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General discussion

Having problems connecting my laptop to TV HELP!!!

Oct 7, 2010 7:35PM PDT

Hi I own a fairly new hp laptop with no s-video port. I have VGA and HDMI and cables for both, although my TV, which is pretty old, has RCA and s-video only. It's a 50in TV at least.

Well my problem is since my laptop and TV ports aren't compatible I went ahead and purchased an S-video to VGA adapter and an s-video cable. I plugged it all in and while playing with display settings I got my laptop screen to multiply onto my TV....but it's in black n white and in multiple motions. It's not centered basically and adjusting settings in any way makes my TV turn to static.

I'm lost and don't know how to fix it, do I need to adjust the setting a certain way maybe?? Please help, any help would be great, thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Here is what I think the problem is;
Oct 8, 2010 2:09PM PDT

Your tv is interlace and your computer is progressive. Personally I probably go out and get another monitor instead. Save lots of headache. Good luck.

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Laptop to TV
Nov 6, 2010 5:23PM PDT

I connected my Macbook directly from the mini HDMI port, through an adaptor to DVI input. I'm no Geek and at first nothing happened. Then the TV started to work as an extended monitor. I'm not sure where or how, but there was a place to reset this somewhere on the PIP page (pic in pic). Now it works great. I saved myself from having to get an Apple TV or TIVO, or any of those things. Now, I didn't have audio connection but just plugged in my wireless headphones. I'm sure I could hook up speakers same way. To be able to control the laptop from my desk w/o a wire running across the floor, I used a wireless keyboard and mouse. When I do feel like using my cable instead of this setup, I just plug that in instead. Although I could rely soley on the internet connection, it's not quite ready to do away with the cable just yet in my opinion. Soon though. I know about the p and i refferered to above, but my tv is 1080p. At 32 inches, I doubt i'd notice much difference. Good luck. As far as replacing your tv for monitor, I'd see about the Apple Tv for $99. It might work.

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No pic from your lap
Nov 19, 2010 11:17AM PST

Check your settings on your video card. Does it have a setting for S-video out? Be sure to use TV plus monitor, in the event you can't see either.
I plug my computers in all of the time to old tv sets via S-video. All of the information is in the video card settings. Adjustments, brightness & the like, of course, it does depend on your video card what you have.
S-video is the easiest way to transfer. For the sound, I too use headphones from the computer.