1080p, x800xl and new lcd tv????

[crispy2010]

I bought a toshiba 42lx196 today, great tv. I want to hook my pc up to it. If I buy a 'dvi to hdmi' cable, will it run at 1080p when I play games and or play movies off of hdd?


What cable do I need 'dvi-m to hdmi' or 'dvi-d to hdmi'?

Thanx for any help!

 

[ethebubbeth]

Since the set is native 1080p, then yes you would be able to output 1920x1080 over a dvi -> hdmi cable.

 

[crispy2010]

What cable do I need 'dvi-m to hdmi' or 'dvi-d to hdmi'?
Thanx

 

[Uhtrinity]

Some lcd tvs have a normal rgb pc plug, you can also use dvi -> hdmi, or even composite digtal (the red, blue, green cables). However, I had problems getting DVI to probably work with my Hitachi, and had to use composite digital, it works great.

Not sure on the different dvi types, I would say look up the standards and see what matches your hardware.

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

Originally posted by: crispy2010
What cable do I need 'dvi-m to hdmi' or 'dvi-d to hdmi'?
Thanx

Those are two "different" qualities of a DVI cable. the dvi-m means dvi male, which is what plugs into your video card. (Your video card has a dvi-female). It's simply a physical description of the connector shape.

DVI-D is a type of DVI (not male vs. female). the D means digital. A DVI-D will only carry digital signals, which is fine for hooking a computer to your tv. You might also see DVI-A which only carries analog; and DVI-I which carries both. For your computer, a DVI-D or DVI-I should work equally well.

There are also single links and dual link DVI connectors. a dual link can transmit more data but even at 1920x1080 resolution and 60Hz, a single link cable will work. Unless your TV has higher resolutions, or refreshes at 85 Hz, you don't need to worry about whether it's single or dual link, but if all else is equal I'd get a dual link just because you don't know what you'll get down the road.

 

[Quasmo]

Because you bought an ATI card you're going to have to unplug and then replug your computer into your televsion everytime you want to use it (unless you turn it off everytime) You need whats called a DVI Detector (I had to get one)
DVI Doctor

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

Originally posted by: Quasmo
Because you bought an ATI card you're going to have to unplug and then replug your computer into your televsion everytime you want to use it (unless you turn it off everytime) You need whats called a DVI Detector (I had to get one)
DVI Doctor

Hmm, I don't have to do this with my 1900XTX and a 42" Westy. Is that problem TV-specific maybe, or am I missing something? My GPU outputs DVI, then to a DVI-HDMI adapter, then to an HDMI-DVI cable back to the TV. (I had to change to HDMI and back because the DVI head was too big to fit into the concealed wire channel behind my wall).

 

[crispy2010]

Thanks for the info. I am reading the manual and it states twice to not hook pc up to hdmi port. Why would it say this? Should I do it anyways anyway?

The rgp port only supports 640x480vga, I want the full 1080p!

 

[tyanni]

This TV only accepts up to 1080i on the HDMI port, even though its a 1080p screen. Its not that great of a screen to use with a pc, since you can't output full full 1080p signal to it and have it displayed pixel for pixel on the screen.

 

[crispy2010]

So what will I get if I do dvi to hdmi?


Thanx!

 

[Uhtrinity]

Originally posted by: crispy2010
So what will I get if I do dvi to hdmi?


Thanx!

To start with just use the composite video adapter cable dongle that comes with the video card. You could aslo try the RGB plug (looks like a normal VGA plug) if your tv has one. If that doesn't appear to work well enough then try DVI or DVI -> HDMI.

Experiment, see what works best with your hardware, it is also a good learning experience.

 

[crispy2010]

Originally posted by: Uhtrinity

Originally posted by: crispy2010
So what will I get if I do dvi to hdmi?


Thanx!

To start with just use the composite video adapter cable dongle that comes with the video card. You could aslo try the RGB plug (looks like a normal VGA plug) if your tv has one. If that doesn't appear to work well enough then try DVI or DVI -> HDMI.

Experiment, see what works best with your hardware, it is also a good learning experience.

Would rather not pay over 100$ for a cable that wont give me any more than s-vid or composit. Was hopping someone has used the dvi to hdmi with gooD results, thanks.

 

[Uhtrinity]

Originally posted by: crispy2010

Originally posted by: Uhtrinity

Originally posted by: crispy2010
So what will I get if I do dvi to hdmi?


Thanx!

To start with just use the composite video adapter cable dongle that comes with the video card. You could aslo try the RGB plug (looks like a normal VGA plug) if your tv has one. If that doesn't appear to work well enough then try DVI or DVI -> HDMI.

Experiment, see what works best with your hardware, it is also a good learning experience.

Would rather not pay over 100$ for a cable that wont give me any more than s-vid or composit. Was hopping someone has used the dvi to hdmi with gooD results, thanks.

You can run composite digital with some decent quality rca cables (red, white, yellow). Since it is digital it will eitehr work or it won't. I use normal composite digital for my computer and normal RCA for my dvd player, no issues. Chances are you have those already, no need to spend $100.

Just run red ->, white -> blue, and yellow -> blue, or whatever configuration makes sense to you.

As far as the DVI warning, it is most likely not an issue, mine had the same warning, but was accompanied with a clause saying that computers could cause character or image burnins. It's not that it won't work or they aren't compatible, it is more like the company that makes your tv won't deal with pc support issues.

