Can't seem to find an appropriate forum for this question, but this one seems to have very knowledgable people. I'd like to set up my DTV DVR to record programs without firing up the front projector. I have an extra LCD computer monitor with analog inputs (DB-15). Can I use an HD-15 to RGB adaptor cable (called a VESA cable) and go from the RGB outputs on the DVR box to the computer monitor for programming purposes, only?

Sounds like a good solution as long as the the RGB outputs are active already, e.g. you don't have to switch the DVR's ouput the correct format every time.

BB

Does your DVR have an RGB output? Or is it actually a YPbPr or "component" output that has 3 connectors colored red, green, and blue? What is it labeled as?

If it's actually YPbPr, does your computer monitor support YPbPr? Most computer monitors don't. If not, then it doesn't matter what cable you use, it won't work anyway, because that type of signal is not supported. In that case, you could use a box called a transcoder that converts the signal from YPbPr to RGBHV, which is supported. However, some computer monitors don't support 720p or 1080i, even if it's RGBHV, but 480p usually works at least.

Hmmm. Interesting thought and I have the same wish. I have a Lumagen with a spare configurable analog output, maybe it will work with a PC monitor?

The DVR I am using is a DTV HR 20, which has YPbPr output, so I'm out of luck for the easy solution. 480i would have been OK, because I just want the text capability.

I will be upgrading my Receiver to the new Yamaha RX-Z11 when it comes out, and I will save this solution for it. I haven't checked, but the Yamaha may have a simple RGB output for me to use with the monitor I have and it will act as the transcoder. If it doesn't have the simple RGB output, it does have a second HDMI output. I'll be on the lookout for a "cheap" LCD computer monitor with HDMI/HDCP input, and compare the cost for that with a transcoder. I'm sure this will work, but it just doesn't use what I already have. The receiver can be programmed with a macro for "DVR Programming" which only turns on the receiver and DVR, and changes the receiver video output to either the RGB or second HDMI at the appropriate resolution.

Thanks for the help. It seems others see this as a good idea to save the expensive FP bulb from short cycles in the morning programming.
Ted