Tv

[markyboy.1967]

Just a quick question- my large tv has a USB and VGA connection, is it just a matter of connecting the USB etc to a laptp to view films etc on the tv which are stored on the laptop or is there more to it.

 

[Ploddles]

No, you need to connect it via the VGA. The usb is probably for viewing pictures on a memory stick.

 

[neil_g]

VGA will not transmit sound however so youll need to find a connector on your TV that will take sound input.

 

[AndyB1976]

The VGA lead won't carry audio either, so you'll need to use the laptop for sound or find a suitable audio input on the tv that the laptop can output to.


Andy

*edit* as Neil says ;-)

 

[markyboy.1967]

So is there an easy way of doing this? The laptop is on XP.The tv does have loads of connections but not sure what they are yet.

 

[AndyB1976]

You would need to confirm that you have some form of audio in port described on the back of the tv beside the VGA port.

If you do, I reckon a 3.5mm to 3.5mm lead similar to below should do the job, assuming the headphone socket on the laptop is sending sound out ok.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/3-5mm-Stereo-Jack-Plug-1-2M/dp/B00077DC3S

 

[neil_g]

usually if theres a vga input theres also a 3.5mm audio input

 

[markyboy.1967]

Will have a look shortly--its still in its box for christmas...

 

[AndyB1976]

Often you will need to use a Function key sequence to output the video over the VGA.


Typically, the Function key sequence will cycle through video output options such as

LCD (laptop screen only)

VGA (port on back leading to screen, projector etc)

LCD + VGA (output both simultaneously)

 

[markyboy.1967]

The tv has the audio input near the VGA input so all i need now is a VGA to VGA cable and an audio cable--i think

I also noticed i can buy a VGA to HDMI cable--would i be gaining any better picture quality by using the HDMI inputs on the tv?

 

[neil_g]

VGA to HDMI is analogue to digital, a simple lead will not work. a proper converter box may however.

 

[markyboy.1967]

Last question--- on my desktop pc i have the DVI connection, can i just run a DVI to HDMI connector at the back and then a long HDMI cable to my lounge tv ( it has HDMI connections ) and would i still need an audio cable? Thanks for everyones help.

 

[admirable]

Last question--- on my desktop pc i have the DVI connection, can i just run a DVI to HDMI connector at the back and then a long HDMI cable to my lounge tv ( it has HDMI connections ) and would i still need an audio cable? Thanks for everyones help.

Have you priced a longgggggggggggg HDMI cable?

 

[neil_g]

Have you priced a longgggggggggggg HDMI cable?

indeed.. if its longer than 10m i wouldnt. over that sort of distance its the only time you need to spend a lot of money on HDMI cables.

 

[Gary Coyle]

Have you priced a longgggggggggggg HDMI cable?

£5.75 for a 10 metre is very good http://www.amazon.co.uk/HDMI-cable-lead-Plasma-meter/dp/B001GRX5LW/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1292584633&sr=1-5

 

[Gary Coyle]

indeed.. if its longer than 10m i wouldnt. over that sort of distance its the only time you need to spend a lot of money on HDMI cables.

£12.99 for 15 mt http://www.amazon.co.uk/HDMI-Cable-Black-Superior-Quality/dp/B001QWXCO2/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1292584550&sr=1-8

 

[neil_g]

i know cables at that length can be cheap, but it is a rule of thumb that for long lengths it is worth spending more. its the only time mind, i have 1m cables that cost me less than a fiver..

 

[markyboy.1967]

The distance from my desktop to my pc is just under 7 meters so i dont need anything more than 8 meters and that covers enough to follow the skirting board all the way between the pc and tv.

 

[Gary Coyle]

i know cables at that length can be cheap, but it is a rule of thumb that for long lengths it is worth spending more. its the only time mind, i have 1m cables that cost me less than a fiver..

I have 1m cables which cost me £1.49, digital signals dont suffer from signal loss like Analogue signals do, if the signal has got there then its got there in the best quality possible.

I think the general concensus is 20m is fine.

i use a 2om going to my bedroom with no quality loss

 

[matt2martin]

Depending on the model you might get video playback directly from a flash drive in the usb port. Certainly some Samsung's & LG's feature this.

 

[neil_g]

I have 1m cables which cost me £1.49, digital signals dont suffer from signal loss like Analogue signals do, if the signal has got there then its got there in the best quality possible.

I think the general concensus is 20m is fine.

i use a 2om going to my bedroom with no quality loss

not strictly true, cat5 cant be run longer than ~100m for example but thats not quite on topic

im thinking more quallity of cable and shielding to be honest. especially if its being run along a skirting.

 

[Gary Coyle]

Digital signal cables dont need shielding as such as theres no signal drop out, the shielding only helps in the respect it gives it a little more physical protection to the wires, shielding in the old days was introduced to protect or help to protect from signal loss.