Is it possible and viable to convert a digital signal to VGA?

[thesuperguy]

I'm in quite the predicament. I recently scored a work at home data entry job for the summer and I was hoping to buy a second monitor to accompany my current one. The only thing is, I would like to buy the same model of monitor to make my setup look more seamless, but the model of monitor I want to repurchase only supports VGA in. The problem is, my graphics card only has a single DVI connector (which I already have converted to VGA for my first monitor) as well as an HDMI and 2 Displayports. In case it has not become apparent yet, digital does not convert very nicely to analog and converters themselves can go for 30 to hundreds of bucks while also visibly reducing image quality in comparison to native VGA.

I'm just wondering if there might be other options I could take, or if I'm just fantasizing?

 

[oskerw]

I would purchase a monitor that accepts a digital input (DVI, HDMI, displayport) and use it as the monitor you do most of your work on for now, then perhaps upgrade your current monitor in the future. The difference was noticeable when I switched from VGA to DVI. I imagine a monitor that only supports analog input must be fairly old anyways. I use two monitors that are both different size and resolution; I'm not too bothered by it.

 

[Emerald]

HDMI to VGA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2PY1EH6390&cm_re=hdmi_to_vga_adapter-_-1DG-0024-00003-_-Product

DP to VGA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812423001&cm_re=dp_to_vga-_-12-423-001-_-Product

 

[thesuperguy]

I would purchase a monitor that accepts a digital input (DVI, HDMI, displayport) and use it as the monitor you do most of your work on for now, then perhaps upgrade your current monitor in the future. The difference was noticeable when I switched from VGA to DVI. I imagine a monitor that only supports analog input must be fairly old anyways. I use two monitors that are both different size and resolution; I'm not too bothered by it.

You'd be surprised. This monitor is at most 2 years old and I only bought it a year ago as a budget solution. Other than its limited features, it looks fine. The problem with different size/resolution monitors is that windows (I primarily need the dual monitors to allow for extended excel views) don't properly stretch across. This is especially apparent if the screens are at different heights. I used to use a laughable laptop screen/old 4:3 ratio monitor combo and until I upgraded to a gaming PC.

@Emerald: Is it possible that image quality can be reduced by using those adapters?