Help connecting Xbox 360 to LCD Monitor?

How can I connect my Xbox 360 to my LCD monitor that has VGA and DVI inputs?

• Well I just bought a LCD monitor and it contains both a VGA input as well as DVI. Now I know DVI is better and would like to connect the Xbox 360 via that input. However, I have done some reasearch and it appears that the Xbox 360 does not support this. Some have said just simply get an HDMI/DVI cable however, I don't see any HDMI female jack on the Xbox 360 so I am confused as to why they would suggest that. But anyway, I need to know of a cheap solution that I could connect my Xbox 360 via DVI to my monitor (if there is a way). If not, then how would I via VGA? I know there is a cable microsoft produces that comes with the VGA cable but that is $40. Is there a cheaper way? Thanks

• Answer:

  Just so you know, DVI is not necessarily better. There are 3 types of DVI: DVI-I, DVI-D and DVI-A. DVI-I being the best of the DVI inputs. DVI-I is basically able to transmit either a digital or analog signal, where as DVI-D and DVI-A and digital only or analog only respectively. Having said that, you would not benefit from using the DVI connection. The 360 outputs analog thru the VGA. You can if you choose get 360 VGA cable and a VGA to DVI adapter, but like I said you would not benefit from it and it will cost extra. I would just stick with the VGA cable only. You can still do up to 1920x1080 thru the VGA on a 360, so you will be good to go. The reason I say there is no benefit is because your getting an analog signal from the 360, you will want to take that and shoot it right into the monitor ASAP. Whether you use the DVI or VGA connection, the TV still has to convert it back to the digital realm. Using an adapter may or may not hinder your picture quality, but the less you have between the 360 and TV the better, and in this case will be cheaper for you. The microsoft cable is just fine, there are other makers of VGA cables that are cheaper then 40 for the 360, but it is a user preference whether to use 3rd party ones.