Best way to connect PC to TV

Avgas · 10-10-2009, 10:31 AM

Ok, so I want to connect my Pc to a 32" TV I got in my bedroom, mostly to watch .avi format movies. I got a second monitor output as well as s-video output. My PC also has a TV tuner that I plan to use to DVR tv shows, then play on the TV. Which connection would work best for me?
I also got a ps3 that I could use as a media server, how would I transfer all my media to the ps3?

edit - TV has VGA inputs as well as s-video inputs

Avgas · 10-10-2009, 11:06 AM

edit - I also see a DVI output on the PC

**Sir Toad** · 10-10-2009, 11:19 AM

well..to use dual outputs in my experience,you must use one dvi output and one analog output....vga and s-vid are analog,you will only be able to bounce between two analog displays not view both at the same time.

dvi-vga adapter for your tv and vga for your monitor

AmDD · 10-10-2009, 12:48 PM

s-video is going to give you very low quality video. dvi is probably your best bet unless you have HDMI.

The Blown Blazer · 10-10-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Sir Toad

well..to use dual outputs in my experience,you must use one dvi output and one analog output....vga and s-vid are analog,you will only be able to bounce between two analog displays not view both at the same time.

dvi-vga adapter for your tv and vga for your monitor

x2.... works for everyone I've seen.

Avgas · 10-10-2009, 04:11 PM

How about a dvi to hdmi cable?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ted-_-12339007

**Sir Toad** · 10-10-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Avgas

How about a dvi to hdmi cable?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812339007&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Audio+/+Video+Cables-_-Cables+Unlimited-_-12339007

sure! that's how my monitor is connected

Avgas · 10-10-2009, 04:41 PM

cool, going with this one

http://www.meritline.com/6-hami-male...--p-22431.aspx

Avgas · 10-21-2009, 04:57 PM

ok, I bought a DVI to HDMI adapter, and I connected my PC's dvi out to my TV's HDMI port, however, I get no signal, what I am missing here?? Display settings? Im on Vista

xJuice · 10-21-2009, 05:02 PM

Was the computer off when you plugged the cable in? If not, restart.
Yes you need to enable the monitor in the display settings (can't remember off hand where exactly that is in vista). Should say somethign to the effect of: Extend my desktop onto this monitor.

MeltingPlastic · 10-21-2009, 05:20 PM

i use a DVI to HDMI adapter from my media center to my tv and it works just fine! just check around your settings and see whats up

Avgas · 10-21-2009, 05:22 PM

Ok, I messe with the setting and got it to show up as an extension of the monitor, but how do I make them both show the same image?

Avgas · 10-21-2009, 05:35 PM

I pulled up Nvidia control panel, and there is a option to clone the screen, but it won't let me set the resolution of the second screen, and it wont show up

xJuice · 10-21-2009, 07:57 PM

Well you can't clone the screen w/o them both being the same resolution. Quite possibly the tv doesn't want to display the resolution you're using.

raven2510 · 10-21-2009, 09:31 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by xJuice

Quite possibly the tv doesn't want to display the resolution you're using.

that right there^^

Stehl · 10-21-2009, 09:48 PM

download a program called utlramon. its not free but not expensive. It lets you run two seperate displays at any resolutions you want. You need a decent graphics card tho. thats how I do it. I browse the computer on my widescreen monitor and watch movies on the big screen. or when im not watching movies, I put my messenger and itunes on the big screen. You can also move your mouse freely between the screeens.

Let me know if that solved your problem.

bg's · 10-21-2009, 09:49 PM

Going off post as usual, but for some of the best cables
with a lifetime warranty, good prices & free shipping go
here.

I use their Cat 5 cable and am very happy with them. The
no snag feature on the ends make it easier not to get that
da*n lock stem broken off when releasing etc.

http://www.optimization-world.com/

SgtM · 10-21-2009, 10:06 PM

Cables:
www.monoprice.com

If you go in to the dispaly properties, you should see 2 monitors listed. You should also be able to control the resolution for each one individually. What you're looking for though, is the check box to extend your desktop to the second monitor. That should clear it up.

