How to turn Mac's 24-inch LCD monitor into a video screen for DVD or
VCR without going through computer?

Hello waremblem-ga, and thanks for using Google Answers!

Since a computer outputs information totally differently to a DVD or
Video, you will require a special converter box.  Normally this would
simply be a case of getting a converter patch-lead and plugging it in,
however the Apple LCD monitors are all 'DVI' (Digital Video Interface)
devices which require a digital signal to display information.  This
means that most patch-lead systems will not work.

In the light of this, the only system that is viable is a Video/DVD ->
Box -> Monitor system.  Unfortunately, they all output a 'VGA'
analogue signal.

However, there are VGA to DVI converters available.  Since you are not
piggy-backing cables, they can be used with the box systems.  While
they will not provide the same quality as a true digital signal, they
will give you an acceptable viewing experience.

After doing some searching I found a box that would take various
inputs, including Playstation, DVD and Video and output them to a
computer monitor.

[ http://www.gamars.com.tw/E-Zi-San/E-html/e-product-mv888.html ]

This is the Gamaars MV-888 V-BOX (Or The V-Box for short)

Supports Composite Video, S-Video and VGA Input  (Most standards used
internationally)
Outputs to VGA MONITOR -- Note, you might need to get an extra
VGA-to-DVI converter...

There is a review of the V-Box here:
[ http://computertimes.asia1.com.sg/v20010822/revw04.shtml ]

Another product is the SMARTv Box:
[ http://www.amegroup.com.au/tvbox.html ]
This allows you to view TV on an LCD monitor without needing to turn
on the PC.  However, it specifies a Component Video input, and I
strongly suspect the Apple product is a DVi interface.  However, it is
worth checking out, just in case.  I could not find a review of this
product.

You can buy these, or very similar products at these places (Various
locations around the world, hopefully there should be one near you):
[ http://www3.goldenshop.com.hk/AI-trad/pc/m_vgabox.htm ]
[ http://www.gamestech.com/pc_accessories_info/miscellaneous/v_box/accessories.htm
]
[ http://www.kanection.co.uk/page5.htm ]

They typically cost around $50

Now, since these products all output to a VGA signal, you need a VGA
to DVI signal converter.  This will transfer the normal CRT monitor
signal to a special Digital signal that can be understood by your
monitor.

There are several different products, again I am supplying links to
several so you can have a look at which you prefer.  Prices range from
just $8 to over $70, depending on the features.

[ http://www.cablesgroup.com/view_spec.asp?partno=10441 ]
[ http://www.gefen.com/products/extendit/new_kvm_usb_extenders_switches/vga_to_dvi/index.html
]
[ http://shop.store.yahoo.com/colorcase-store/vgatodviad24.html ]
[ http://www.si87.com/digital_cables/digitalcables.html ]
[ http://www.lindy.com/english/framesetkat.jsp?docId=44BDA ]


To summarise:

You need a system to convert from the DVD, Video or similar into a
computer video signal.
You need to convert from the analogue computer video signal to the
digital video signal the Apple LCD panel uses.

Google searches used:
TV on LCD
TV on Monitor
s-video to VGA
V-Box
VGA to DVI converter
VGA to DVI

Thank you for using Google Answers!

LazerFX-GA

No offense, but that answer is not correct. The Apple flat-panel
monitors don't have a DVI connector; rather they use a proprietary
connector called ADC, which carries power, USB and DV signals.

That being the case, you still need the composite-to-VGA connector,
which then goes to a VGA-to-ADC converter. Gefen makes one, available
here:

http://www.gefen.com/products/extendit/new_kvm_usb_extenders_switches/vga_to_adc/index.html

It is $400. And summarize is spelled with a "z"

Crandall:

"Summarise" is spelled with an "s" in the United Kingdom, which is where Lazer is.

missy-ga

My comment about the spelling was out of line. Sorry about that! 

-Crandall1

I am most grateful to you all and very impressed with the answers. 
This is a brave new world of human interactions.  Google Answers is a
great idea.  Thank yo so much for your generous advice.

To be fair, the ADC connector from what I have read is merely a
modified DVI connector, and several sites indicated that it is
compatible with the ordinary DVI standards.

Also, waremblem specified a 24" LCD screen, which is one of the older
Apple TFT screens, which did use the DVI.  The new standard has a 23",
but not a 24".  Therefore, in this situation, it was a reasonable
guess that there would be either a digital or an analogue DVI
connection on the back of the monitor.

If I got it wrong, then I'm very sorry... however based on the
research I did the DVI connector was the most possible way to go.