TV out?

[soneman]

Hi, I just bought a Laptop with a Via Chrome9 HC IGP graphics chip. I was just wondering whether or not I can connect a TV to it?

Because I can't see any S-Video port on the Laptop - only a VGA port. I've heard of graphic chips that support TV-Out via the VGA port. The S3 tray software only shows the LCD (Laptop screen) and an external CRT monitor (which is disabled at the moment).

I was wondering if it's possible for me to connect a VGA to S-Video cable to the VGA port of this graphics chip and be able to duplicate what I see on my Laptop screen on the TV?

I read somewhere on the Via website that some models of this chip do support TV-Out but I just wanted this confirmed before I go out and buy me a VGA to S-Video adapter cable.

I would appreciate any help on this.

I figured that I might get some replies here seeing as this forum deals with TV-Out issues but apologies if this thread has been posted in the wrong place.

[jagabo]

Those VGA to s-video cables only work if your computer already has s-video out at the VGA connector. You should check your manual or with the manufacturer.

If your laptop doesn't have TV out capability you'll need a VGA to TV scan converter.

http://www.commspecial.com/bguide.htm

They range from about US$50 to US$2000.

[soneman]

So what would something like this do then?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Premium-VGA-to-S-Video-RCA-TV-Adapter-PC-To-TV-UK_W0QQitemZ32011...QQcmdZViewItem

Will that cable work?

I've seen one of those PC Video to TV Video signal converters. They cost upwards of £40. I was hoping that I could get something under £10 to get the TV output.

If it's gonna cost me an arm and a leg to get the TV output then I suppose I will just have to give it a miss.

EDIT: Most newer Laptops don't come with the S-Video port built-in anymore. But the graphics chip itself is more advanced than older graphics chips which have the S-Video port built-in.

If most Laptops nowadays don't have the S-Video built-in, then to me, that means that some of them if not most of them must support some form of TV output.

[jagabo]

Did you see this part:

"It will work with VGA cards that has TV-Out function capability through the VGA connector."

VGA ports usually do not include s-video or component. That's why I suggested you check your manual or check with the manufacturer to see if your model supports it.

On the other hand, the cable only costs a few pounds. You might just buy one and try it.

[soneman]

Did you see this part:

"It will work with VGA cards that has TV-Out function capability through the VGA connector."

VGA ports usually do not include s-video or component. That's why I suggested you check your manual or check with the manufacturer to see if your model supports it.

I didn't see this part of the post when I submitted my post. You must have edited it.

Manual doesn't say much, the manufacturer could be a bit difficult to get ahold of. The Laptop in question is a Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Li 1705.

[jagabo]

That was a quote from the ebay listing you linked to.

[edDV]

VGA out does not usually have S-Video on the pins. That cable is for a non-standard pinout from some odd device that may exist. To find out check your manual for TV out and where they may have put it.

EBay listings like this that don't reference compatible devices are designed to snare people like you who won't read their manual.

[soneman]

Quick start guide:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OK3JQSR4

Manual:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5IXMD5N9

No mention of a TV-Out function.

I'm starting to wonder if there are any graphic cards at all that only support TV-Out through the VGA port. TV-Out can only come through a S-Video port, right?

Doesn't explain why there are lots of those VGA to S-Video adapter cables available though.

[jagabo]

I'm starting to wonder if there are any graphic cards at all that only support TV-Out through the VGA port. TV-Out can only come through a S-Video port, right?

No, there are unused pins on a VGA port (especially on very old cards, before the monitor ID pins were defined). Those could be used to carry the s-video signals.