Computer projected onto TV?

[Heather1957]

I may want the impossible but is it possible to buy leads that show what's on a lap top onto a TV screen?

Thanks :)

[Nickynoonoo]

You can buy leads from PC world that do the job.

I'm not a techie, but some times when I do exhibitions I use my lap top and run it to one of our TV's (I work for Sharp).

Best taking your laptop with you and have an idea of the connectors on your TV.

[Heather1957]

You can buy leads from PC world that do the job.

I'm not a techie, but some times when I do exhibitions I use my lap top and run it to one of our TV's (I work for Sharp).

Best taking your laptop with you and have an idea of the connectors on your TV.

Excellent!! I'm having friends around over the weekend and we are looking at all things Vegas - I have a lap top so it will be easier for everyone is I can use the TV to show a larger image.

Thanks :)

[Nickynoonoo]

No problem, pleased to have been of some help. :d:

[ahhhhhhhhhhhhh]

Hi, If you have a flat screen (plasma or LCD) TV you are best to use either the DVI or VGA input check your TV instructions and it will tell you what inputs you have.
If you haven't got either of these inputs you can use TV in (phono) provided you have TV out on your laptop however the picture quality will not be nearly as good. Which ever method you use if you want the sound to come out of your TV you will need an audio cable as well as the video cable.
Dave

[Nickynoonoo]

Ahhh Dave, a man in the know. I was feeling quite good about myself until you cam along and ruined it for me. lol

[Heather1957]

Hi, If you have a flat screen (plasma or LCD) TV you are best to use either the DVI or VGA input check your TV instructions and it will tell you what inputs you have.
If you haven't got either of these inputs you can use TV in (phono) provided you have TV out on your laptop however the picture quality will not be nearly as good. Which ever method you use if you want the sound to come out of your TV you will need an audio cable as well as the video cable.
Dave

Thanks Dave - only have 'normal' TV and have no idea if I have TV out on my laptop, but will take it with me to PC world. Not bothered about sound as we are holiday hunting so just looking at web sites.

Cheers :)

[ahhhhhhhhhhhhh]

Thanks Dave - only have 'normal' TV and have no idea if I have TV out on my laptop, but will take it with me to PC world. Not bothered about sound as we are holiday hunting so just looking at web sites.

Cheers :)


To get the correct lead you will need to tell them what Inputs you have on your TV you will probably have 1 or 2 SCART sockets on the back and depending on the Make/Model you could have front Phono inputs or even an S-video socket. You also need to be aware the resolution of the picture on a normal TV wont be that good so it could be hard to read the text on the screen.
Also for the type of lead you are looking for Currys or Maplins might be a better bet than PC World.
Dave

[Heather1957]

Mmm I may have to rethink!! I'll study this further and see what Curry's have to offer me.

Thanks Dave. :)

[ahhhhhhhhhhhhh]

Mmm I may have to rethink!! I'll study this further and see what Curry's have to offer me.

Thanks Dave. :)

Or just buy a nice new shiny flat pannel TV :cool2:

[AlexD]

my tv is my monitor aswell its a hitatchi 26" hi def with vga input so my new windows media pc i just bought is good. also i use my lappy for watching movies on my 47" hi-def tv down stairs.

[Griff_389]

your laptop will no doubt have a VGA output at least (i.e. a normal monitor connection.

Depending on what inputs your tv has. you could something like one of these:

VGA - S-VIDEO
http://www.amazon.co.uk/VGA-to-S-Video-RCA-Adaptor/dp/B000P3UB24
VGA - Component
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Premium-Component-Cable-0-91M-Black/dp/B000P3NZ68/ref=pd_sbs_ce_title_1

or maybe this one.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=pc%20svideo%20scart&source=15&SD=Y

It really does depend on what connections your laptop and TV support.

[Andre]

What model of TV and laptop have you got Heather? I do this all the time at home for watching US TV shows etc, but via digital connections. However it can be done the old-fashioned way too with SCARTs/etc (as I did before I got my LCD TV).

When my main PC blew a power supply, I did use my laptop for a bit:

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/andrewilley/Misc%20Images/TemporaryPCsetup.jpg

We often use this facilty for doing exactly what you wanted Heather.

Andre

[AlexD]

Nice front room.