Avgas · 10-22-2009, 06:58 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by SgtM

Cables:
www.monoprice.com

If you go in to the dispaly properties, you should see 2 monitors listed. You should also be able to control the resolution for each one individually. What you're looking for though, is the check box to extend your desktop to the second monitor. That should clear it up.

Both monitors work fine, and I can set the resolution for both individually IF I am using the second monitor as an extension. However I want both to show the same thing.

I downloaded Ultramon, but as soon as I enable the second monitor, it automatically shows up as an extension, how do I make both show the same??

Avgas · 10-22-2009, 07:19 PM

ok there is a "mirroring" option on ultramon but it uses a lot of resources

VortecSonoma · 10-22-2009, 11:09 PM

you should be able to do it with out 3rd party software.... might just be me, but if your tv has VGA Input and your computer has a VGA output, i would have just went with the Vga, yes its not Digital, but i dont really see that big off difference in the quality. whats the make and model of your video card and whats the make and model of your tv?

Stehl · 10-23-2009, 12:07 AM

ultramon is what i use. But i built my computer and its like high up in specs. so it runs fine.

Fannatick · 10-23-2009, 10:07 AM

specs of said computer?

bigb19812000 · 10-23-2009, 10:31 AM

use tversity in tandem with your ps3.

Tversity is free and it turns your PC into a media server that you can acess through your local network and even through the internet as long as you have a wireless router

hers a link http://tversity.com/

cars4fun2004 · 10-23-2009, 06:07 PM

Try this. turn the computer off. Unplug the cable going to the tv. Turn the computer back on. Boot it up using its screen. Then once you have your desk top up plug the cable back into the tv. see what you get. thats how I get mine to work the way you want. I can then set each one up by itsself.

Mike

Stehl · 10-23-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Fannatick

specs of said computer?

Probably nothing much these days compared to the new tech.

But ,

Has
3.0 quad core
8gb of ram.
two 500gb sata drives.
Nvida 9600 gfx card
Liquid cooled.
some kool lighting.

bg's · 10-24-2009, 05:57 AM

Boy those are good prices at monoprice.com Beat the heck out
of my place..

Fannatick · 10-24-2009, 12:22 PM

Quote:

3.0 quad core
8gb of ram.
two 500gb sata drives.
Nvida 9600 gfx card
Liquid cooled.
some kool lighting.

Those are some good specs. 8 gb of ram is sick.

Diablo · 10-25-2009, 12:28 AM

I use my 360 with PlayON. I can view HULU and control it directly through my 360. Free trial at the media mall site for playon. I ended up buying it, I believe there is a sale for 30$ going on right now. It's an excellet program, also has some plugins so you can view spike tv (web episodes) NBC, justintv, and many other plugins available.

Diablo · 10-25-2009, 12:29 AM

From now through Halloween get PlayOn for only $29.99. Don't miss out on this 25% off treat. Knock on our door by clicking the buy button now and enter Coupon Code OCT09. Hurry over though, after Halloween all we'll have left is tricks.

http://www.themediamall.com/playon/

** You HAVE to purchase this software, there are NO serialz or any cracks anywhere. They monitor the IP and if it's used by more than one IP, they will contact you and then eventually cancel that serial **

But it's well worth the money!

BONDO · 10-27-2009, 04:17 PM

wen my xbox took a shit i connected my laptop to my tv using an svid cable and then a cable i got with a camera that converts an audio jack to red and white av cables for the sound worked perfect for my likings

Avgas · 10-28-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by bigb19812000

use tversity in tandem with your ps3.

Tversity is free and it turns your PC into a media server that you can acess through your local network and even through the internet as long as you have a wireless router

hers a link http://tversity.com/

I just configured Tversity here, pure awesome!

