Laptop to HDTV hookup for Best Resolution?

[blackdog69]

I use Windows Vista, Home edition and I have a new HP DV2700 laptop, and I want to purchase a Samsung LN32a550 HDTV, 1080P. This tv has HDMI, S Video, Component, and a PC Input (D sub). I want to use the TV as my main monitor.

My laptop has a VGA 15 pin connector. It does not have DVI or HDMI.

The sales person at Bestbuy told me I will get ultimate resolution from a direct VGA cable from the laptop to the HDTV, because the 1080p TV will allow that. I think I wouid use the PC Input on the TV.

I have read that VGA does not put out the higher resolutions and I need DVI or HDMI outputs on my laptop?

However, the sales man said no, the newer VGA in my laptop, coupled with a 1080p HDTV is all I need?

I have seen USB to DVI external adapters and all kinds of other gadgets to convert a USB port to a digiatal format.

Please explain. Will I get a great HD picture from my VGA output of the laptop.

[b]

[edDV]

Check your manual. The supported VGA resolutions should be listed. The Samsung "Just Scan" mode should support 1920x1080 60Hz. or less.

You also should have the option to use 720p or 1080i analog component off the TV port.

I described a similar Compaq laptop connection in this thread.
https://forum.videohelp.com/topic344750.html

[redwudz]

VGA is a analog output. So is S-Video, component and composite. HDMI, DVI are digital outputs. That's just for background info. I would use the VGA if your main object is to use the HDTV for a computer monitor. If you wanted to play Blu-ray or HDCP compliant videos from the laptop, then HDMI would be the better choice if your laptop and TV is HDCP compliant. I use HDMI on my projector and it works fine for computer use or HD videos.

HDCP: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDCP

[edDV]

Some HP DV2700 models have HDMI. blackdog69 says his doesn't.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_s...ies&aoid=35252

[redwudz]

Some HP DV2700 models have HDMI. blackdog69 says his doesn't.

Correct. I misread his post.

I use VGA with my older Sony projector from my Mini-ITX HTPC and it works very well. S-Video made the computer text unreadable when projected.

[blackdog69]

Thanks for everyone's reply. Very helpful.

Please understand I plan to use my new 32" HDTV as a monitor only, and rarely for DVD or other heavy use. I was told that my VGA output, to the TV PC sub input, will give the best resolution, and that HDMI, Component, or other methods will not assist resolution for typical monitor type use. I assume these connections are used for DVD playing, etc.

So, with your blessing, should I be content with a my VGA output for noraml monitor use?

Thanks again.

I could not locate my video vga port specs?

[edDV]

Since your laptop only offers VGA and analog component out, you should use VGA as described in my ref above except you would attempt 1920x1080p 60Hz.

DVI-D to HDMI would also work for computers with DVI-D out.

[blackdog69]

Two moe questions.
Audio--I assume I will not get audio from any of the video outputs, such as VGA. I do see mini type jack outputs on my laptop, one mic and two headphone. Will I need another cable from the headphone jacks to the tv?

Also, I have been reading about vga to component cables, and lately USB to DVI cables with a box. Is this worth pursuing?

[redwudz]

You will likely need one of these:



Those are commonly available. That one has female RCA jacks, but you can get one with male or just plug in an RCA stereo cable for the length you need.

If you are starting with VGA from the laptop, you will likely get the best quality hooking that to the TV. Converting it to other formats may just get you a worse quality picture.

[edDV]

Also, I have been reading about vga to component cables, and lately USB to DVI cables with a box. Is this worth pursuing?

Where are you reading about vga to component cables?

VGA is RGBHV H=horiz sync. V=vert sync. Component is Y Pb Pr.

There would need to be electronics in that "cable" to make that conversion. It's most likely a non-standard cable for a proprietary device.

USB to DVI (with a box) means the box contains a video display card chipset. Read the specs and reviews to see what it does.

[blackdog69]

vga to component cables are common? But do they help?

see http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=202749834&listingid=9658092&dcaid=17902

[edDV]

It seems to be for an Xbox360. It is a non-standard cable.
http://forum.gefen.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1990

I'd assume the HP laptop uses a standard VGA cable unless HP says different.

Did you read my thread about analog component?
My similar Compaq uses one of these.



BTW: We recommended you use VGA to the TV VGA PC connector. Didn't that work?

[redwudz]

Not sure if you are responding to my post, but VGA to component cables are not common. Just a few video cards have a connector with more than one output. Some ATI cards can output component with a proprietary adapter. But generally, VGA is just VGA. With a laptop, check with the company that made it. They should be able to tell you the capabilities of the internal video card.

[blackdog69]

I have not tried anthing yet...my tv ordered today from abes of maine.

[edDV]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGA
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VESA_Display_Data_Channel

[blackdog69]

Anyone play with the usb to dvi boxes that sale for only $80 I heard they are good for slow work, but not graphics? But it converts a usb port into a dvi, and then a $4 hdmi adapter allows you to plug into a HDTV hdmi port.

http://www.usbgear.com/USBG-DVI2.html