computer set up help?

Question

i want to use my TV screen as my monitor. ive found thats possible with a certain wire... but can i have details please?

thanks so much!

Answer 1

Hiya G021491,
Most laptops and desktops have a round S-Video port on the rear next to the VGA or DVI port. You can use either the VGA or the S-Video to put the computer screen display on the TV and use it as a monitor. If you are unconcerned with the sound output then use the S-Video because most TVs already have an S-Video input but no VGA.

Once you locate an S-Video cable and connect it to the S-Video on both units, you would turn on the TV and change the INPUT selection to S-Video. If you do not see this selection, consult the manual as it may be listed as INPUT 1, INPUT A or something similar.
Boot up the computer and once in Windows, open the CONTROL PANEL. Click and open DISPLAY, then click on the SETTINGS tab at the top of the properties applet.
You should see 2 monitors in the window and one should be grayed out. Right click on this monitor and select ATTACHED, and then click OK. If the cables are attached and the Input on the TV is correct then it will come to life and display exactly what you see on the laptop screen.

Alternatively, and especially with TVs that have no S-Video input you can also use either an RCA type composite adapter or a VGA to HDMI converter (if your TV is High Def). These can be purchased online or at some high end computer or A/V retailers but S-Video is the easiest and cheapest solution with what you have. Once you are up and running it would be a good idea to change the resolution in display settings on the laptop to 1024 x 768 which is close the the TV's LCD native resolution listed in the manual (many are 1366 x 768). Sometimes you will not be able to get an exact match but certainly close. If the native resolution is impossible to match you can expect a black unused strip along the top and bottom of the screen. I would leave this alone perminently but if it is bothersome you could adjust the TV to stretch the display vertically to fill the area. This would cause the computer display on the TV to look as if it was a bit stretched taller.

If you need further info e-mail me from my profile and I will help.


GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 2

As a rule you can do it with an "S Video" cable, looks similar to a PS2 cable, but you're video card must support it.

Pretty cool when you get it going though...:)