Connecting laptop (VGA) to HD Display (D-Sub)!!! - Blu-ray Forum

sore_and_crucified · 07-24-2007, 11:37 AM

Hey everyone,

I have just purchased a Samsung 1080P TV and would like to know the options available to connect my laptop. I understand I may need to carry the audio seperately??

I would like to use the TV as a mirror for the desktop but would also like to know if I can carry a 1080P signal from the laptop to the TV??

Any help would be great, I tried to search for vga and laptop on here but couldn't find anything, sorry for a re-post if it has been mentioned before.

Andrew

sore_and_crucified · 08-05-2007, 09:13 PM

Any help would be great.

So far I have found this website-

http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/02/08...-to-your-hdtv/

Which does help however I am un-sure which cable to buy, dvi to vga, vga to dvi then hdmi etc etc, as you can see it's all a bit tech overkill (even for me)!!!

Dace · 08-05-2007, 10:57 PM

What is the model of your tv and of your laptop? It will be easier to narrow down the options. Otherwise:

Usually you can use VGA if your TV has VGA...that would be the easiest.

Or if your tv has DVI and your laptop has VGA then use a VGA to DVI adapter, like this one: http://www.svideo.com/ext-vga-2-dvi.html

Or if your laptop happens to have DVI you can easily connect it to your TV if your TV has DVI...or use a simple DVI to HDMI adapter.

There might also be a docking station that will add Component output to your laptop.

So I ask again, what is the model of your TV and laptop?

Muad'Dib · 08-06-2007, 02:03 AM

Also when connecting your Laptop to your TV after connecting them with the RGB or DVI you must sent the signal from the laptop buy pushing a function key like F5. I depend on the laptop model.

Footloose301 · 08-06-2007, 07:08 PM

I actually did this this weekend. I have a new Apple 17" MacBook Pro with all the upgrades and hooked it up to my 46" XBR3 via adapter Apple includes to switch over to VGA and then ran the supplied VGA to the tv. The audio on my notebook is digital optical out thru a minijack(or headphone). So I bought a 1/8" to toslink cable from monoprice.com for the audio and will support 5.1 digital to my receiver.

You need to tell us what notebook you have or audio outputs that are on the notebook.

Also, when I plugged the notebook into the tv via VGA the notebook automatically recognized the tv as being 1920x1080 at 1080P. If you have an Apple then go "Preferences" and click "Displays" and it will show your resolution on the notebook and will show the tv's resolution on the tv. My tv looks absolutely amazing thru my notebook!

haushausman · 08-06-2007, 07:51 PM

http://www.hdtvsupply.com/vgatodvico1.html

I've been saving up to buy the above. Converts to a 1080P signal. Anyone know of a better/cheaper one?

MouseRider · 08-06-2007, 10:01 PM

Many displays that do HD these days will have a mini-DSub 15-pin VGA input which will allow you to connect most computers to it.

Depending on your video capability on your laptop, you will be able to either mirror or extend your desktop.

If your laptop has a DVI connector, you can get a DVI-HDMI adapter system to keep the signals pure digital but if your laptop has a D-Sub 15 RGB out, you're probably better off using the VGA connector on your TV rather than buying another device to do a A/D conversion.

All RGB signals are progressive except in rare situations or if you select an interlaced resolution from some video boards.

Connecting your computer to your TV should through the 15-pin VGA connector should also tell your computer the exact model and resolutions available via VESA signaling supported by most modern screens.

MouseRider · 08-06-2007, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haushausman

http://www.hdtvsupply.com/vgatodvico1.html

I've been saving up to buy the above. Converts to a 1080P signal. Anyone know of a better/cheaper one?

In my opinion, at that price, you should just go get yourself a new video board for your PC that has a built-in DVI out. If you're using a laptop, $600 might actually get you a whole new laptop with a built-in DVI out.

Computers these days are so much cheaper and video boards as well that solutions like this doesn't really make sense unless you have a situation that really ties up your options.

Dace · 08-06-2007, 10:23 PM

Why VGA?? Macbook Pro has DVI out

Quote:

Originally Posted by Footloose301

I actually did this this weekend. I have a new Apple 17" MacBook Pro with all the upgrades and hooked it up to my 46" XBR3 via adapter Apple includes to switch over to VGA and then ran the supplied VGA to the tv. The audio on my notebook is digital optical out thru a minijack(or headphone). So I bought a 1/8" to toslink cable from monoprice.com for the audio and will support 5.1 digital to my receiver.

MouseRider · 08-07-2007, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dace

Why VGA?? Macbook Pro has DVI out

Maybe because if you do that it is free?

All MacBook Pros come with a DVI-to-VGA adapter right out of the box.

Unfortunately many displays these days don't have a DVI input but spot a VGA input.

