Using a plasma TV for PC monitor.

RHYSDAD

Okay so this is what i have at the moment:

Dell Dimension E521 normal desktop setup. I'm on Virgin Media and currently have a wired connection from the wall to router and then ethernet cable to pc in upstairs office.

This is what i want to do:

I'd like to place pc tower downstairs next to Samsung plasma tv and hook that up to use as the monitor. I'd like a wireless connection from junction box in said office to pc tower and also a wireless keyboard and mouse. I presume i can use the monitor cable i already have (tv does have this connection) and the speakers i have as they will enhance the sound.

What is the full kit i will need and is there anything i should be aware of before buying aforementioned equipment?

Kind regards, RD.

Darksun

Assuming your router is wireless (you didn't actually say) and you have a Wifi adapter for the PC you're good to go.

I'd advise making sure there is a screen saver set up on the PC (just switching the display to black after 5 minutes is fine), since plasma displays can be prone to screen burn.

poppy10_2

If the PC and the cable modem are both going to be downstairs , doesn't it make more sense to put the wireless router downstairs too, rather than upstairs in the office?

Also, check which video output your computer graphics card gives you - dvi will be easier to set up than VGA

RHYSDAD

poppy10 wrote: »

If the PC and the cable modem are both going to be downstairs , doesn't it make more sense to put the wireless router downstairs too, rather than upstairs in the office?

Also, check which video output your computer graphics card gives you - dvi will be easier to set up than VGA

The cable modem actually comes in upstairs into the back room, hence need a wireless router there to send signal to dongle? in the back of the tower downstairs. I assume i need to refer to owner handbook re the dvi/VGA set up? Thanks for the reply..

RHYSDAD

Darksun wrote: »

Assuming your router is wireless (you didn't actually say) and you have a Wifi adapter for the PC you're good to go.

I'd advise making sure there is a screen saver set up on the PC (just switching the display to black after 5 minutes is fine), since plasma displays can be prone to screen burn.

No, wired connection so i'll need a wireless router and dongle. Thanks for the tip re blcak screensaver, we've had the old screen burn experience already...:o

poppy10_2

RHYSDAD wrote: »

I assume i need to refer to owner handbook re the dvi/VGA set up.

No, just have a look at the back of the computer where the video cable is coming out - does it have a DVI port like this?


or a VGA port like this:

RHYSDAD

poppy10 wrote: »

No, just have a look at the back of the computer where the video cable is coming out - does it have a DVI port like this?


or a VGA port like this:

The VGA port is currently supplying the monitor, but i have the other port too....

I could use that i take it if i have the correct lead?

poppy10_2

RHYSDAD wrote: »

I could use that i take it if i have the correct lead?

Yep. It's unlikely you will have a DVI port on your TV, but I assume your TV has a spare HDMI port. If you buy a DVI to HDMI cable (you can pick them up for a couple of quid on eBay) it will give you a better quality signal and be easier to set up than VGA. DVI/HDMI are purely digital, while VGA is analogue.

As for the cable wireless router, that should only cost you £20-£30 from Play.com or Amazon.

sam.wright_2

[QUOTE=As_for_the_cable_wireless_router,_that_should_only_cost_you_£20-£30_from_Play.com or Amazon.[/QUOTE]

Or you could call Virgin- Get the right person, get one for free!

JasX

RHYSDAD wrote: »

The VGA port is currently supplying the monitor, but i have the other port too....

I could use that i take it if i have the correct lead?

yes, something like this is what you need:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/130513

OR you could get an adapter:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/164640
and use a normal HDMI cable
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/130508

Regarding the wireless connection for the PC if it has a spare PCI slot I'd grab a wireless PCI card, eg:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/132449
for a £9 cheap and cheerful wireless G card (will slow down a wireless N network if everything else is wireless N only)

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/166269
£32 gets you a shiny wireless N dual band PCI card (you might find a single band one for around £20)

Regarding a wireless router if pressed hard enough Virgin can usually be persuaded to send you one for free if you threaten to leave, see this thread for them doing so last week:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2299309&highlight=