WTD: Media player with VGA port.

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Forums › Offers and Wanted › WTD: Media player with VGA port.

kiwibum

114 posts

Master Geek

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#304198 12-Apr-2023 21:28

Looking for an old media play with VGA port so I can make better use of an old LCD projector and get a bit more life out of it. I know I can use an old laptop but would prefer something specifcally designed for media playing with a remote, will mainly be used for watching movies and looking at photos.

I'm based in Tauranga if that makes any difference.

Huntakillaz

268 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3062079 12-Apr-2023 22:55

Get this remote and turn any pc/laptop into a media player?

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=77&topicid=304191

nova

250 posts

Master Geek

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#3062080 12-Apr-2023 23:15

Would something like this do the trick?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32956384878.html

I don't have one or have any idea how well it works but it seems like a fairly cheap option. Otherwise maybe an HDMI to VGA cable would work and expand your options for a media player.

Huntakillaz

268 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3062085 13-Apr-2023 01:26

Yea depends if its a 720/1080p screen or not, if not probably need something thats 4k/1440p capable

kiwibum

114 posts

Master Geek

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#3062099 13-Apr-2023 08:19

Thank you for the ideas. Projector is only 720p but good enough for the old DVDs we have etc. Hadn't considered a HDMI to VGA cable. That remote reminds me I have an infra-red to USB receiver I could put on an old laptop I have and set up a remote with that.

That Aliexpess player was the type of thing I was thinking of, I prefer to reuse than buy new stuff if I can, hence asking here to see if anyone had a unit not being used any more.

So much IT equipment is thrown out that is still usable that I find it difficult to convince myself to buy new when reusing something older will do the job. The projector is a good example, it still works and has hours left on the bulb so I thought rather than biff it we could reuse for the odd time we want to watch something on a larger screen like we did at our previous place.

esawers

551 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3063100 13-Apr-2023 09:30

I possibly have a branded version of the aliexpress, but it would be from 2005-ish

Also might have a 2.5"hdd size media player from 2010-ish

Can look later if you are interested.

kiwibum

114 posts

Master Geek

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#3063106 13-Apr-2023 10:08

esawers:

I possibly have a branded version of the aliexpress, but it would be from 2005-ish

Also might have a 2.5"hdd size media player from 2010-ish

Can look later if you are interested.

Thank you, have sent you a PM.

richms

28168 posts

Uber Geek

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#3063176 13-Apr-2023 11:38

The codec support on older players will mean that you can't play many things you download now days without messing around converting things on a PC first to an older codec like h264

I would just get a HDMI to VGA box or cable and use a current player. That also would allow you to plug in games consoles etc to the projector.

Richard rich.ms

Equinox IT

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kiwibum

114 posts

Master Geek

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#3063237 13-Apr-2023 13:40

That is a good point, hadn't consider that, thank you. I will keep codec in mind when looking, don't have games consoles so that isn't an issue.

richms:

The codec support on older players will mean that you can't play many things you download now days without messing around converting things on a PC first to an older codec like h264

I would just get a HDMI to VGA box or cable and use a current player. That also would allow you to plug in games consoles etc to the projector.

toejam316

1466 posts

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#3063250 13-Apr-2023 14:45

Definitely think the path of least resistance is a device like https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/ADPUNI2011/Unitek-Y-6333-HDMI-to-VGA-Converter-with-Audio-out and some sort of SBC computer or Android TV device. Just be aware that no matter what you're using, you'll also run into issues with HDMI-CEC compliance using official resources like streaming services, etc. without stripping HDCP, which seems to be a secondary function of some HDMI splitters. As long as you're using it to watch home movies and DVDs you should be okay, but if you want to watch Netflix, etc. you'll need to pick up an HDCP stripping HDMI splitter, which are pretty cheap on Aliexpress and the like.

Anything I say is the ramblings of an ill informed, opinionated so-and-so, and not representative of any of my past, present or future employers, and is also probably best disregarded.

Rickles

2933 posts

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#3063273 13-Apr-2023 16:02

Something like this?

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/electronics-photography/home-audio/home-theatre/listing/4080217699?bof=cGl4IdL5