Apple Mini-DVI to Video Adapter

[trev]

i.e. this thing:

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APP.../wo/StoreReentry.wo?productLearnMore=M9319G/A


I'm a bit confused because the current configuration I have right now (which just broke) requires me to go from mini-DV to VGA... then VGA to this little magic box which must be plugged in to convert the signal or something of the sorts and then it goes to TV out.

Basically, I my question is, why does the apple adapter not required to be plugged in?

 

[matticus008]

You don't need a D/A converter if the computer is outputting the proper signal.

The only reason your box needs to be plugged in is because it takes a dumb source and converts it using an onboard chip, which needs to be powered somehow. The Apple adapter does not need to do this, because it's an adapter and not a converter.