Alternatively he could have bought a DVI-to-HDMI cable and connected it via HDMI.

In both cases, it just works.

Footloose301 · 08-07-2007, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MouseRider

Maybe because if you do that it is free?

All MacBook Pros come with a DVI-to-VGA adapter right out of the box.

Unfortunately many displays these days don't have a DVI input but spot a VGA input.

Alternatively he could have bought a DVI-to-HDMI cable and connected it via HDMI.

In both cases, it just works.

Right! In my case I didn't buy anything. All cables came with the MacBook Pro and XBR3. Cheap way of doing this.

Also, my tv doesn't have a DVI input.... or at least I don't think it does. Just a VGA or SVGA.

Footloose301 · 08-07-2007, 04:43 PM

My tv has a HD-15pin connector, not DVI, so thats not an option.

sore_and_crucified · 08-07-2007, 07:10 PM

Thanks for the replies.

The HDTV I have is a Samsung LE40N8 which has a D Sub input. My laptop is a Toshiba Satellite A100, Full spec here-

http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.c...hibaShop=false

Output is VGA and S Video.... I just hope it's possible to go 1080 with this.

I would basically know which is the best option to go for, where I can purchase the right cabling/adapters. Ideally I wanted to use HDMI, no reason just bought two QED ones that was all. I guess the D Sub might be the easier option since it is a dedicated PC input. I understand I also need to send the sound seperate which is fine as I have a seperate sound receiver.

I also own an iMac, which if it's easier to display on the HDTV set could also be an option, which I believe is a MINI DVI output.

Thanks for the help so far.

Andrew

Footloose301 · 08-07-2007, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sore_and_crucified

Thanks for the replies.

The HDTV I have is a Samsung LE40N8 which has a D Sub input. My laptop is a Toshiba Satellite A100, Full spec here-

http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.c...hibaShop=false

Output is VGA and S Video.... I just hope it's possible to go 1080 with this.

I would basically know which is the best option to go for, where I can purchase the right cabling/adapters. Ideally I wanted to use HDMI, no reason just bought two QED ones that was all. I guess the D Sub might be the easier option since it is a dedicated PC input. I understand I also need to send the sound seperate which is fine as I have a seperate sound receiver.

I also own an iMac, which if it's easier to display on the HDTV set could also be an option, which I believe is a MINI DVI output.

Thanks for the help so far.

Andrew

Output thru VGA and into the tv via PC input should make your tv 1080.... mine recognized it as 1080.

sore_and_crucified · 08-07-2007, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Footloose301

Output thru VGA and into the tv via PC input should make your tv 1080.... mine recognized it as 1080.

So something like this should work for me?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2m-VGA-monitor...QQcmdZViewItem

or this one, a standard vga cable?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1-8m-Quality-V...QQcmdZViewItem

Dace · 08-08-2007, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Footloose301

My tv has a HD-15pin connector, not DVI, so thats not an option.

Yeah...'cept VGA is an analog connection. DVI and HDMI are digital. DVI is better.

CAB · 08-08-2007, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dace

Yeah...'cept VGA is an analog connection. DVI and HDMI are digital. DVI is better.

How is a 1080i signal coming from a DVI better than a 1080p coming from a VGA?

Why is doing the digital to analog conversion in a TV better than doing it on a DAC in a PC?

-CB

Footloose301 · 08-08-2007, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dace

Yeah...'cept VGA is an analog connection. DVI and HDMI are digital. DVI is better.

As long as I'm still seeing 1080, I really don't care and there is no point to doing the DVI that you suggest. Also, like I said, DVI is NOT an option.

MouseRider · 08-08-2007, 06:19 AM

Remember the simple rule, "Garbage in, Garbage out".

So if your source is putting out VGA, buying a fancy gadget to turn it into DVI or HDMI isn't going to make it better, if anything, it might make it worse.

Dace · 08-09-2007, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MouseRider

Remember the simple rule, "Garbage in, Garbage out".

So if your source is putting out VGA, buying a fancy gadget to turn it into DVI or HDMI isn't going to make it better, if anything, it might make it worse.

Macbook Pro outputs DVI....and DVI can easily be adapted to HDMI with a DVI to HDMI cable.

07-24-2007, 11:37 AM	#1
sore_and_crucified Active Member Member since:Mar 2007	Connecting laptop (VGA) to HD Display (D-Sub)!!! Hey everyone, I have just purchased a Samsung 1080P TV and would like to know the options available to connect my laptop. I understand I may need to carry the audio seperately?? I would like to use the TV as a mirror for the desktop but would also like to know if I can carry a 1080P signal from the laptop to the TV?? Any help would be great, I tried to search for vga and laptop on here but couldn't find anything, sorry for a re-post if it has been mentioned before. Andrew

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08-05-2007, 09:13 PM	#2
sore_and_crucified Active Member Member since:Mar 2007	Any help would be great. So far I have found this website- http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/02/08...-to-your-hdtv/ Which does help however I am un-sure which cable to buy, dvi to vga, vga to dvi then hdmi etc etc, as you can see it's all a bit tech overkill (even for me)!!!

