fine, I just need 
<to know if there's some way to connect the video to the CGA monitor.
<This is a pure video signal (I assume), not RF modulated, and works fine 
<when hooked to our Zenith TV in monitor mode.

The CGA monitor is a TTL (digital) monitor and is limited to 16 colors.  So,
the answer is no.  If you had an EGA monitor (64 colors) you may have a better
chance as it doesn't seem as though the games use many more than that for
the colors.  But, even an EGA monitor is digital, while the NTSC output is
analog and will want to be converted to analog RGB.

Basically the answer is forget it.  Just keep using your TV.  I have an old
NEC monitor that I used for the C64, which is not being used for the Nintendo
in the kid's room.
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