Using IIgs with VGA monitor - how to go?

["Volkmar Friauf" <vf@apple2.com>]

Hi everyone,

recently, picture quality of my IIgs Color monitor is degrading rapidly, so
I've been looking for an alternative. Since I have a fine VGA display for
my PC, I am looking for a way how to use that display with my IIgs
(possibly with a monitor switch so I easily switch between IIgs and PC).

I have thought about trying a SecondSight VGA, but first they are not easy
to come across ;) , and second, I believe that this wouldn't be a good
solution for long, because of possible crashes and incompatibilities.

So what is there else? Google told me that I could either use a "V-Box",
and converte the IIgs' composite video output to VGA. Or, I could use a
scan rate converter to convert the 15.7kHz HSYNC analog RGB signal to VGA's
minimum 31kHz.

The composite way would be much easier and cheaper, since such a V-Box is
available for about US$50, and I could use it off the shelf. On the other
hand, I fear that the result might be a mushy picture. Is that true?

A scan rate converter such as the X-RGB 2+ is promosing sharper pictures,
but for a much higher price: the X-RGB 2+ seems to go for about US$250,
*plus* I would have to rig up a proper DB15-RGB to Japanese SCART cable. Is
it worth the hassle?

Which way to go? What are your experiences?

Regards,
Volkmar