Xbox 360 VGA Cable & LCD Monitor FAQs

The Xbox 360 comes with support for VGA, being the only one of its generation to do so straight from the manufacturer. This has made getting an Xbox 360 much easier for PC gamers with access to monitors.

Xbox and VGA

Microsoft released the VGA adapter for the Xbox 360 to tap the existing user base of people with PC monitors--all of which have VGA. This made connecting the console to a monitor easy, saving these users the need to buy new displays. Importantly, it is HD by default, unlike the composite cables that come with the Arcade bundle.

Function

The VGA adapter comes with a VGA connector and audio outputs, making it a multimedia peripheral. Sound is transmitted in 5.1 surround.

Features

The adapter supports resolutions from regular VGA (640 by 480) to full HD (1920 by 1080). Recent updates to the Xbox operating system added support for 1440 by 900, a common resolution on 19-inc PC monitors and LCD TVs.

Identification

Look for the bulky output connector at the Xbox console side of the cable. This is where the adapter is located, converting signals from the console to the display. The official adapter is dark gray in color and has white and red audio plugs attached.

Types

Microsoft makes the official VGA adapter, which is recommended. However, third-party clones at slightly lower prices exist, mainly from companies like Mad Catz and Psyclone.

Considerations

The PC monitors this adapter was designed to fit usually don't have compatible audio inputs, resulting in the need for an external sound source. The Xbox 360 has no on-board amplification, so if you buy the VGA adapter, make sure you have a receiver or stereo system that can accept the white and red audio plugs.

References

• Xbox 360 VGA HD Cable
• Microsoft Hardware
• Mad Catz