MeltingPlastic · 10-28-2009, 05:36 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Avgas

I just configured Tversity here, pure awesome!

be careful, i have to use an older version of tversity, the newest version has some issues with my xbox 360 for some reason... kept getting a lot of buffering notices making it unbearable to watch anything

Stehl · 10-29-2009, 12:22 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Fannatick

Those are some good specs. 8 gb of ram is sick.

Thanks. Thats my other hobby besides working on my truck. Computers.

Fannatick · 10-29-2009, 12:11 PM

Same here. I'm waiting for Black Friday/Christmas to build me a new comp. Nothing too extreme (it's my first actual build) but something solid that will last a couple of years (and easily upgradable).

bigb19812000 · 11-01-2009, 09:53 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Avgas

I just configured Tversity here, pure awesome!

Yes tversity is the shit .It even has preset optimum settings for almost all platforms

10-10-2009, 10:31 AM	#1
Avgas Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3,274 Location: Rain24/7,FL User is: OffLine	Best way to connect PC to TV Ok, so I want to connect my Pc to a 32" TV I got in my bedroom, mostly to watch .avi format movies. I got a second monitor output as well as s-video output. My PC also has a TV tuner that I plan to use to DVR tv shows, then play on the TV. Which connection would work best for me? I also got a ps3 that I could use as a media server, how would I transfer all my media to the ps3? edit - TV has VGA inputs as well as s-video inputs Last edited by Avgas : 10-10-2009 at 10:34 AM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-10-2009, 11:06 AM	#2
Avgas Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3,274 Location: Rain24/7,FL User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV edit - I also see a DVI output on the PC
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-10-2009, 11:19 AM	#3
Sir Toad drunk and bored Age: 40 Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 28,525 Location: galesburg(or morton), il User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV well..to use dual outputs in my experience,you must use one dvi output and one analog output....vga and s-vid are analog,you will only be able to bounce between two analog displays not view both at the same time. dvi-vga adapter for your tv and vga for your monitor
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-10-2009, 12:48 PM	#4
AmDD baggin Age: 22 Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,533 Location: Frostburg, Western Maryland User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV s-video is going to give you very low quality video. dvi is probably your best bet unless you have HDMI.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-10-2009, 01:22 PM	#5
The Blown Blazer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 3,118 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Quote: Originally Posted by Sir Toad well..to use dual outputs in my experience,you must use one dvi output and one analog output....vga and s-vid are analog,you will only be able to bounce between two analog displays not view both at the same time. dvi-vga adapter for your tv and vga for your monitor x2.... works for everyone I've seen.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-10-2009, 04:11 PM	#6
Avgas Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3,274 Location: Rain24/7,FL User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV How about a dvi to hdmi cable? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ted-_-12339007 Last edited by Avgas : 10-10-2009 at 04:12 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-10-2009, 04:15 PM	#7
Sir Toad drunk and bored Age: 40 Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 28,525 Location: galesburg(or morton), il User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Quote: Originally Posted by Avgas How about a dvi to hdmi cable? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812339007&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Audio+/+Video+Cables-_-Cables+Unlimited-_-12339007 sure! that's how my monitor is connected
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-10-2009, 04:41 PM	#8
Avgas Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3,274 Location: Rain24/7,FL User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV cool, going with this one http://www.meritline.com/6-hami-male...--p-22431.aspx
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-21-2009, 04:57 PM	#9
Avgas Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3,274 Location: Rain24/7,FL User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV ok, I bought a DVI to HDMI adapter, and I connected my PC's dvi out to my TV's HDMI port, however, I get no signal, what I am missing here?? Display settings? Im on Vista Last edited by Avgas : 10-21-2009 at 04:59 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-21-2009, 05:02 PM	#10
xJuice BuenosDingDongDiddlyDias Age: 26 Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 9,351 Location: Frisco, TX User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Was the computer off when you plugged the cable in? If not, restart. Yes you need to enable the monitor in the display settings (can't remember off hand where exactly that is in vista). Should say somethign to the effect of: Extend my desktop onto this monitor. Last edited by xJuice : 10-21-2009 at 05:04 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-21-2009, 05:20 PM	#11
MeltingPlastic Broken Handed Superman Age: 24 Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 5,267 Location: Hackensack, NJ User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV i use a DVI to HDMI adapter from my media center to my tv and it works just fine! just check around your settings and see whats up
