Help with converting VGA (from my computer) to a digital signal (for my TV).

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Help with converting VGA (from my computer) to a digital signal (for my TV).

bobojobo

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#15765 7-Sep-2007 04:58

Here are a few questions regarding the conversion of the VGA, from my laptop, to a high-def signal that my TV can use. Please bear with me as I know how to connect these cables, however, I am not proficient in speaking technical terms (or at least I don’t think I am).

What I want to do is connect my laptop to my television and convert the signal to HDMI or DVI so I get a digital quality picture on my television screen. I’ve done some research, but much of this is not clear to me. Please tell me if I am correct:

-I need a VGA to DVI/HDMI conversion box.

-I need a cable that connects the conversion box to my television.

-Do I need a cable for the audio as well? I don’t know if DVI carries audio as I have never used DVI, but I know HDMI If does.

-I could use HDMI because my TV supports that.

I would appreciate anyone who could lead me in the right direction and tell me the cheapest and best place (online) to get these things. Thank you all very much in advance.

Joe

sbiddle

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#85687 7-Sep-2007 06:43

Firstly a few questions.

What sort of TV do you have?

Why do you feel you need to use HDMI? If the TV supports VGA input it will be a lot simpler to use this.

There are two big issues using HDMI inputs on a TV as a PC input: Overscan problems (where your PC desktop extends beyond the screen) because normal TV broadcasts are overscanned but PC's aren't and the inability of the TV to give you 1:1 pixel mapping using HDMI which results in blurry images onscreen as each pixel output from your PC doesn't match up exactly with your TV due to internal scaling within the TV.

bobojobo

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#85692 7-Sep-2007 08:29

I have a Samsung LED television. Its about 1 month old. I think the model is 4661F.

I don't feel the need to use HDMI, I was just throwing it out there. I'll use whatever works best. Thanks.

Regs

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Snowflake

#85702 7-Sep-2007 09:11

bobojobo:
-I need a VGA to DVI/HDMI conversion box.
-I need a cable that connects the conversion box to my television.
-Do I need a cable for the audio as well? I don’t know if DVI carries audio as I have never used DVI, but I know HDMI If does.
-I could use HDMI because my TV supports that.

If your laptop only has a VGA output then you are going to need a box with some smart electronics in it to convert the VGA signal to a digital signal. This is going to be a lot more expensive than your regular "x" to "y" type of cable that does nothing but convert from one type to another. You might be better saving those $$ for a new laptop with HDMI or DVI built in...

DVI is Video only so no sound on that cable/plug.

Does your TV have a VGA input? If so, then use that one and you'll get a pretty good picture and all you will need is a VGA to VGA cable and a cable to carry the sound (you're probably only going to have a headphone port though so if you want better sound you may need to buy a usb or pcmcia soundcard or put the $$ aside for a new laptop once again).

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lchiu7

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#85783 7-Sep-2007 16:38

VGA analogue to digital might be a bit tricky and expensive. But if you want HD then one way might be to use a VGA to Component adapter. Before I could get HDMI to work on my TV (the video card in my PVR didnt have DVI out so I had to get a new card) I used a VGA to Component adapter. Basically set the Windows desktop to 1280x720 and fed that into the device and it output a 720P signal over component. It worked pretty well.

It was this device

http://www.smarthome.com/777060.html

I had to run Powerstrip software also to manage the overscan issue.

The device now sits in a box unused. PM me if you're interested

Larry

Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD. https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.

sbiddle

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#85790 7-Sep-2007 17:09

lchiu7: VGA analogue to digital might be a bit tricky and expensive. But if you want HD then one way might be to use a VGA to Component adapter. Before I could get HDMI to work on my TV (the video card in my PVR didnt have DVI out so I had to get a new card) I used a VGA to Component adapter. Basically set the Windows desktop to 1280x720 and fed that into the device and it output a 720P signal over component. It worked pretty well.

VGA output is HD if you're running a resolution of more than 720 lines so there is no benefit in running 1280x720 via VGA or component.

lchiu7

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#85800 7-Sep-2007 18:47

sbiddle:
lchiu7: VGA analogue to digital might be a bit tricky and expensive. But if you want HD then one way might be to use a VGA to Component adapter. Before I could get HDMI to work on my TV (the video card in my PVR didnt have DVI out so I had to get a new card) I used a VGA to Component adapter. Basically set the Windows desktop to 1280x720 and fed that into the device and it output a 720P signal over component. It worked pretty well.

VGA output is HD if you're running a resolution of more than 720 lines so there is no benefit in running 1280x720 via VGA or component.

A couple of things

1. 720p is HD and 1280x720 progressive is a HD standard

2. The OP has a PC with only VGA output. If his flat panel screen has no VGA input (which he seems to imply) then the VGA to component adapter is a way to get HD output on the panel

Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD. https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.