SPDIF Video out on my laptop/Can I connect it to my tv?

[noname]

Ive tried two different Gateway P2 laptops with SPDIF out into my new Panasonic tv, but it didnt work. Do I need a special cable for this? I used a standard RCA Video cable into the front input on the tele but I got no picture. Thanks for your help.

[ViperXT]

The SP/DIF output is not video. It is a digital sound output.

[noname]

Okay, that makes sense. The thing that I thought was an SPDIF out has a picture under it showing that it is for video out. What is it called and how do I use it?

[ViperXT]

Ok, does the jack look like a plug with a yellow colored inside or more like a PS/2 plug?

[noname]

Viper,

Its yellow, not PS/2 ish. I assumed it was just an RCA connection.

Thanks for your help man

[ViperXT]

Yep, that sounds like a composite video out. You may have to activate the video out from your display properties.

[TenaciousJP]

I have a question as well. My Dell Laptop has an outlet with a picture of a TV and an arrow pointing outwards. It looks PS2-ish. What kind of cable/cables do I need to view my laptop on TV. I also assume that I can output sound via a miniplug to RCA stereo, right?

-J.P.

[ViperXT]

Yes Tenacious you can output audio from your PC. Your video out on the laptop seems to be an S-video out. Go to your local radioshack and ask for the following:
stereo miniplug to dual female rca convertor
(plug a longer cable into the female ends)
s-video cable
****optional*****
If your TV has no s-video input you will need an "S-video to composite video convertor" and a composite video cable.

Also another tip: if you need to convert to composite video don't bother paying for a long s-video cable just convert the signal and send it through a longer composite cable.

You will probably need to play with your display settings to activate the TV out.
Hope this can help you out.

[TenaciousJP]

I actually tried using an S-Video cable. It doesn't seem to fit. Is there a difference between the kind you'd use for a DVD Player, and one for a laptop?

-J.P.

[ViperXT]

Actually some TV outs have a couple extra pins in their outputs. I assume you mean that it will not fit on the laptop end right? try a ps/2 device for fit. It may actually not be a TV out.

[jeg_jason]

Dear sir,

I hope that I can help you solve this problem once and for all. First thing that you need is a device call a vga scan converter. Your laptop should have a VGA port so that you can hook up to an external monitor, but please verify that it does and test it if you can. The port is where you plug your scan converter in. There are many kinds of scan converters but I suggest you get one that matches the maximum resolution of your laptop's screen (1024x780, 800x600, or 640x480), but keep in mind that your TV probably won't display over 640x480 without black borders unless it is an HDTV. Your safest bet is to get a scan converter that will let you let switch resolutions if you need to. As for audio, please make sure that your laptop has a headphone jack that works. The cable that you need is a mini-stereo to RCA left and right adapter cable. This item can be found at Walmart, Circuit City, Bestbuy, and Radioshack. Another suggestion is to go ahead and get a cheap wireless external mouse so you can use it as a "remote control." The port for this does look like S-video but it is not. This seems like a lot of trouble but the versatility that this offers is amazing. You will be able to watch Divx movies or anything else that you see on your laptop on your home televison.