Explanation time:
Consoles *GENERALLY* spit out CGA resolutions to the screen. These are 15KHz modes.
VGA monitors require 31KHz (VGA) or greater. Sometimes these are also called "progressive scan modes".
This refers to the fact that a lot of consoles use a 480 line mode (640x480) but interlace the picture (ie: draw the picture in 2 passes, drawing the odd lines on the first pass, and the even lines on the second pass). This is called "480i". This is a simple technique to draw higher resolutions to a low resolution screen. The end result however is half the vertical refresh rate (30Hz instead of 60Hz which results in "flickering") and often a picture that seems more blurred to the naked eye. (This is done at 15KHz horizontal scanrate)
"Progressive scan" is when all 480 lines are drawn in one pass, and referred to as "480p". Often this is done at a full 60Hz (ie: 60 frames per second) resulting in a flicker-free image that is higher resolution, and nice and crisp. Problem is, you need a device that can support this. (This is done at 31KHz horizontal scanrate)
This device:
http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?catego ... ts_id=4233&
will ONLY output VGA if and only if the game you are using supports progressive scan output over component cables.
Now... most modern consoles CAN spit out progressive scan modes. The kicker is that not all GAMES support these modes.
If the GAME you are using supports progressive scan, then you can select this feature and push it out through the "Progressive-Scan Component VGA Box" linked there on Lik-Sang. This will give an excellent quality image as Component is very clear, and you are merely transcoding a YUV signal to a RGB signal - no resolution change or upscanning occurs, and you will get a 1:1 quality of whatever is being spat out of your component lead.
If the GAME does not support progressive scan (which is the case for quite a few 2D shooters on PS2) then you need an UPSCAN CONVERTER:
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-86- ... 0-5w4.html
This device will do 1 of 2 things:
1) If the input signal is a low-res (around 320 lines) progressive scan signal, it will double each scanline and send the "upscanned" information at a higher rate to the VGA device.
2) If the input signal is a high-res (480 lines) interlaced signal, it will combine the two interlaced fields every into one single progressive field, and send it as two frames (ie: a higher rate) to the VGA device.
So "upscan" converters will work on any console. Be warned however that they can't magically make a picture look better. If you are using composite video output (the little yellow plug) from your console, the end result is often pretty blurred and ugly. Try to use a better quality output like S-Video or even component if your upscan converter will take it.
So which do you buy?
Well, both. (Or get the XRGB). The Lik-Sang unit will ONLY accept 31KHz inputs via component. The Hori unit will ONLY accept 15KHz inputs via composite, s-video or component. Neither will accept a different input, which kinda sucks.
Other options: Dell have a range of monitors out now (generally their 24" and up units) which have component inputs! These will take 15Khz all the way up to about 50KHz (for higher modes like 720p and up) directly. No scan converters or YUV->RGB converters necessary. The only bummer is the upfront cost.
For me personally, I only play on low-res RGB monitors using RGB/SCART cable hacks. I don't like the look of LCD monitors at all. Yes they are nice and small and light, but I'm not willing to sacrifice visuals for convenience. Call me old fashioned.
