What's the easiest and best way to connect the pc to a tv? I already have a pretty good surround sound for the pc, and I don't have enough space to hook up my other one just for the TV. I just got an HDTV and already have media center for the PC, so I could still use the remote control for DVD playback...etc.

I've tried connecting my old PC to the old TV with an S-Video cable, but there was a 1-2 second delay. Is there anything out where I can actually watch a DVD on the HDTV and hear the sound on the PC surround sound without any delay? How would the picture be?

 

Used Xbox + Mod Chip + Xbox Media Center = Hands down best media center for your television to pc connection. I just picked up a used xbox and did it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DS0TaupXH8

 

Explain please...I have an old xbox...how do I do thus? Mid chip+xbox media center...k thanks

 

Get a cheap graphics card with DVI out(Mine cost like 40 bucks and uses a 256MB Nvidia chip, got it from tigerdirect)

Also, some HDTVs(like mine) has a VGA input, so basically you get a 2 sided monitor cable and plug her in.

Mike

 

i agree, a modded xbox is great for this

 

DVI out on your video card to the HDMI input on your TV. You'll need an adapter cable, prob around $30-40.

Unless your video card can output HDTV standards, it will be less than stellar.

 

Xbox media center is great. The downside of it is that you cant hook it up through dvi like you can with a computer which looks crystal clear.

Also, at least a decent sound card will have optical and coax out which is digital and can hook directly up to your receiver

 

The Xbox is the shittiest DVD player I've even seen. The only thing worse may be the PS2, they are kinda tied I guess. Works great at first - but you guys just wait, it's only a matter of time...

 

Who usese it as a DVD player? I use it soley for streaming like he is asking about. I have a seperate dvd player sitting next to it.

Edit: wait ok he wants to use it for dvd

When they finish modding Xbox 360 then it will be the greatest!

 

Www.Xbox-scene.com

 

Oh I didn't get what you guys were saying...thought you meant screw the PC and just get the Xbox.

Carry on then...

 

My video card is not bad, it has an S-video output. The last time I tried to connect my (older) pc to the tv, there was a delay. Should there be a delay? How would the quality be if I used an S-video cable on both sides?

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812105823

if you have HDMI on your TV it'll make it much easier.

S-video, in my experience, still looks crappy.

 

I just picked up a Philips DVI to HDMI cable, but the tv produces no picture from the PC...

 

yeah, i just started doing it. it is the best thing since sliced bread!!!

 

I think your going backwards. You need DVI to DVI. I don't think you can go into your HDMI unless you have an HDMI video card- which is still very rare.

 

Video card = DVI

HDTV = HDMI

 

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...ocationFreeTVs

Convenience to watch your favorite programs anywhere around the house. View live TV or movies at home wirelessly on your PlayStation® Portable or PC with the LocationFree® Player Pak.

 

I love how no one bothers to ask the obvious questions

1) What model is your TV?

2) What exact model is your video card? (And saying it has SVideo out doesnt mean its any good per say)


In order to hook your Computer to the TV you needa decent video card that will have good drivers allowing you to run the TV at non PC resolutions.

The most ultra basic PC to TV config for a Video card can be tested by running the PC at 640x480 x 60Hz (You have to force XP to go this low, it doesnt want to go less than 800x600 usually). By doing this, you are emulating most of a "480p" signal and should see an image on your TV that is streched horizontally. But again, this is to test the most basic compatibility between the two.

Answer those first 2 questions and I can do some research for you.

Most of what the others said is correct. If you have DVI out on the PC and HDMI (or DVI) in on the TV, then you shouldnt have too hard a time getting this to work.

 

I just picked up a Samsung 32" LCD television and it says in the directions that it won't accept a DVI to HDMI hookup from a PC. You may want to check the manual to make sure that it will accept the hookup.

 

slobeatz - Does it say Why? If I had to guess I would say its due to HDCP restrictions, but I'm just curiuos if they spell it out.


Another alternative, although not as good, is alot of decent video cards (even some GeForce 6200TCs which are like $50) can be found with Component Video Pigtails. This is obviously not as good as DVI or HDMI, but there is no restriction on the input and you can run it up to 720p on TVs that support that resolution or 1080i with tweaked settings on almost any HDTV. Much better than SVideo

 

Thanks.

This is the TV:

http://www.outlet.philips.com/b2c_re...og&shop=OUTLET

This is the video card:

http://www.ati.com/products/radeonx600/specs.html (256 mb one)

 

Ugh, Philips. I absolutely Hate them.

Try the 640x480 x 60Hz thing I mentioned before. If that works, then we can try to go higher.

Though in looking at your TV Specs, the only thing higher you can go to is 1080i which will require some tweaking in your Video Card settings on the PC.

I looked at the Video card and it doesnt say anything about Component Video, so I'm not sure thats an option without purchasing an external converter.
Do you know who makes your X600? Sapphire or Asus or ???

 

Cool, I'll try that when I get home. I believe there's only DVI and S-video besides the taken spot that's already in use.

I'm not sure who makes it, but it's the X600 Pro if that helps.

 

Nah, it doesn't say why it won't accept it. I would have tried it, but I went to AVSforum and someone had mentioned that they tried to do it and it didn't work. It's not that big of a deal because my graphics card can handle the resolution that is required.

 

I don't even have the 640x480 option. I tried 800x600 and it doesn't work. And every time I restart the computer, the "extend my windows desktop onto this monitor" option gets deselected...I'm so lost.