Hooking computer up to TV

[mmafan]

I'm trying to hook my laptop up to my TV and have the monitor cable attached
with the proper setup, but the picture isn't coming in at all. Does a
setting need to be changed on the computer in order for this to work? Thanks
for your help.

 

[SC Tom]

I'm trying to hook my laptop up to my TV and have the monitor cable
attached
with the proper setup, but the picture isn't coming in at all. Does a
setting need to be changed on the computer in order for this to work?
Thanks
for your help.

Some laptops require a FN key to be pressed to change from the laptop screen
to an external monitor. On my Gateway, it's the "FN F4" keys. Look for an
icon on your F keys that looks like 2 squares separated be a forward slash.
The icon will probably be the same color as the printing on your FN key.

SC Tom

 

[mmafan]

I tried what you recommended. I don't have that function on my computer. Any
other suggestions? Our TV is a bit older (7yrs). It has the proper hookups,
but I'm wondering if it is compatable.

 

[Paul]

I tried what you recommended. I don't have that function on my computer. Any
other suggestions? Our TV is a bit older (7yrs). It has the proper hookups,
but I'm wondering if it is compatable.

Are you using a VGA to Composite video cable ?

http://images.marketplaceadvisor.channeladvisor.com/hi/61/61482/pothvgasvrc1_acc_l.jpg

I would not use one of those, because it only works under special circumstances.
I cannot remember any occasion where a poster used one successfully.

If you want the thing to work, you want the laptop to have
a composite output (RCA) like this...

http://www.timefordvd.com/images/hardware/CompositeVideo_output_large.jpg

or an S-video output like something here. This implies a hardware
design where the designer knows a TV will be connected.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-video

Sometimes, the graphics in the computer, have trouble detecting that
a device has been attached to the computer. In the past, the TV section
of the display control panel, may have had a button labeled "Force Detection",
which is a way for the user to convince the computer, that a TV is
connected. Normally, the hardware detects the 75 ohm load from the
TV set. But if the detection is not working, the computer may decide
there is nothing connected. The "Force Detection" feature was
added for those problematic TV sets.

In this control panel, there is a force button in the lower right hand
corner. Set the resolution sent to the TV, to 640 x 480 for your
first test, and then force the output. If you have an actual
Composite jack on the laptop, then perhaps the TV will show
a signal.

http://images.techtree.com/ttimages/story/95229_displaysmanagerletsyouadjustdisplaysettings.jpg

Paul

 

[ManyBeers]

I'm trying to hook my laptop up to my TV and have the monitor cable attached
with the proper setup, but the picture isn't coming in at all. Does a
setting need to be changed on the computer in order for this to work? Thanks
for your help.

On my 7-year old Sony laptop PCGFXA47(ATI Rage Mobility M1 video card) when
I hook up the composite video cable from my laptop to my tv to watch a DVD I
right-click the Desktop choose Properties Settings tab
Advanced button Displays tab and there I have 3 choices The current display,
An external monitor, or the tv.Try that.
I ri

 

[SC Tom]

Is this not the reason Amiga computers was king for things like this they
would all plug in and play on a normal telly without the need
for drivers and flashy bits of hardware.

Ken

My TI-99/4a was the same way. It had a modulator that went between the
antenna and the TV. Turn to channel 3, turn on the TI, and 1 or 2 minutes
later you were ready to fly on that 16K of RAM LOL!!

SC Tom

 

[G. Morgan]

I'm trying to hook my laptop up to my TV and have the monitor cable attached
with the proper setup, but the picture isn't coming in at all. Does a
setting need to be changed on the computer in order for this to work? Thanks
for your help.

What video out are you using? VGA, S-Video???
Anyway, as another poster suggested, try going into your video setup on the
laptop (while everything is plugged in and ON) and check for another monitor
detected.

 

[Bob I]

You will probably need to cut resolution back to 480 in the vertical as
in 640X480.