Com To Tv

[tad214]

hey guys,
can someone tell me or post a good link on what all is involved in hooking a computer to your tv. (use tv as monitor). basically a good imformation link on how to, does it work well, and faq. i am tired of monitors. i want a big, clear picture. lol thanks guys DALE:confused:

[BigBlue66]

You probably won't get a big clear picture using a TV as a monitor. At least, that's the way it used to be. Maybe technology has gotten better in that respect, but usually, the resolution of a TV screen cannot match that of a monitor.

If you want a big clear picture, consider a flat panel monitor, as big as you can afford.

All you need to accomplish a hookup with a television is a TV-Out capable video card. That card should come with an S-video connection and cable, which you would then plug into the S-video port on the TV.

For flat panel monitors, the price of said monitor dictates whether it comes with the usual analog 15-pin connector, (cheaper ones) or the much better and more expensive DVI (Digital) connector. Try to get one with a DVI connector. That plugs into a video card with a DVI connection. Commonly, video cards come with both an S-video connection and a DVI connection, in addition to the regular 15-pin analog connection. But when buying one, check to make sure it has the connections you will need.

[Beta Geek]

BigBlue is right, Analog TVs can’t match the resolution of your average CRT monitor. I haven’t had any experience with HDTV so I don’t know how those compare. Also, if you do choose to use a TV, get a good video card. I have a bottom-of-the-line Leadtek GeForce 2MX with S-video out, but when connected to an RCA 26” TV, the picture is awful and max resolution is either 640x480 or 800x600 (it’s been a while and I forgot which). Either way, it looks nasty on a 26” screen.

You also may need to pick up a S-Video-to-RCA converter if the only inputs on your TV are of the RCA type.

[pave_spectre]

Im in agrrement. When I first put my machine together I had to use the TV as a monitor since I couldnt afford a real one. The image was like getting poor reception, slightly snowy looking. Max res is usually 800x600.

If you want a big clear picture an analog TV definitely wont cut it.

[deddard]

Yet another reply agreeing with the above:D

Analogue TVs are physically designed for much lower resolutions than computer monitors. 640 lines is normal, and they rely on a high-colour range and the fact that you are looking at them from a distance to make them viewable at all.

The refresh rate is low. I can't remember the US specs, but as your mains frequency is 60hz, I'd guess that this is the refresh rate.

A computer monitor typically has a refresh rate of 70-120 hz, which is much easier on the eye. The resolution is much higher, e.g. 1024x768 is almost 4 times the resolution of a television screen.

Basically, you're better off with the computer monitor. If you can afford it, then a larger monitor is the obvious solution, but as you are no doubt aware, they start to cost serious money if you want quality.