Connecting Laptop to TV

newdawn_2

Hi

I am looking at buying a new TV with a HDMI connection so I can use it as a screen for a laptop.

My Laptop has no sound (nvidia graphic cards defect), no HMDI connection but it does have a VGA port (Well I think thats what it is!)

What would I need to do this?!

Thanks

rrf494g

no surprise here then.
http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables/vga-to-hdmi-converter.html

might suit you - but google will give you lots of choice. Good Luck.

newdawn_2

Thank you. I thought that might be the solution.

Wasnt sure if I could get away with just a cable as I dont need sound!

S0litaire

Most new TV will have a HDMI and a VGA port on them.

So if your Laptop and TV have a (Usually Blue coloured) 15 pin socket (That's VGA) then you can pick up a half decent VGA to VGA cable.

HDMI is only required to play Blu-Ray / Console games.

VGA will give you better general screen sizes (including 1080p) for all non-copyright restricted media.

Drone31

Firstly, if your laptop has no HDMI output, it may not support an HD connection. You also need to check that it at least can support 1360x768 (which is the resolution you'll need to set your laptop to when connected to an LCD TV via a VGA cable)

Try and get a TV with a VGA connection (I have no idea if the newest LCD TV's still offer them; mine is about four years old) it'll be far easier than setting up an HDMI connection - I've found, personally, that setting up any low end graphics card via an HDMI port - which is supported and should work - doesn't, and dependant on your TV, you may find you have to ajust the screen position constantly between applications.

The TV will most likely have a DVI input on it somewhere; consider VGA - DVI instead

I would honestly advise against the HD route

newdawn_2

Thank you guys.
This is the TV I have chosen but no idea if it has a VGA connection!
http://www.johnlewis.com/231078555/Product.aspx

Very confusing! Laptop is 2 years old but dying. Wanted a desktop because of hand and neck problems when studying-but with TV as monitor (so we can get rid of current TV which is too bulky on desk). Desktop is a little out of our price range at mo- was hoping this will be a cheaper option!

Drone31

It's listed as having a "PC connection" which is either a VGA input, or S-Video

It does have a DVI input however, so you should be ok

It's also listed as having a USB input which may come in handy

What kind of laptop is it and I will try and find out if it'll work

S0litaire

I Googled the LCD number and found a Userguide.
It DOES have a VGA port so a simple VGA-2-VGA cable will be fine!!
Think you can also take the headphones socket from the PC to the TV input if you require Audio..

newdawn_2

Thanks - just on phone to John Lewis who dont know what a VGA/DVI socket is!!!

I have a HP G6000. Partner has HP 550. Which will be my backup laptop when this one goes bang (its only a matter of time!)

Drone31

newdawn wrote: »

Thanks - just on phone to John Lewis who dont know what a VGA/DVI socket is!!!

I have a HP G6000. Partner has HP 550. Which will be my backup laptop when this one goes bang (its only a matter of time!)

As it seems to have a VGA input, you just need to check for the screen resolution in control panel - just move the slider, and if you have 1360x768 you're laughing. You just need a bog standard VGA cable - if you have an old desktop and monitor lying around, you can use that one.

You can set different resolutions, but depending on the card they just won't display correctly on an LCD TV. That'll be the only one you can use

newdawn_2

Thank you. Just checked out my resolutions. Dont have that one so assume that my picture my look a bit odd but hopefully still be ok?

Will buy a VGA- VGA cable as not got one.