TV Output
Author
Discussion

allgonepetetong

Original Poster:

1,188 posts

250 months

Saturday 16th December 2006
quotequote all
Hey Guys

I have a Pioneer 43" HDTV plasma in my front room hooked up to my PC that I use to show photograps, watch movies and occasionally do a bit of web surfing on. Unfortunately the TV does not have a 9 pin PC input so I use an SVHS lead from the TV output of my nvidea graphics card instead. Problem is, this gives a slightly fuzzy image to text, although pictures and movies are better. What I want to be able to do is eliminate this fuzz as much as possible. (I have optimised the settings as best I can)

So to my question; if I upgrade my video card to a model with an HDMI TV output (rather than the standard SVHS), will this improve the picture quality on my TV when used with the appropriate cable? (the TV does have an HDMI input, but this is for TV only and will not accept a PC signal)

If it will improve the picture, will the length of cable I require (8 meters as the PC is in the room next door) degrade the signal significantly or will it be OK?

Last point, would it theoretically be possible with this upgrade to download high def tv content from bit torrent sites and have them play in high def on the plasma? (not that I would ever do such a thing you understand, this is purely hypothetical)

Thanks guys, looking forward to your advice

Pete

arh

2,162 posts

270 months

Saturday 16th December 2006
quotequote all
Yes

I run a toshiba 32wlt66 from the dvi output on my PC. this gives a much better picture than s video.

madras

329 posts

240 months

Saturday 16th December 2006
quotequote all

Plotloss

67,280 posts

301 months

Sunday 17th December 2006
quotequote all
Any DVI-D/DVI-I output VGA card will throw a HD picture onto your 436.

Just get a DVI-HDMI balun (about £10) and run a HDMI cable from the balun to the panel.

8m should be fine with a HDMI cable.

Yes you can download HD torrents, they about a twice the size of a normal Divx.

allgonepetetong

Original Poster:

1,188 posts

250 months

Sunday 17th December 2006
quotequote all
Thanks guys

Plotty, is it the balun that converts from a PC signal to a tv signal? Is it 75 ohms to 50 or somethng similar, is that the difference between a PC and TV signal?

If so, that would explain why a DVI to HDMI cable failed miserabley when I tried previously.

Do you have a link to where I can buy a DVI-HDMI balun?

Your help really is appreciated

Pete


Edited by allgonepetetong on Sunday 17th December 03:41

Plotloss

67,280 posts

301 months

Sunday 17th December 2006
quotequote all
DVI-I and DVI-D are digital DVI outputs (or digital and analogue in the case of DVI-I), these can be converted into a digital HDMI signal by means of a simple interface changer.

If you have a DVI-A or DVI-I DVI output on your card, that can be converted into a VGA signal by an interface changer.

Whether you can use a DVI>HDMI balun will depend if your DVI output is analogue or digital, from the sounds of things its Analogue.

These however will only carry video, no sound so you need a seperate cable going up to the display for sound.

allgonepetetong

Original Poster:

1,188 posts

250 months

Monday 18th December 2006
quotequote all
Thanks, though I'm really rather confused.

For the record, my TV is a Pioneer 435-FDE (sans pc input) rather than the later model 435-XDE which does have a PC input.

Are you saying Plotty that I should buy a video card with a digital DVI output with a DVI - HDMI balun or a VGA to HDMI converter to then convert that output signal to a TV friendly signal?

Do you have a link where I can buy a balun or can you point me to a manufacturer I could call?

BTW, sound isn't important as I am using RCA interconnects there.

Thanks again

Pete


Edited by allgonepetetong on Monday 18th December 03:33


Edited by allgonepetetong on Monday 18th December 04:01

allgonepetetong

Original Poster:

1,188 posts

250 months

Monday 18th December 2006
quotequote all
OK, Might have just saved myself alot of trouble, might have done nothing at all, but have just been out and purchased an ASUS/Nvidea N7600GS video card that is HDTV compatible.

I assume that means that it has the same output as HD DVD or SKY HD. I bought an 8m DVI to HDMI lead with it.

Will let you know how I get on when I pull my machine apart tonight to install it.

_deano

7,414 posts

284 months

Monday 18th December 2006
quotequote all
like to know how you got on with this as i have the 50FDE without the VGA connection and i want to use something else rather than SVHS cable.
thanks
DJ

allgonepetetong

Original Poster:

1,188 posts

250 months

Tuesday 19th December 2006
quotequote all
I bet! I've been scratching my head with this for about a year, only now have they brought out these new video cards with the high def TV output.

Unfortunately when installing the hardware last night and powering back up, an alarm from within the machine sounded, I think a wire has come loose somewhere. I'm taking it to the shop today to se if they can identify the problem

will keep you posted