08-05-2007, 10:57 PM	#3
Dace Active Member Member since:Feb 2007 Location:Montreal, QC - Canada	What is the model of your tv and of your laptop? It will be easier to narrow down the options. Otherwise: Usually you can use VGA if your TV has VGA...that would be the easiest. Or if your tv has DVI and your laptop has VGA then use a VGA to DVI adapter, like this one: http://www.svideo.com/ext-vga-2-dvi.html Or if your laptop happens to have DVI you can easily connect it to your TV if your TV has DVI...or use a simple DVI to HDMI adapter. There might also be a docking station that will add Component output to your laptop. So I ask again, what is the model of your TV and laptop?

08-06-2007, 02:03 AM	#4
Muad'Dib Member Member since:Jun 2007	Also when connecting your Laptop to your TV after connecting them with the RGB or DVI you must sent the signal from the laptop buy pushing a function key like F5. I depend on the laptop model.

08-06-2007, 07:08 PM	#5
Footloose301 Special Member Member since:May 2007 Location:Fort Myers, FL Home Theater Gallery:38 4K collection:2 Blu-ray collection:2 Blu-ray reviews: 1	I actually did this this weekend. I have a new Apple 17" MacBook Pro with all the upgrades and hooked it up to my 46" XBR3 via adapter Apple includes to switch over to VGA and then ran the supplied VGA to the tv. The audio on my notebook is digital optical out thru a minijack(or headphone). So I bought a 1/8" to toslink cable from monoprice.com for the audio and will support 5.1 digital to my receiver. You need to tell us what notebook you have or audio outputs that are on the notebook. Also, when I plugged the notebook into the tv via VGA the notebook automatically recognized the tv as being 1920x1080 at 1080P. If you have an Apple then go "Preferences" and click "Displays" and it will show your resolution on the notebook and will show the tv's resolution on the tv. My tv looks absolutely amazing thru my notebook!

08-06-2007, 07:51 PM	#6
haushausman Special Member Member since:Jan 2007 Location:Chicago Home Theater Gallery:12 Blu-ray collection:343 Blu-ray reviews: 5	http://www.hdtvsupply.com/vgatodvico1.html I've been saving up to buy the above. Converts to a 1080P signal. Anyone know of a better/cheaper one?

08-06-2007, 10:01 PM	#7
MouseRider Active Member Member since:Aug 2007	Many displays that do HD these days will have a mini-DSub 15-pin VGA input which will allow you to connect most computers to it. Depending on your video capability on your laptop, you will be able to either mirror or extend your desktop. If your laptop has a DVI connector, you can get a DVI-HDMI adapter system to keep the signals pure digital but if your laptop has a D-Sub 15 RGB out, you're probably better off using the VGA connector on your TV rather than buying another device to do a A/D conversion. All RGB signals are progressive except in rare situations or if you select an interlaced resolution from some video boards. Connecting your computer to your TV should through the 15-pin VGA connector should also tell your computer the exact model and resolutions available via VESA signaling supported by most modern screens.

08-07-2007, 04:43 PM	#12
Footloose301 Special Member Member since:May 2007 Location:Fort Myers, FL Home Theater Gallery:38 4K collection:2 Blu-ray collection:2 Blu-ray reviews: 1	My tv has a HD-15pin connector, not DVI, so thats not an option.

08-07-2007, 07:10 PM	#13
sore_and_crucified Active Member Member since:Mar 2007	Thanks for the replies. The HDTV I have is a Samsung LE40N8 which has a D Sub input. My laptop is a Toshiba Satellite A100, Full spec here- http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.c...hibaShop=false Output is VGA and S Video.... I just hope it's possible to go 1080 with this. I would basically know which is the best option to go for, where I can purchase the right cabling/adapters. Ideally I wanted to use HDMI, no reason just bought two QED ones that was all. I guess the D Sub might be the easier option since it is a dedicated PC input. I understand I also need to send the sound seperate which is fine as I have a seperate sound receiver. I also own an iMac, which if it's easier to display on the HDTV set could also be an option, which I believe is a MINI DVI output. Thanks for the help so far. Andrew

08-08-2007, 06:19 AM	#19
MouseRider Active Member Member since:Aug 2007	Remember the simple rule, "Garbage in, Garbage out". So if your source is putting out VGA, buying a fancy gadget to turn it into DVI or HDMI isn't going to make it better, if anything, it might make it worse.

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