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-21-2009, 05:22 PM	#12
Avgas Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3,274 Location: Rain24/7,FL User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Ok, I messe with the setting and got it to show up as an extension of the monitor, but how do I make them both show the same image?
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-21-2009, 05:35 PM	#13
Avgas Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3,274 Location: Rain24/7,FL User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV I pulled up Nvidia control panel, and there is a option to clone the screen, but it won't let me set the resolution of the second screen, and it wont show up
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-21-2009, 07:57 PM	#14
xJuice BuenosDingDongDiddlyDias Age: 26 Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 9,351 Location: Frisco, TX User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Well you can't clone the screen w/o them both being the same resolution. Quite possibly the tv doesn't want to display the resolution you're using.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-21-2009, 09:31 PM	#15
raven2510 Overhead Console Expert Age: 22 Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,628 Location: Omaha, Nebraska User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Quote: Originally Posted by xJuice Quite possibly the tv doesn't want to display the resolution you're using. that right there^^
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-21-2009, 09:48 PM	#16
Stehl Short White kid Age: 19 Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 60 Location: In or around a computer. Or stafford Va User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV download a program called utlramon. its not free but not expensive. It lets you run two seperate displays at any resolutions you want. You need a decent graphics card tho. thats how I do it. I browse the computer on my widescreen monitor and watch movies on the big screen. or when im not watching movies, I put my messenger and itunes on the big screen. You can also move your mouse freely between the screeens. Let me know if that solved your problem.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-21-2009, 09:49 PM	#17
bg's crap Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 8,096 Location: Who cares.. User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Going off post as usual, but for some of the best cables with a lifetime warranty, good prices & free shipping go here. I use their Cat 5 cable and am very happy with them. The no snag feature on the ends make it easier not to get that dan lock stem broken off when releasing etc. http://www.optimization-world.com/ Last edited by bg's : 10-21-2009 at 09:51 PM.*
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-21-2009, 10:06 PM	#18
SgtM Educating da masses Age: 34 Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,581 Location: Niles, OH User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Cables: www.monoprice.com If you go in to the dispaly properties, you should see 2 monitors listed. You should also be able to control the resolution for each one individually. What you're looking for though, is the check box to extend your desktop to the second monitor. That should clear it up.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-22-2009, 06:58 PM	#19
Avgas Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3,274 Location: Rain24/7,FL User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Quote: Originally Posted by SgtM Cables: www.monoprice.com If you go in to the dispaly properties, you should see 2 monitors listed. You should also be able to control the resolution for each one individually. What you're looking for though, is the check box to extend your desktop to the second monitor. That should clear it up. Both monitors work fine, and I can set the resolution for both individually IF I am using the second monitor as an extension. However I want both to show the same thing. I downloaded Ultramon, but as soon as I enable the second monitor, it automatically shows up as an extension, how do I make both show the same??
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-22-2009, 07:19 PM	#20
Avgas Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3,274 Location: Rain24/7,FL User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV ok there is a "mirroring" option on ultramon but it uses a lot of resources
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-22-2009, 11:09 PM	#21
VortecSonoma Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 579 Location: Fredericksburg,Va User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV you should be able to do it with out 3rd party software.... might just be me, but if your tv has VGA Input and your computer has a VGA output, i would have just went with the Vga, yes its not Digital, but i dont really see that big off difference in the quality. whats the make and model of your video card and whats the make and model of your tv?
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-23-2009, 12:07 AM	#22
Stehl Short White kid Age: 19 Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 60 Location: In or around a computer. Or stafford Va User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV ultramon is what i use. But i built my computer and its like high up in specs. so it runs fine.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-23-2009, 10:07 AM	#23
Fannatick Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 882 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV specs of said computer?
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-23-2009, 10:31 AM	#24