[Heather1957]

What model of TV and laptop have you got Heather? I do this all the time at home for watching US TV shows etc, but via digital connections. However it can be done the old-fashioned way too with SCARTs/etc (as I did before I got my LCD TV).

When my main PC blew a power supply, I did use my laptop for a bit:

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/andrewilley/Misc%20Images/TemporaryPCsetup.jpg

We often use this facilty for doing exactly what you wanted Heather.

Andre

Andre I have a Dell Inspiron 2200 laptop and my Tv is a Panasonic 32" Quintrax - model no TX32PL4

Any help would be great although I have a feeling my 'equipment' may not be up to the task.

I only have 2 scarts into the TV and also have Sky, DVD and a video connections

Thanks :)

[Andre]

Sorry Heather, no video outputs on that lappy. So unless the VGA (monitor) socket on the lappy can be programmed to output TV signals - which I reckon is doubtful - you'll need quite an expensive convertor box to get a TV output, not just a cable for a few quid. Something along the lines of this will definitely do it: http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=3ZGT&SearchType=1&SearchTerms=scart+vga&PageMode=3&SearchKey=All&SearchMode=All&NavigationKey=0

Andre

[Heather1957]

Sorry Heather, no video outputs on that lappy. So unless the VGA (monitor) socket on the lappy can be programmed to output TV signals - which I reckon is doubtful - you'll need quite an expensive convertor box to get a TV output, not just a cable for a few quid. Something along the lines of this will definitely do it: http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=3ZGT&SearchType=1&SearchTerms=scart+vga&PageMode=3&SearchKey=All&SearchMode=All&NavigationKey=0

Andre

Thanks Andre - just my luck!! :(

I'm sure we'll manage, but it would have been so much easier if we could have used the TV.

Mmm just had a thought though, my sister and brother both have lap tops, I'll find out what they have and maybe I could borrow one of theirs!! :)

[Sean_and_Sue]

I'd pop in to Maplins or your local PC shop as I'm sure theres something you could do via USB that would output to the TV either via S-video or scart that would cost under £50.

For a one off though I'd stick to a laptop screen and better specks;)

[Andre]

I did have a quick look for a USB device that outputs to a TV, but didn't find anything apart from video editing kit - but they won't output the current desktop, they'll export from a video editing package which would mean you'd need to create a rendered file in advance.

A different laptop would be a great idea, many have 'S-video' sockets on them for outputting to a TV. Need to make sure the TV can accept S-video via its Scarts, must most should be able to.

Andre

[Sean_and_Sue]

THIS (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=A30AU&DOY=23m1) would do it

[Heather1957]

You guys never cease to amaze me with regard your knowledge - I need it for Friday so don't think sending for it would be any good will have to visit/ring a local shop.

You are all brilliant!! :)

I didn't realise we had a Maplins in Cardiff!! It'll be an excuse to use the GPS again!! I'll go tomorrow and get one, it's a really 'nifty' product (if it works)

Thanks again.

[Andre]

Nice one, I missed that in my searches. That should work fine.

Andre

[Sean_and_Sue]

You guys never cease to amaze me with regard your knowledge - I need it for Friday so don't think sending for it would be any good will have to visit/ring a local shop.

You are all brilliant!! :)

I didn't realise we had a Maplins in Cardiff!! It'll be an excuse to use the GPS again!! I'll go tomorrow and get one, it's a really 'nifty' product (if it works)

Thanks again.

Bring the laptop with you Heather and make sure it works first. If its an old laptop with usb1 it might not. In our local shop they're usually very good in helping out.

[Sean_and_Sue]

Heather just had a thought :erm: might save you a few quid if you have wifi

If you have a Wii you could browse the net on that (easy if you have a wireless compatible keyboard) or stream pictures and video files using ORB (http://www.orb.com/orb/)

Just a thought :smile:

[Heather1957]

Heather just had a thought :erm: might save you a few quid if you have wifi

If you have a Wii you could browse the net on that (easy if you have a wireless compatible keyboard) or stream pictures and video files using ORB (http://www.orb.com/orb/)

Just a thought :smile:

Thanks Sue - I don't have a Wii and I doubt that either my G.neice or G.nephew will be parted with theirs if even for 1 night!!

I'll try out that connection you recommended, my lap top is just under 3 years old so probably old in the world of computers but I'm hoping not too old for that adapter.

Thanks again for the info. :)