Using a HDTV with Vista...

conzy

Is it always a nightmare?

I have Vista on my Media Center PC, It works great but if the TV is switched off and turned back on later or if the channel is changed and chenged back, Vista doesnt "find" the TV again and I have to reboot to get a picture again..

Its connected via a DVI -> HDMI adapter with a HDMI cable, I power management off so Vista never attempts to shut off the monitor and I have "Force TV detection" set in Catalyst Control Center

Any ideas?

Sqaull20

Is it plasma or lcd?

conzy

Its an LCD , Sharp Aquos 37" 1080p

Its not an issue with the TV, I have a PS3 connected too and I can change channel and return to the PS3 channel without any issues

Overheal

Aquos? Never heard of it.

Is Vista not throwing up its Presentation Settings when you plug it in? Well I guess not if youre going through the DVI - I know with a direct HDMI link it picks up on the fact, and goes straight to Presentation Mode (for Projectors and TVs)

You can force it I think:

Right click on the desktop and go to personalization. now on the sidebar menu select "Connect to projector or external display". That shows you the Windows Mobility Center (also available on the CP). On the presenting panel (farthest right, second down) Turn that On, and now a projector icon displays in the taskbar by the clock. right click on that and you can tweak your presentation mode settings: including telling Vista to automatically enter pres-mode when it detects that display.

Ultimately though I think your issue stems from the DVI port, and you may simply have to find a way to get a dedicated HDMI out, probably by getting a new Graphics Card. Depending on your make model and manufacturer though many of them will let you trade-in the card on the cost of a new one, if the machine isnt too old. Hopefully someone will swoop by here, tell me im being an idiot, and that you can fix this through the DVI though.

conzy

I was getting a 3450 for it for anyway but 99% of graphics cards don't have a HDMI port, they use a DVI--> HDMI port for HDMI support.

I will try your suggestion now, I have to reboot the PC to get the display to turn back on

Are you using a laptop? I dont think the settings you mentioned are available on a desktop

Jonathan

Overheal wrote: »

That shows you the Windows Mobility Center (also available on the CP)

Only on laptops afaik. I think the hint is in the word Mobility :P

Overheal

pfft. i wasnt sure windows differentiated between the two, on the exception of recognizing Oh Hey A Battery!