using a TV as a monitor for HTPC

[SelArom]

I recently purchased a Panasonic HDTV (this one from circuit city)) and I was hoping I could use it for my htpc. It has a dvi-d input, and my htpc has a dvi-d output. but when I connect them together, the video doesn't come out right. I mean, I can see the desktop, but the resolution is some strange ratio, and it won' let me adjust it. the video card on my htpc is a radeon 9100, built into the motherboard.

I looked through the manual and it says "this tv is not meant to be used as a pc monitor". does that mean I can't do it at all? what resolution is it supposed to be at? and how can I change the resolution so I can use the htpc using the dvi-d interface?

I'm using the svideo right now and it works fine, but the quality is bleh, and the res is 800x600. can someone help me? thanks!!

-SelArom

 

[SelArom]

morning bumpage. am I sol?

-SelArom

 

[Rage187]

what part of "this tv is not meant to be used as a pc monitor" did you not understand?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

If the DVI is a lost cause (which I don't know if it is), you might be able to get a DVI to component converter and then get better quality from that. I don't think the 9100 series supports the DVI to component converter, but it might.

What resolution is the DVI sending to the tv? You can't move the resolution slider at all?

Maybe you could get something better going using powerstrip and forcing custom resolutions.

 

[SelArom]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
If the DVI is a lost cause (which I don't know if it is), you might be able to get a DVI to component converter and then get better quality from that. I don't think the 9100 series supports the DVI to component converter, but it might.

What resolution is the DVI sending to the tv? You can't move the resolution slider at all?

Maybe you could get something better going using powerstrip and forcing custom resolutions.

thank you for providing me a helpful response YOyoYOhowsDAjello (unlike sarcasm man up there). I was considering getting a converter but I was worried I would still have the same problem. I CAN move the resolution slider, but ONLY if I set the dvi monitor to be the secondary monitor (with svideo output as monitor 1). I can take pics if it'll help, because I'm kinda new at this and don't know the right terminoligy to describe what I'm seeing. would you be able to provide me more info if I do that? thanks

-SelArom

 

[cornelp]

U need to set a custom resolution with the TV. The TV is really not meant for PC, but U could use it if really have to.
PowerStrip will do thr trick. That Video Card will not support custom mode (I think), so PowerStrip will do it. I tried 2 of my Sony's and the only way I could do it is with PowerStrip. I had a 9200SE ATI.
Don't get the converter (just my opinion), they dont work that well, specially for Quality. One thing I could suggest (my opinion). Dont bother with it. It will not come out to look that well. I went crazy too about trying to do sort of same thing U did, got it, worked fine, but did not like the outcome due to quality. Just my opinion.

Some TVs are made for PCs, some arent. Usually LCDs and Plasmas will do good with PCs.

Just my 2 cents.

BTW: I tried to check and see what is the MAX Resolution supported on that TV, and even the Manufacturer did not have that info, thus meaning will not support higher resolutions then 8X6.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I have actually never used a DVI device so I don't think I'll be a lot of help with anything specific.

If you want another forum to look at, AVSforum has that area just for HTPC hookups. There are a ton of threads about how to get optimal resolutions and timings for various displays over there.

You might even find some people with that specific TV with a solution.