DVI/VGA adapter...can I output my computer to the HDTV?
 

Would my HDTV accept video input from my laptop's VGA output? I am considering buying a DVI/VGA adapter, and would like to know if this is possible before I do it.

Thanks.

What kind of inputs does your HDTV have?

If you don't have DVI or a versatile VGA input you'll probably need to get a transcoder to convert the laptop's VGA to component.

It has a DVI input (in addition to multiple component inputs).

And your notebook has real DVI output? You can't just use an adapter to change VGA to DVI.

No. It only has a VGA output, so I guess you answered my question about the adapter.

Is there a cheap way to get it to display anything? I don't have S-Video ports on the computer either.

You can get a $150 transcoder or build one for less if you're skilled and brave enough. There are probably cheaper transcoders as well but they wouldn't be used in a "good" setup.

There may be VGA-> s-video converters but I don't think I'd do that.

Your biggest limitation may be the quality of your notebook's video card. Do you know what it is?

Okay, the video card is an Intel 82852/82855 GM/GME Graphics Controller. At least, that is what the Device Manager, and the Display Properties windows tell me.

So, no $10 solution, huh? ;)

Not that I know of.

Here are some converters but they'd probably look really crappy:

http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/PC-TV_GEZ-1000.html

http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/PC-TV_GTM-2000.html

Thanks for the help. Winamp visualizations on the big screen aren't important enough for me to spend that much though. :)

So, this type of thing is not a possibility: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=3450461891 ?

Nevermind. I just checked the port, and it doesn't have the 4 extra pins near the flat pin.

No. Some DVI outputs have VGA and DVI combined (DVI-I). The DVI signals (digital) are on some of the pins and the VGA signals (analog) are on other pins.

The adapter lets you get the VGA signals off the DVI-I output connector and physically converts them to a standard VGA output plug. It's purely a physical rearrangement of the wires/pins. You would need some electronics to convert the analog VGA to digital DVI and it isn't going to fit in that adapter and it's going to cost a lot more.

I use one of these adapters myself as I have a VGA-out and a DVI-out on my video card but I need two VGAs. The adapter gives me that (although I notice the VGA quality isn't as good as the standard VGA out).