[NTLUG:Discuss] OT: Video Cardsa and TV Out

[Chris Cox]

Kevin Hulse wrote:
> Are there any special considerations to using the NTSC output besides using a conformant display resolution? I'd like to build a headless server box and I don't have any monitors laying about. I'd like to use the living room TV as a console display during a Debian Sarge install and then just shove the box in some dark corner.
>  
> I'm an old Atari user, so the prospect of a TV-as-monitor doesn't really bother me.
> 
> I have yet to build the box, so I am open to vidcard suggestions. I really only need the cheapest thing avaliable that can display NTSC under Linux running textmode.
> 

It actually might be cheaper to purchase a cheap VGA monitor.
The output from 99% (mabye 100%) of all "cheap" cards with video out is so
poor, that it's unreadable even with text mode at 640x480.  Well..
it's barely readable anyways.  Perhaps you'll be satisified... but
it still will be cheaper to get a VGA monitor (IMHO).

(as strange as this may sound)

If you have another machine, might be wise to consider a serial
based console solution... just an idea.

Somebody can feel free to offer up a good suggestion... I just
haven't seen anything.  Perhaps there was some old card (used market)
that is cheap and does a good job.