Connecting a pc to home theater

[mod]

Panasonic Plasma TH42PX75U and a Yamaha RX-V663 (plus DVD's, etc).

Is it possible to connect a laptop PC so I can sometimes use the TV as a monitor for the PC? I've read through the manuals on both main devices and can't find any info on connecting a PC. The TV is wall mounted, so getting to the connections on the rear isn't easy, but can be done. I see shows on TV where people just hook up their PC's and look at photos or whatever. Looks easy. Maybe my equipment just won't handle it. I guess I was surprised that PC connections aren't even mentioned in the manuals.

 

[adwilk]

I can't see anywhere that your tv has a VGA input so that limits options... Does your laptop have HDMI? Does your laptop have S-video out? I'm sure it has VGA output which would require an adapter to another video interface your TV has.

Something like this

an audio cable from your laptop to the receiver and the video to either the receiver or tv and you're all set. VGA TO HDMI exists, but its fairly expensive...

 

[Adam]

Hi. To follow up with what Adam was saying, what video outputs does your laptop have? If you have any doubts, just let us know what make and model of laptop you have.

Once we know that, we'll be in a better position to help you.

 

[mod]

It's an IBM T42 and it has connections for video out, monitor, and printer.

So I'd need a cable with video out on one end and RGA on the other and connect that to the TV?

 

[Adam]

It appears that the video output on the T42 is an s-video output. You can initially try simply connecting that s-video output to the s-video input on the TV. S-video is at most 480i (I believe), so you won't be watching in high definition. Another option is to use the VGA monitor output and get a converter cable (as has been mentioned).

 

[Sangoma]

PC to TV

HDMI where possible is first choice, for easy play back and great graphics one of several players on the PC will organise and simplify play back selection and open a whole new world between your PC and AV set!

 

[adwilk]

It appears that the video output on the T42 is an s-video output. You can initially try simply connecting that s-video output to the s-video input on the TV. S-video is at most 480i (I believe), so you won't be watching in high definition. Another option is to use the VGA monitor output and get a converter cable (as has been mentioned).

I agree... He might try connecting the Svid to the receiver that does HDMI upconverting to see how it looks... I've never loved it, but it could work. The VGA to Component connection is winner winner chicken dinner..

 

[mod]

So I could possibly connect my PC to my receiver instead of connecting to the TV? If that would work, it would be easier for me. I'd like to keep the cable connected at the receiver or the TV all the time so I wouldn't have to keep getting behind the equipment to do connections. Then just connect the PC when I need to. With a wall mounted TV I don't want a cable hanging down. I'd probably need a 25' cable.

If I go PC to receiver, which type of connectors should I go for? VGA to RCA or Svid to Svid or what? I thought I'd probably order something through monoprice.com.

 

[Adam]

The 663 will convert video signals, so that's a great way to go.

What connection are you running from the receiver to the TV now?

 

[mod]

HDMI from receiver to TV.

 

[mod]

If I connect the pc to the receiver via S video, won't that give me video without audio since the pc has a 4 pin S video? I guess I have to use the PC audio.

 

[Phil Taylor]

If I connect the pc to the receiver via S video, won't that give me video without audio since the pc has a 4 pin S video? I guess I have to use the PC audio.

I've connected my PX80U via s-vid to my Dell D800 and it works - doesn't give full screen vid but it works (with no TV audio of course). Had to restart the puter with the TV on so it would detect the display.

 

[NicolasKL]

It should, but as was stated I don't think you'll be able to get full screen, I think S video does 480i or 576i as a max.

Using DVI or DVI to HDMI would be a lot better, obviously. VGA would be better also. Currently I use HDMI to my reciever but before I had my new receiver I used VGA straight to my TV quite effectively, although not every TV (or reciever) has VGA connectors.

 

[mod]

So Svid won't give full screen. Does VGA to component give full screen?

My laptop options are VGA or Svid.

My receiver options on the front panel are Svid, composite, optical. On the back I have component. The only component connections I'm using are for the digital cable box.

Since it was stated twice that the Svid won't give full screen, that made it sound like VGA might do full screen.

 

[Sangoma]

Lap top to PC

As a last resort you could try the laptop to the TV via Svideo and the sound from the laptop headphone jack to the AV mic input. The laptop also needs to be set up correctly as a source on the AV with the correct connection/cable settings selected. Using the mic input you will loose surround sound though.

 

[RV Trax]

Laptop interfacing

I am using the Sling Catcher from Sling Media, to interface my computer to my TV and entertainment center. This unit is only about $100. It uses the ethernet port from your PC. It has HDMI, Digital Sound , Composite and S-Video as well as analog outputs. It operates flawlessly and is simple to connect. The Sling Projector is used to watch TV and videos on your PC from your TV and is not required to watch anything displayed including movies from the PC to the entertainment center.

 

[mod]

I ordered cables from monoprice.com. A 12ft svid for $1.70 and a 15ft stero audio cable for $3.34. Got them in 3 days. I tried it last night and all is well. Didn't even have to reboot the pc, worked as soon as connected. And the display was in full screen on my 42" tv. Resolution is definitely not HD, but I knew it wouldn't be and I'm very pleased with the results.

Thanks to all for your advice.

 

[Sangoma]

Seems like your all set now! Enjoy it!