HomeTech Solutions :: Can I display my computer on my TV screen?

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Short answer; yes. But, you may not get the results you expect.

Many computer graphics cards have composite, s-video, even component output. Plus, you can buy converters that will convert the vga output to one of those. But before you get too excited, realize that standard definition TVs are actually very low resolution. Here are three common problems:

1) You will have to set the resolution of your computer to something low enough that the video card will even attempt to output a signal. (Check your video card documentation.)

2) You with then pobably have to set the resolution even lower to be able to read the computer output on the TV screen. Often even 640 x 480 is still a bit fuzzy.

3) Then you will probably notice that one or more edges are cut off of the screen. Check your video card software again. Some cards have a utility that allows you to move the image around on the screen.

But, you ask, what about HDTV?

You will still likely have at least some of the above problems, although possibly not to the same degree. Even a plasma connected digitally is probably only going to have one "sweet spot" where the computer resolution exactly matches the plasma's native resolution. And that may not be the scale you wanted.

The bottom line, in our opinion, is that TVs (not matter how expensive) make lousy computer monitors. They are usually acceptable only for playing movies from the computer, not for operating the computer.

P.S. Graphically oriented computer video games are way cool on big screen HDTVs with home-theater sound!