Using TV for a monitor

[pballfreak34]

I have a computer with Windows XP and an integrated video card, I have a HDTV with HDMI imput, I bought a VGA to HDMI convertor and a HDMI to HDMI cord so I could commect my computer to my TV, but to no prevail, when I plug it in, nothing happens, the TV remains dark, just saying 'Digital-In' any suggestions, do i need a video card? the TV supports 1080i and 480p

[BetaMaster]

I'm just guessing here, but most computers have to be able to talk back and forth to the monitor in order to determine things like maximum resolution and other proper settings. When I used my old computer with just a composite cable from my ATI all-in-wonder, it used to take my Launchpad (ATI's video control program) about 15 minutes to pop up on the screen. However, when I attached a monitor as well, Launchpad came up straight away.

My guess is that without a "real" monitor, your computer thinks there is no monitor attached and isn't feeding any signal to the VGA output. Does your computer otherwise seem to go through the startup process to where a Windows screen appears?

I just thought of something else - HDMI is designed for both audio and video signal (one less cord). It could be getting confused that there is no audio signal coming through.

[redwudz]

Yes, just plugging it in is unlikely to get results. You should go into your video card adjustments: Control Panel>Display>Settings. If it's communicating, you should see two monitor icons. You should have a 'Advanced' button or similar to set up the second display. You likely will have to do this through you main monitor. Check for 'Overlay' settings. You really need the manual for your motherboard or your video card to do this.

It would help to have your motherboard make/model or your video card make/model, if it's separate, and the same for your TV. Someone here has likely set up a similar system.

[edDV]

Is your goal to use this as a computer monitor or as a TV display?

Model numbers of the TV and display card will help.

I have mine hooked up S-Video, VGA to VGA (Powerstrip software 1080i, 540p, 480p) and analog component via ATI HDTV Y, Pr, Pb adapter.

Start with 640x480 60Hz. refresh. That usually works for standard computer output.

[pballfreak34]

thanks for all the help the TV is a Panasonic PT-WX53G. The computer is a HP a810n, I only upgraded the harddrive and ram, so it has the origonal SiS 760 integrated video card.

[edDV]

This spec
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_PT_56WX53___projection_TV___56_/4507-6485_7-30548047.html?tag=sub

Shows ~850 lines horizontal resolution. This isn't much for computer text but fine for DVD, video formatted text, etc. There is no mention of computer resolution support. Check your manual.

Interface options:

S-video for 800x600 desktop will display scaled to approx 500-640x480

Try 640x480 and 60 Hz refresh with existing card to HDMI. It may work.
Powerstrip software may work at 1080i, 540p or 480p but you risk damaging the set with bad scan or refresh rates. In any case you won't get a display resolution better than the tubes ~850x600 limitation.

Get an ATI card that works with the component analog HDTV adapter (e.g. 9550 Radeon and up) and hook it up component analog. The following resolutions should work but mileage will vary by TV.

480p (720x480)
A 800x600 desktop would be displayed scaled or masked to 720x480
Square pixels will be stretched wide in aspect.

540p (single field 1080i) would display ~800x600 progressive.
Text will be tiny blurs unless zoomed.

1080i (1920x1080i) would display ~800x600 interlaced
Text will be tiny blurs unless zoomed.

Added: to get the ATI HD Adapter set up, you need a dual head card or a second display card with a standard computer display monitor attached. Some people complain that their machine won't boot unless a separate computer monitor is attached.

[pballfreak34]

nothering has worked, ive decided to give up an this ebdevor for now, im gonna save up and get an all-in-wonder card from ATI, then I'll try again, until then, ill have to stick to 19 inches, thanx for all the help

[edDV]

S-Video should work.

[pballfreak34]

I dont have S Video, I have a VGA to HDMI adaptor, and a HDMI cord, neither of which Radio Shack will take back, beacause I threw away the packing... so i have $50 worth of cord and nothing to do with it, any more suggestions would be great, keeping in mind that my card is very limited and that i can only do HDMI imput

[edDV]

Something doesn't add up, or I've missed something.

VGA is analog RGBHV

DVI-I contains both DVI-D digital pins and VGA analog pins allowing a DVI-I to DVI-D and VGA breakout Y cable and even dual monitor support.

DVI-D contains only the digital pins.

HDMI contains the DVI-D pins plus digital audio plus control (all digital) but does not include VGA analog capability.

If I'm right on that, how can you have a VGA to HDMI adapter? I'll go look at the Radio Shack site.

Added: Can't find it. Tell me what you bought.

[MOVIEGEEK]

I agree with edDV,I would buy an ATI 9550 or better PCI card and the ATI DVI->Component adapter($30USD).If your TV has DVI or VGA inputs use that instead:
www.techlore.com/article/10061/
ATI 9550 or better have VGA,DVI and S-Video outputs.
Picture quality from best to worst using this connector:
1.DVI/HDMI
2.VGA
3.Component
4.S-Video
5.Composite

[pballfreak34]

ok, i FINALLY know what im doing... i just need to buy a video card, im looking for something cheap, ive been looking around ebay and stuff and dont want to go over $75 (yeh im cheap) what should i get, i want ATI, and i want to be able to play demanding games like halo, doom, and battlefeild 2

[ROF]

I've installed two of these Radeon 9550's for your price range. Great cards which do not suck alot of juice or throw off a tremendous amount of heat like others in it's class.

[edDV]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Submit=Go&DEPA=0&type=&description=Radeo...&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

Look for a card with some support if you need it. Avoid OEM cards in that case.

[MOVIEGEEK]

Since pballfreak34 PC has onboard graphics I doubt it has an AGP port,look on the motherboard for a brown port(could be black) about 4" long.The AGP port is the one closest to the top and is recessed about 2" from the side,PCI ports are usually white and sit next to the edge.
If you have no AGP port then I recommend this videocard:
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814131411

[edDV]

Since pballfreak34 PC has onboard graphics I doubt it has an AGP port,look on the motherboard for a brown port(could be black) about 4" long.The AGP port is the one closest to the top and is recessed about 2" from the side,PCI ports are usually white and sit next to the edge.
If you have no AGP port then I recommend this videocard:
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814131411

Good point. The only problem with the 9250 is it won't work with the HDTV component adapter. You would need a DVI-I to HDMI solution.