display DVD played on a laptop onto a TV screen?

[jjoneskaty44]

I am going on a trip and was curious if you can connect a laptop to a TV screen to view DVD's played on the laptop. I'm sure there must be a way, but what all is involved?

[tekkieman]

Some laptops have a composite video out (rca jack). If yours has one, use that to connect to the tv, and then you generally need to switch your disply to that port (fn + some key combination). If not, you can get a vga to ntsc converter at most computer stores and use it that way.

[jjoneskaty44]

thanks, i appreciate the quick reply. Now, how would I go about finding out how to change the display to that port if I go that route? And if i go the other alternative, would that vga converter cost very much?

[b_n83]

You will find all info on how to go about this in the following post:-

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=223549&highlight=

Hope this helps!

[tekkieman]

vga to ntsc converters typically run around $79-$99. You could probably find better with a web search. To switch to an external video port ( you would need to do this with either option), look at your top row of keys (F keys) most laptops have a picture that looks like two monitors with something like a / between them. They are also usually in a different color. Whatever color they are, you should also have another key that color. It would be something like a Fn key, or could even be an alt, ctrl, or some other key. Hold that key down, and hit the key with the monitor on it. Some units will be one hit = internal and external display, two hits external only, or something similar. Some newer notebooks also have software applications to handle switching. If you could provide a make and model of the notebook, it might help.

[jjoneskaty44]

I have now connected the laptop and TV with an RCA jack and went in to the display settings and changed it to TV, but about 15-20 seconds after it switches to TV, it will revert back to the laptop screen. It won't stay on TV. The computer is a Toshiba with Win XP and the video card is Trident.

[mats.hogberg]

Could it be the usual "do you wish to keep these settings" message box that has to be confirmed within 15 seconds, when you change display properties?

/Mats