Very Strange problem with computer and HDMI on flat screens

by xnefc Feb 16, 2009 3:09PM PST

We have a Gateway (DX 4720-03) computer, which I understand doesn't have a huge power supply. We have four flat panel TVs, two of which are plasma:

50" plasma Philips
15" plasma Polaroid
32" LCD Vizio
23" LCD Polaroid

The Gateway is new and had a bad hard drive, which Gateway replaced. Post the HD failure, and return of the computer, we hooked it up again to the 50" for about 30 minutes while the computer sent HDMI signal to the TV just fine and we installed the OS. Then, it no longer worked. No signal; simply stopped working.

The OS is Vista

Similarly, we cannot get an HDMI signal on any of our other TVs using this computer.

We took the computer to Geek Squad who hooked it up to their monitor, and, using an HDMI cable, made it work just fine, right away.

We then purchased a Rocketfish cable, just like they had at GeekSquad.

Took it all home, hooked it all up, and, nothing. Not on any of our TVs. Our 50" will be returned tomorrow from Philips repair, with a new SSB (small signal board) replaced on it just for good measure while the warranty is good, but this cannot be the problem. Not when the other TVs do not work with the computer either, right?

We have even been trying different power cords, thinking maybe it's a power cord issue and we accidentally are using a different power cord than the computer came with. The computer is known to be sort of low on power supply, so...trying to be logical, and, quite desperate, we are trying everything we can think of.

Nothing is working. We have spent over $300 on HDMI cables. Is there some sort of secret order of operations we can't figure out? Any help at all is appreciated in advance.

Discussion is locked

None, unfortunately. We are mostly computer users, not really using the TVs for anything else. Which makes me think we should have gotten displays and not TVs.

We did learn today that the Vizio is NOT really compatible for use with a computer via HDMI. We learned this after talking with a very helpful Vizio tech for quite awhile, after looking at the specs ourselves.

Vizio makes another model 32" called the veco320L, which IS compatible with computers via HDMI, and you find this information deep in the specs under Additional Information. We will return the Vizio V W 32L and get the veco320L, more than likely.

I am assuming the other two smaller polaroids have the same issue but have not gone looking through the specs yet.

Here are the differences between the two 32" models which inform us that our model is not ever going to work with our Gateway computer, or any other computer via HDMI for that matter:

For the Vizio VW 32L (Additional Information, under Specs):
...
" HDTV: Yes, thru HDMI or Component YPbPr
Computer: 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1366x768 thru **VGA/RGB**"

For the veco320L:
...
"HDTV: Yes, thru HDMI or Component YPbPr
Computer: 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1366x768 via **VGA and HDMI**"

(I highlighted with ** the significant part of these specs, above.)

We had assumed if it had an HDMI input the TVs would work with our computer. I guess this is NOT to be expected. We are not the only ones who are baffled by this. The tech at Vizio did not know this either, until he did as we did and read carefully the specs all the way through. The Geek Squad techs also seemed to be under the impression that if there is an HDMI input, a computer would work via HDMI. Everyone suggested plugging and unplugging the components a certain way and firmware as possible solutions, expensive cords and new video cards.

We are still waiting to get our 50" Plasma back with the new SSB in it. By the end of today we should know if this will fix the problem. If so, one TV and two HDMI cords will be returned to place of purchase.

Very Strange problem with computer and HDMI on flat screens

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