help connecting pc to tv please?

Question

i have a 32" flatscreen tv and i'm tryin to connect pc to it, when pic comes up it is blurry, a friend said i would have to have a tv with a dvi slot but i have only just got this one so can't afford new one just now, any leads i can buy or any other suggestions?

Answer 1

Firstly, how have you tried connecting it previously?

Assuming it was a VGA-VGA cable used it's probably blurry because the resolution is low on your computer.

There are a few connection options depending on the output(s) on your computer and inputs on your tv.

1) vga (lowest resolution)

2) s-video (better)

3) DVI (much better)

4) HDMI (best)

The odds of your pc having HDMI are low so the best bet for you would be DVI. If your TV doesn't have this (it sounds like it doesn't) you can get a DVI to VGA adapter.

Once connected to your tv change your computer's display settings to run on the second screen only (just the tv). This way it isn't trying to run 2 displays which should allow you to up the resolution if necessary.

One more thing, with all options except HDMI you will need a seperate cable for sound; 3.5plug - 2xRCA plug.

Answer 2

You didn't say how you have connected it though. So its hard to recommend a "better" solution if we don't know what you're currently using.



In theory, if the computer and TV both support it, the best way is to go HDMI from computer to HDMI on TV. But not a lot of computers have HDMI. Some do, but its only starting to really become a regular thing. The advantage here is that the cable can carry both audio and video over 1 cable.



Next is if the computer has a DVI connection you can buy a cable that is DVI to HDMI. You can do a quick search for it on like Amazon. Just grab a $10 one or so and you're fine. Some big box/chain stores are now carrying this as well. This only carries video though.



Next, if the computer has VGA, then you have a variety of options. You can go VGA to VGA if the TV has VGA (Some do). You can go VGA to Component (you can buy this cable from Amazon). Or you can go VGA to DVI (buy an adaptor) and then go DVI to HDMI (as described above). VGA can carry full HD resolution but is an analog method. So theoretically not as good as DVI or HDMI (which are both digital). But in most forum discussions I've seen, its tough to tell the difference and VGA is a respectable option.



To carry the audio for those options you want a stereo mini to RCA cable likely. This can then be put into the audio out of your computer and into the RCA audio in pair associated with whichever video port on the TV you used. You can do a search for this on Amazon as well. Its under $10.



Lastly, your computer/TV might also support options such as S-Video or Composite. Both of these are bad choices. They can only carry SD signals, not HD ones. So your resolution to your TV is going to be very limited then, and if you're going to an HDTV, it would look kind of soft and pixelated potentially. I just wouldn't bother if this is the only option your computer provides you.



Also, for settings things up on your computer, you might want to give this a read, http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/c90105a0-57c1-4f0e-b095-b5ed1de8fc431033.mspx (or for an XP user http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/northrup_multimon.mspx )

Answer 3

go over to cnet.com and see if any reviews on your TV series,do not worry about screen size,in review they talk about What hook up to a pc is then check your computer outlets,may be the same as a hook up to a monitor,mine is an RGB/PC cable from computer to TV back panel,some can have a HDMI on one side and an DVI on the other,maybe look up your computer on same site or find it over at pcworld.com.GOOD LUCK.

Answer 4

see detailed instructions here:



PCTVCables.com