Using a T.V as a monitor?

Q: I have a Netflix account and I like to watch movies online. The only problem is that my monitor doesn't have the best picture. I have a Philips HDTV (It's the rear projection kind) and it has a DVI input on the back for the channel AV 5. My Compaq Presario V4000 has a VGA port and I was under the impression that I could plug a VGA cable into the laptops port, put a VGA to DVI converter on the end, plug it into my TV and the screen will show up there. I have had no such luck. The screen remains black, not even a flicker. I have tried pressing thr Fn + F4 buttons but that doedn't work either. I have looked in display settings and it says I have two moniors so I don't know what the problem is. I'm not the best at computers so if you leave a responce can you please be as detailed as possissible? Any help will be great! Thank's in advance, Guy http://www.guystran.com

A: There are different types of DVI, I believe there are a couple of types. DVI-I can accept both analog and digital signals, while DVI-D can only accept digital signals. Since VGA is an analog signal, your TV will need to have DVI-I for it to work without a converter. (You most likely have a cable adapter, not a converter) I suspect that the TV has DVI-D and thus you need to first convert the analog VGA signal to Digital with a converter. You could check the owners manual of the TV to see if it is DVI-I or DVI-D. Generally, computer monitors have DVI-I and TVs would have DVI-D. You have an adapter if you paid less than $10 for it. You have a converter if you paid $80+ for it. Some links are attached for your reference.

Related items