OT: Can I use my TV as a PC monitor?

[Aqua Keepers]

smmscott & mevstheworld, both of these products look like they would work. The one that smmscott links to seems to have some kind of converter box. What is that? The ones that mevstheworld links too are much cheaper, but do not have that box thingie. Are they just as good? Also, mevstheworld, do you have 1st hand experience with these cables? How's the picture quality? Again, I'm looking to watch video files.

BTW, thanks for the help on this holiday night.

 

[Aqua Keepers]

Esquare, I found the forum on Green Button and started a thread. Media Center looks sweet, but it looks like a lot more than I need.

 

[MeVsTheWorld]

No first hand exp. just tryin to help you out. Try calling radioshack, geeksquad, or your local cpu store. They should be able to help you out better. Good Luck and Merry Chrstmas

 

[smmscott]

Pito PM sent.

 

[Aqua Keepers]

Link to specs on my video card:
http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/eg2/index.htm

It's all French to me

 

[smmscott]

i'll look in the morning as I am getting really sleepy.

 

[smmscott]

i think that link is a link to the family of video cards do you know which one you havet? But that family looks like it could support a direct out to tv.

 

[Aqua Keepers]

My laptop is a Dell Inspiron 1150.
Here's the specs:
http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/dell-inspiron-1150/4507-3121_7-30825072.html?tag=mncol;rnav

 

[smmscott]

No your computer does not have a direct tv out. The driver can support it but the computer doesn't have the hardware to support it. So I guess it is time to look for a scan convertor or similar.
A google search for your computer and tv came up with this review.
http://www.refurbished-laptops.biz/dell/inspiron/inspiron-1150.html

here is a cheaper one than the one earlier. I have never used it so I can't comment on quality.
http://www.amazon.com/ITV-900-PC-to...7?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1230218975&sr=8-7

 

[MeVsTheWorld]

It will work. I checked it out looks like it is compatible. Not sure on the quality of the signal, but for $20 it wouldn't be a great loss.

 

[Aqua Keepers]

thanks for looking into it. I saved a couple links to some cheap units. I'm gonna research the reviews. Do you guys mind taking a look at them to make sure these will do what I need them to before I go research their quality?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10114&cs_id=1011407&p_id=4724&seq=1&format=2

http://www.rackmount-devices.com/003-4724.html

http://www.ramelectronics.net/audio...-to-video-converter-gez-1000/prodGEZ1000.html

 

[MeVsTheWorld]

Sorry pito and scott, i overlooked the "add" card. scott is right. i have been reading reviews about all the various converters and it looks like they all have issues with quality. From the cheap ones to the high $ ones. Looks like you need a new tv.

 

[smmscott]

Those are all them same thing really. Low end converters. If you aren't looking for hd quality or anything and just want to watch movies. They should be ok. It will look like you hooked up an older camcorder to the tv. Good luck

 

[Aqua Keepers]

Thanks for all the help fellas. I just ordered the one that smmscott linked to, but I got it cheaper here: http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=ITV-900&cpc=SCH

I researched it and it had good reviews when used to watch video. However, people seemed to have picture quality issues when used as a regular monitor. I'll let you all know how it goes.