VGA vs HDMI...?

[TklDuo-Ann]

(I've posted this in the tech section but thought I'd cross post it here in case someone who doesn't check that section might know something.)

OK, so here's the deal. I have a laptop with VGA cable output and a TV with HDMI cable input. I've been searching for a cable and/or adapter so that I can use my TV as an alternate monitor for playing videos, etc. Anyone know if such a thing exists that actually works? I've seen things advertized. But I've also seen sites that say they don't really work.

 

[Babbles]

Well, is there another Geek in the House?

<a href="http://www.glitter-graphics.com"><img src="http://dl10.glitter-graphics.net/pub/346/346630etcntza9xv.jpg" width=360 height=480 border=0></a>

 

[asutickler]

VGA is the old-school analog format for monitors, whereas HDMI carries both high-def digital video and audio signals. I peeked around, and the VGA to HDMI cables only seem to work in limited circumstances. Mostly, they seem to require your video output device (video card or etc.) to support digital output via the VGA port. I confess to having no idea what that is nor how common it is, since I've never tried it.

I also found some full-on signal converters, which are probably a lot better... Naturally, they're also a lot more expensive. For example:

http://www.buy.com/prod/atlona-video-scaler-usb/q/sellerid/14479157/loc/111/214871589.html

 

[venray]

I tossed a link up in the tech section for you to look at as well..

 

[TklDuo-Ann]

Thanks, y'all. Pretty much what I found as well.

 

[His Divine Shadow]

Are you certain this HDTV doesn't have any other kind of input option? If it has an analog input (like component), you could send VGA to it that way and skip some expense.

 

[tickledorange]

Our TV has a VGA input, yours might have one too. It looks like the input for the desktop monitors. Ryan likes to use it as a giant computer monitor to annoy the hell out of me.

 

[TklDuo-Ann]

No VGA. I've checked both the TV and the manual. I have the HDMI and some unused input hookups for triple plugs...the red/white/yellow ones. But, I'd been told that wasn't an option. If it is, then I can probably find that cable more easily.

Edit: I also have hookups that will take this cable. But, I haven't been able to find out if my VGA card supports TV output. It's cheap enough that I might give it a shot anyway, though.

 

[His Divine Shadow]

What the heck is "TV Out?" It's an analog signal; there isn't any special conditioning to make it suitable for TV. I don't know why they seem to think a graphics card needs some special TV out mode. Load of cat dookie. That converter should work just fine.

 

[TklDuo-Ann]

We shall see. I ordered it this morning. It's only 6 bucks. So, I'm not out much if it doesn't work. It won't be HD quality. But, that's cool for now.