bigb19812000 Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 95 Location: Zephyrhills User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV use tversity in tandem with your ps3. Tversity is free and it turns your PC into a media server that you can acess through your local network and even through the internet as long as you have a wireless router hers a link http://tversity.com/
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-23-2009, 06:07 PM	#25
cars4fun2004 Registered User Age: 30 Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 215 Location: Bohnam Tx User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Try this. turn the computer off. Unplug the cable going to the tv. Turn the computer back on. Boot it up using its screen. Then once you have your desk top up plug the cable back into the tv. see what you get. thats how I get mine to work the way you want. I can then set each one up by itsself. Mike
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-23-2009, 06:25 PM	#26
Stehl Short White kid Age: 19 Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 60 Location: In or around a computer. Or stafford Va User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Quote: Originally Posted by Fannatick specs of said computer? Probably nothing much these days compared to the new tech. But , Has 3.0 quad core 8gb of ram. two 500gb sata drives. Nvida 9600 gfx card Liquid cooled. some kool lighting.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-24-2009, 05:57 AM	#27
bg's crap Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 8,096 Location: Who cares.. User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Boy those are good prices at monoprice.com Beat the heck out of my place..
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-24-2009, 12:22 PM	#28
Fannatick Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 882 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Quote: 3.0 quad core 8gb of ram. two 500gb sata drives. Nvida 9600 gfx card Liquid cooled. some kool lighting. Those are some good specs. 8 gb of ram is sick.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 12:28 AM	#29
Diablo All motor... boating ;) Age: 5 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 10,425 Location: USA User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV I use my 360 with PlayON. I can view HULU and control it directly through my 360. Free trial at the media mall site for playon. I ended up buying it, I believe there is a sale for 30$ going on right now. It's an excellet program, also has some plugins so you can view spike tv (web episodes) NBC, justintv, and many other plugins available.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 12:29 AM	#30
Diablo All motor... boating ;) Age: 5 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 10,425 Location: USA User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV From now through Halloween get PlayOn for only $29.99. Don't miss out on this 25% off treat. Knock on our door by clicking the buy button now and enter Coupon Code OCT09. Hurry over though, after Halloween all we'll have left is tricks. http://www.themediamall.com/playon/ You HAVE to purchase this software, there are NO serialz or any cracks anywhere. They monitor the IP and if it's used by more than one IP, they will contact you and then eventually cancel that serial But it's well worth the money! Last edited by Diablo : 10-25-2009 at 12:30 AM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-27-2009, 04:17 PM	#31
BONDO VILLE Age: 23 Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 5,430 Location: tampa FL User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV wen my xbox took a shit i connected my laptop to my tv using an svid cable and then a cable i got with a camera that converts an audio jack to red and white av cables for the sound worked perfect for my likings
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-28-2009, 05:06 PM	#32
Avgas Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3,274 Location: Rain24/7,FL User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Quote: Originally Posted by bigb19812000 use tversity in tandem with your ps3. Tversity is free and it turns your PC into a media server that you can acess through your local network and even through the internet as long as you have a wireless router hers a link http://tversity.com/ I just configured Tversity here, pure awesome!
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-28-2009, 05:36 PM	#33
MeltingPlastic Broken Handed Superman Age: 24 Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 5,267 Location: Hackensack, NJ User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Quote: Originally Posted by Avgas I just configured Tversity here, pure awesome! be careful, i have to use an older version of tversity, the newest version has some issues with my xbox 360 for some reason... kept getting a lot of buffering notices making it unbearable to watch anything
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-29-2009, 12:22 AM	#34
Stehl Short White kid Age: 19 Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 60 Location: In or around a computer. Or stafford Va User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Quote: Originally Posted by Fannatick Those are some good specs. 8 gb of ram is sick. Thanks. Thats my other hobby besides working on my truck. Computers.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-29-2009, 12:11 PM	#35
Fannatick Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 882 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Best way to connect PC to TV Same here. I'm waiting for Black Friday/Christmas to build me a new comp. Nothing too extreme (it's my first actual build) but something solid that will last a couple of years (and easily upgradable).
	[Reply w/Quote]