Outputting Laptop To TV

[LocutusX]

I've gotten hold of a laptop decent enough to play DivX files... it's a pretty bare machine, and I'm wondering how I can get it to output to a 28" TV... and how to output *well*. Anyone know of any good External Monitor-to-SVideo/RCA gadgets? How's the quality on them, and what resolutions can they handle?

 

[eyez]

You need a scan converter.....I'm drawing a blank on the name, but I was just at compusa today, they had several models for around $150. Beware though, even the best ones produce only acceptable picture quality. Go to a place that has a liberal return policy.

 

[LocutusX]

$150? Yikes... maybe I'll look for a used one.

 

[Workin']

<< Beware though, even the best ones produce only acceptable picture quality. >>

True for text. NOT true for video. About the cheapest one I've heard of that has decent quality is the Averkey imicro, some have found it for less than $75. It will accept up to 1024x768 as an input. Looking for a used one is probably a good bet.

 

[LocutusX]

<< NOT true for video >>



You sure about that? Then I'll have no probs. This is purely to output video files from a laptop to a 28&quot; TV. The TV isn't super high end or anything, and the quality of the laptop video files are questionable as well - certainly not MPEG-2 (DVD) quality. As long as I can achieve at least VHS-like resolution on the TV, I'll be happy. I'll probably be using plain old' RCA cables to connect the two together anyhow.

 

[RobsTV]

Workin' is 100% correct.
There is not really much difference playing DVD's from my PC onto a 53&quot; TV than the table top DVD player I have. I even had over 65' of RCA cable instead of svideo cable, at one time. Not much of a difference. Now using X10 DVD Anywhere 2.4GHz wireless transmitter/receiver system, ($50), and get great results. The only reason I use the tabletop DVD player is that it is easier for the wife to use. Results for you should be at the least 85% DVD quality, and 10x better than VHS quality.

If you are looking at used, TView Gold is what I'm currently using, but costs around $199 new. Resolutions of 1600x1280 @ 152Hz, with ton's of extra features, make it a good deal if you can get one for under $100 used. Pd $70 for mine, so you can do it..

 

[Workin']

<< You sure about that? >>

Absoulutely, positively, sure.

Good old Workin' and RobsTV wouldn't steer you wrong. I figured he'd pop in on this thread, thanks for the backup, dude!

 

[LocutusX]

Hey guys,

I totally forgot about the X10 microwave-based solution. I was going to order one of those last May but forgot about it. Is the X10 DVDAnywhere product a good substiute for an old-school scan converter?

 

[RobsTV]

No. The X10 requires a composite video signal.
That's where the scan convertor comes in.
It gives you both a composite and svideo output signal.
From PC to Scan convertor, to X10 transmitter, then wireless through walls, to X10 receiver, then to TV. I've even taken a set of speakers out by the pool, and plugged them into the X10 receiver, then played MP3's on PC, and listened by the pool. Since PC also has TV tuner card, brought out small TV by pool and watched Nascar race in same manor. X10 DVD Anywhere is the best $50 you'll spend.

 

[Workin']

I also have a DVD Anywhere device and am also happy with it.