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[FrostyTheSnowman]

No, there isn't a digital audio output unfortunately. It would be easy to add, but the cost of the parts to do it would raise the price by at least $5 or more in the end result...

We want to keep the price as low as possible, yet also keep the quality of the cable high, so coaxial/optical audio wasn't considered due to the fact that it would raise the price in both production and resale.

But as far as changing the BIOS in your girlfriend's XBOX... that is fairly easy. If you would like, you are more than welcome to PM me and I can build a custom NKPatcher w/VGA output for your softmod.

[yaywoop]

it wouldn't be too pricey just to put a coax digital audio jack in this box of yours would it?
anyway its up to you isn't it

[FrostyTheSnowman]

LOL, okay, let me see if it isn't too late to do it.

I'll let you guys know if I am able to add coaxial 5.1 in a few days.

[yaywoop]

this VGA box is definitely a good idea.
and if you are going to have hi-def video, you might as well have the option for digital hi-fi sound.
and the product might appeal to more people if you include basically everything anyone would want

[FrostyTheSnowman]

How does this look?  

This is what the manufacturer said the packaging would look like.

Oh yeah, and they also said it would be easy to implement, and shouldn't raise the price.

I will know for sure in about 2 days from this point...

[g-rasshopper]

A minor point, but wouldn't it be better if the VGA and audio connectors were situated on the sides of the box instead of the top?

Just a thought.

[bobbyblaze]

Why would that make it better? The mere fact that there is more surface area on the front of the box means that this stuff can fit on it better and in a more compact box. If you wanted to put it on the side you would need a great big ugly breakout box like the original HD pack from MS.

[g-rasshopper]

If the connectors were on the sides then the unit could rest flat on the ground making it less obtrusive. It would also mean that there would be less strain on the connectors, and the likelihood of damaging the unit if you accidentally stepped on it would be much lower.

FWIW, all of the Dreamcast VGA adapters that I've ever come across have had the connectors on the sides, and I think there are good design reasons for that.

[bobbyblaze]

FWIW, you'll find the chances of stepping on something are always greatly reduced if you avoid putting it on the floor and look where you're going.

Jeez man, we just got a 5.1 sound connection added and you're still not content because it doesn't aesthetically please you? Some folks is never happy...

[yaywoop]

I think it looks great. i might even buy one.
so whats inside it? still an LM1881?

[FrostyTheSnowman]

So far yes, it is still using the LM1881N-based design.

I am looking into other, more compatible options, but at the moment it is still LM1881N-based.

[g-rasshopper]

Just a quick question. Will this converter be compatible with VGA under Linux?

The reason I ask is that I understand Linux handles VGA slightly differently to the VGA patched BIOSes. IIRC different video connector pins have to be grounded for the OS to recognise that a VGA signal is required.

Thanks in advance.

[FrostyTheSnowman]

This VGA cable will be using the 'HDTV' mode jumper setting, so no, it won't be compatible with Linux.

Linux requires 1+3 mode (unsupported VGA mode) whereas my cable uses 2+3 mode (HDTV) so it won't work...

Linux has very limited support for VGA, especially on Focus/Xcalibur encoders, so this option was not considered.

[w0g]

Frosty, will this VGA cable be compatible with 1.6 Xboxes? Sorry if this is a dumb question!

[FrostyTheSnowman]

Well, the cable itself will work with 1.6 XBOXes, but it won't output VGA.

The 1.6 XBOX is not compatible with my VGA patchers.