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Hooking up a tv as a computer monitor

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by bigboi, May 30, 2006.

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  1. bigboi

    bigboi Member

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    I have a RCA HD Ready TV and i was wondering what would I need to use it as a moniter for a computer. Thanks in advance
     
    #1 bigboi, May 30, 2006
  2. Master Baiter

    Master Baiter Member

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    You will need a computer and cables.
     
    #2 Master Baiter, May 30, 2006
  3. hooroo

    hooroo Member

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    you'll need a vga to tv converter. aver is the most common brand for these things.
     
    #3 hooroo, May 30, 2006
  4. bigboi

    bigboi Member

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    Where do I find this and how much. Is this stand alone or will it need to be installed in the computer.
     
    #4 bigboi, May 30, 2006
  5. StupidMoniker

    StupidMoniker I lost a bet

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    A video card with TV out?
     
    #5 StupidMoniker, May 30, 2006
  6. bigboi

    bigboi Member

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    I looked up VGA can I just plug it in to my computer and TV or will I need a video card also and how new must my computer be.
     
    #6 bigboi, May 30, 2006
  7. hooroo

    hooroo Member

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    #7 hooroo, May 30, 2006
  8. bigboi

    bigboi Member

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    Thanks alot, I think the Quick Play will work for me. One more question will I need a video card for my computer or is just plug and play it seems that way from the website?
     
    #8 bigboi, May 30, 2006
  9. bigtexxx

    bigtexxx Member

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    When I wanted to do this, I just walked into Radio Shack and told the employee what I wanted to do and he gave me some ~$15 cable. The computer looks great on my big screen HDTV monitor. Just go over to Radio Shack and talk to one of the employees.
     
    #9 bigtexxx, May 30, 2006
  10. hooroo

    hooroo Member

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    what type of computer monitor are you currently using?
     
    #10 hooroo, May 30, 2006
  11. bigboi

    bigboi Member

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    First gen flat screen gateway.
     
    #11 bigboi, May 30, 2006
  12. bigboi

    bigboi Member

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    I was thinking of doing that but i wanted to check with others first so I would have some idea about what is going on.
     
    #12 bigboi, May 30, 2006
  13. Xerobull

    Xerobull ...and I'm all out of bubblegum

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    Unless your video card has a DVI port, and in that case, you need a DVI to HD (RCAs) converter. You can find them on EBay.
     
    #13 Xerobull, May 30, 2006
  14. hooroo

    hooroo Member

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    if your video card has a dvi connector are you sure you're not ready to go with a pc to tv hook up already?
     
    #14 hooroo, May 30, 2006
  15. rockHEAD

    rockHEAD Member

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    I hooked up my computer to my HDTV via VGA... the resolution sucked so bad, I returned the cable for a much more expensive DVI cable, the resolution still sucked. You may find that the resolution may not be as sharp as you might think it would be...

    Keep your receipts for whatever cable you end up with, cause you may be returning it!
     
    #15 rockHEAD, May 30, 2006
  16. SwoLy-D

    SwoLy-D Member

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    Does your PC have an s-Video out or RCA output? You may just need a long s-video cable, like mine.

    I am surprised you're not asking about audio... now that's a b*tch.
     
    #16 SwoLy-D, May 30, 2006
  17. Uprising

    Uprising Member

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    I do it all the time, but the resolution pretty much sucks. hard to read font etc. I do it through my 6800GT svidio out. haven't tried the DVI out.
     
    #17 Uprising, May 30, 2006
  18. bigboi

    bigboi Member

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    I need to check my computer I'm not sure, I know there are no RCA plugs not sure about s video. how does the video card come in to play my computer is a couple of years old?
     
    #18 bigboi, May 30, 2006
  19. bigboi

    bigboi Member

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    I wonder how much that has to do with a video card?
     
    #19 bigboi, May 30, 2006
  20. hooroo

    hooroo Member

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    if your rca tv is a rca branded lcd that has dvi connection it would be cheaper to get a budget video card with dvi output (e.g radeon 9550 based card with dvi output).

    if you meant your tv has rca inputs (red, white, and yellow plugs) you'll need a vga to tv converter. assuming the gateway monitor you're using is a cathode tube with a vga plug.
     
    #20 hooroo, May 30, 2006
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