 

[Uhtrinity]

Btw, just looked at the specs for that tv, why not just try your D-sub input (VGA)? You will be able to run at the highest res that tv will support, and most likely won't have any detection issues. If you don't have a cable you can most likely get one for less than $10 at a computer shop.

 

[crispy2010]

Originally posted by: Uhtrinity
Btw, just looked at the specs for that tv, why not just try your D-sub input (VGA)? You will be able to run at the highest res that tv will support, and most likely won't have any detection issues. If you don't have a cable you can most likely get one for less than $10 at a computer shop.

Manual says vga: 640x480 @ 60hz
svga: 800x600
xga: 1024x768

Says other formats will not display. Shouldnt it be 1920x1080?


I tried the svid dongle that connects to composite, it would only come in black and white.

Thanx for all the help.

 

[crispy2010]

Originally posted by: tyanni
This TV only accepts up to 1080i on the HDMI port, even though its a 1080p screen. Its not that great of a screen to use with a pc, since you can't output full full 1080p signal to it and have it displayed pixel for pixel on the screen.

I am confused by this statement?????

 

[Uhtrinity]

Originally posted by: crispy2010

Originally posted by: Uhtrinity
Btw, just looked at the specs for that tv, why not just try your D-sub input (VGA)? You will be able to run at the highest res that tv will support, and most likely won't have any detection issues. If you don't have a cable you can most likely get one for less than $10 at a computer shop.

Manual says vga: 640x480 @ 60hz
svga: 800x600
xga: 1024x768

Says other formats will not display. Shouldnt it be 1920x1080?


I tried the svid dongle that connects to composite, it would only come in black and white.

Thanx for all the help.

I would think you could run all the vga modes on the d-sub plug, upto 1700ish by 1080.

As far as composite, is that NTSC composite or digital composite? My x800 and x1950 cards both came with a digital composite dongle (blue / red / green). NTSC composite is close to the s video standard and will only display 480i.

 

[genietime]

Really depends entirely on the HDTV; a X800XL will display 1920x1080 just fine (used one for about a year myself). Some HDTVs are plug and play for computer use others require considerably more work or have issues.

I'd try VGA first since you probably have a cable available. Don't believe everything in the manual. If the HDTV can really display 1980x1080; it should work via VGA. Did you try a VGA connection?

While composite or S-Video works, it looks really crappy (IMO) compared to DVI or VGA.

Also I've not had a plug-unplug issue with any of my ATI cards from a 9600/X800XL/X1900XT ever.

I'd check out AVS for more info on the TV, I'm sure there is a thread there - that's a much better place to look than AT for these kinds of questions.

Be warned though, I used a X800XL on my 1920x1080 display in earlier days and it was great for text/Office and internet, but it lacks the horsepower to play modern games at any kind of fps.

 

[tyanni]

Toshiba, in order to save money, made this tv so that it doesn't accept a 1080P input on HDMI, even though the actual LCD is a 1080p LCD. The TV upscales all inputs up to the 1080p, but doesn't accept a direct 1080p input. People who use an LCD TV as monitors don't buy tv's that do this since it doesn't allow for a 1920x1080 input. The Westinghouse mentioned earlier does allow a 1080p input, as do most 1080p LCDs. If you truly want a pixel to pixel perfect 1080p image to display, you need a different tv.

Franky, there was absolutely no reason for Toshiba to have done this, other than to be cheap. See: AVSForum 2006 Toshiba LCD Thread

 

[crispy2010]

I really appreciate the help guys. This tv was purchased for watching hd tv and movies, not computing or gamming, as my wife keeps reminding me! I just wanted to see what a game or pc looked like on it, maby htpc in future. I have about 7 days to return this tv if I choose to. I bought it from HHgreg, after much haggling I paid 1420$ out the door.

Is this tv what I want if I get a blue ray or hd dvd player? How bout playstation3 or xbox360, will they do the 1080p properly? Is this the tv I want, good quality? Is there better for same price or better?

Going to check out the other site, but I trust anandtech opinion, thanx!

 

[tyanni]

If you are going to be using this as an LCD for (1) your pc and (2) HD or Blueray Discs, I would go with a tv that supports direct, with no overscan, 1080P inputs. Unfortunately, I am in the same boat and will be waiting until June\July to purchase as I've found too many issues with all of the 1080P LCDs out there. However, the westinghouse does have loyal followers, is relatively cheap, and will work well with a pc. Check out the threads at avsforum.

Note - the above is just my opinion. there are people that will claim no difference in video quality between 1080i and 1080p, and in most cases, they are probably right. However, for PC use, you really want a 1080p LCD that supports 1080P input on the HDMI or DVI connections. I also want to purchase a TV that will last for several years, so I don't want to purchase an LCD that is not capable of accepting 1080p now when a lot of 1080p format video is probably just around the corner.

Tim

 

[crispy2010]

Well I have it working with dsub @ 1024x768 and it looks great to me, I am happy with this. Was playing fear and it looked good!

Now I am still confused with the whole 1080p thing. Do any of my inputs do 1080p? Not for pc but for anything? If not How can it be 1080p tv without any input for 1080p?

I will prob just keep tv, its to much work to take it down and take back, prob what the guy that sold it to me figured, he said it was true 1080p not scalled!

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: Uhtrinity
As far as composite, is that NTSC composite or digital composite? My x800 and x1950 cards both came with a digital composite dongle (blue / red / green). NTSC composite is close to the s video standard and will only display 480i.

Please stop calling it "digital composite". It's called Component, and the signal is ANALOG.