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Quadro FX 540

Quadro FX 540

Quadro FX 540

(OP)
Can anyone confirm for me that the nVidia Quadro FX 540 has an s-video out on the card that could be used for sending the display to a something like a projector?  I read literature about the card and this area seems a little vague to me.  TIA.

Pete

RE: Quadro FX 540

(OP)
Scott,

   Yes, I did do this, however I still seem a little puzzled.  There is a professional video version of the 540 that uses a breakout box.  From reading the literature I'm not sure if I need a breakout box so that I can output in s-video format.  I read the literature and did a google search on the regular FX 540 and the information I came across is nebulous at best.  For example, the first site you posted in your response (http://www.nvidia.com/object/IO_11761.html)gives a comparison of the quadro cards, both AGP and PCIExpress.  There is no mention here of an S-video out for the 540 (or any of the cards) - however the FX Go 1400 does list that it has TV out, whereas none of the others list this.  From pictures I have seen of the 540 it appears there is another connector other than the DVI and VGA connector but whether this is s-video that can be used to output to a projector (or tv) is not at all apparent in anything I have found on any web searches.  The fact that they offer their breakout box makes me wonder whether its possible to use the card alone to output.  That is why in my first post I said information that I have found seems vague.  The reason I posted this was to get a repsonse from an actual 540 owner/user that could give me a clear answer from experience.  I was hoping not to go into detail, but now I have.  Any 540 users out there that can confirm this?

RE: Quadro FX 540

pdybeck

I will check mine when I get home tonight and let you know if no one else replies before then. From the spec sheet it looks like you would need the breakout box to get the s-video.

RE: Quadro FX 540

(OP)
rporter,

  Thanks for the help.  I have read other sites that seem to indicate the breakout box is for capture as well as output.  They mention s-video pass through capability of the breakout box.  The connection from the 540 card to the breakout box looks like an s-video connector, but it does not ever say.  I have read yet other sites that elude to the idea that I would need a breakout box, as you have mentioned, to get s-video out.  By the way, how do you like the 540 overall?  Thanks again.

RE: Quadro FX 540

That first link shows "SLI Support" - I would assume that is S-video cable but without further research at what SLI Support is I'm not certain.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376

RE: Quadro FX 540

(OP)
Scott,

   I thought SLI Support stood for Scalable Link Interface, which is for the ability to connect 2 graphics cards to two PCIExpress slots on the motherboard (if the motherboard supports it).  This allows multiple cards to work together to render/output an image to the monitor.  I may be wrong about this, though.

Pete

RE: Quadro FX 540

That very well could be it!!

Have you just tried calling a local shop that carries that card and ask them if an S-video bus was supported on the card?

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376

RE: Quadro FX 540

(OP)
I may have to do that.

RE: Quadro FX 540

pdbeck

You are correct about SLI but the FX540 dose not support SLI this is not supported untill you get into the FX1400 or above.

So far I have had no problems with the FX540 card. I have this card in my system at home. At work we use the FX500 which is about the same just some slower IMO.

RE: Quadro FX 540

(OP)
Scott,

   This is the professional edition that I referred to that has the breakout box.  nVidia decided to go with a break out box instead of including it on the card like ATI did with their ATI All-in Wonder seried cards.  I believe the breakout box included with the professional edition is used as a capture card - for things like capturing video from a camcorder or VCR via s-video input and component video input.  It also has s-video output, but it technically mentions this as s-video through put.  The 540 professional edition I believe is essentially the 540, but just with the breakout box (and maybe some software thrown in) included.  The connector that runs from the 540 card to the breakout box looks like an s-video connector, but I can't tell and I can't find out anywhere.  I still am left wondering if the plain 540 can output s-video, this information I can't find.  I hope rporter can help me out.

RE: Quadro FX 540

I don't think they would make a whole new card call it the 540 FX and not support the S-video. I would be willing to bet the 540 FX supports and has the output of the s-video. The way I read it that's the case.

Supported Video Outputs:
Component mode: YPrPB  NTSC/PAL
Formats: 1080i, 720p, 480p, 576p

Composite mode: S-Video, Composite  NTSC/PAL
Formats: 480i, 576i

The supported video outputs are on the card itself. I know this companies don't make all separate cards. They use the same card over again and adjust what is put on the card. I doubt they would remove the s-video. You should call Nvidia or one of the resellers. I am sure they will tell you about the same thing.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376

RE: Quadro FX 540


Dont worry about S-Video. Your standard RGB 15pin plug will give you much better image quality (provided your projector has a connection) than a s-video plug. If you do have to use a s-video make sure it uses a good quality cable. Try and use a doulble or tripple shielded cable with gold plated plugs. Can be quite expensive (50-100+$)

RE: Quadro FX 540

pdybeck

Sorry for taking so long to post this today.
I looked at the back of the card and there are 3 outputs there 1 each annalog, dvi, and it looks like s-video.

Hopefuly this clears anwers your question.

RE: Quadro FX 540

(OP)
Thanks rporter.

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