[TV] HDMI - [PC] S-VIDEO or DVI or VGA?

jackthelad321

Hi all

I want to connect my oldish PC Dell optilex 745 (http://www.dell.com/us/dfb/p/optiplex-745/pd)

to my new Samsung HD TV:

(http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/11885528/art/samsung/ue40es5500-led-smart-tv.html?key=0&srcid=1google.ie).

The idea is to stream internet videos, and get the best picture possible for all types of media playback from various Hard drives etc.

The TV imput is HDMI only, and the computer has S-VIDEO, DVI, and I have a converter that gives me a VGA port from the DVI one.

Would DVI be better than S-Video? I assume VGA is inferior.

Any other thoughts that are relevant are greatly appreciated.

Regards JACK.

riclad

vga is much better than svideo, svideo is tv resolution,
vga = hd hidef res.READ TV manual, set res to 1024x768,or higher as specified in manual,
refresh rate 60mhz ,MAX,
too high refresh rate can damage tv.
Any hdtv can take 720x576,or 1024x 768 .
svideo is low res ,designed for sdtv ,older tvs.
what model is the tv, eg sony 670k
svideo is 720x480 resolution.
http://hd.engadget.com/2006/02/08/how-to-connect-your-pc-to-your-hdtv/
powerstrip doesnt work on win7 os, as far as i know.
be careful ,dont put in ramdom resolution,or too high resolution,
or you might damage the tube,
my tv manual says dont go over 60mhz refresh rate when using dvi or vga cable.
i use my tv in 1024x768 res from my pc.

jackthelad321

riclad wrote: »

vga is much better than svideo, svideo is tv resolution,
vga = hd hidef res.READ TV manual, set res to 1024x768,or higher as specified in manual,
refresh rate 60mhz ,MAX,
too high refresh rate can damage tv.
Any hdtv can take 720x576,or 1024x 768 .
svideo is low res ,designed for sdtv ,older tvs.
what model is the tv, eg sony 670k
svideo is 720x480 resolution.
http://hd.engadget.com/2006/02/08/how-to-connect-your-pc-to-your-hdtv/
powerstrip doesnt work on win7 os, as far as i know.
be careful ,dont put in ramdom resolution,or too high resolution,
or you might damage the tube,
my tv manual says dont go over 60mhz refresh rate when using dvi or vga cable.
i use my tv in 1024x768 res from my pc.

Hey thanks for the reply. My TV has a mhz refresh rate of 100, although a thread informed me that it's really only 50mhz and is false advertising. So not sure what to do on that one!! The TV should be linked to in my OP.

That thread you linked to, had a quick glance at it, it seemed to suggest using DVI to HDMI and didn't mention VGA in any great detail.

Afraid I'm still unclear, although S-VIDEO is clearly gone as an option. Now it's just to decide between VGA and DVI.

(Does anyone know if this lead http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=3602&sku=40320 is worth getting)

Thanks, as always,
Jack:D

Tallon

jackthelad321 wrote: »

Hi all

I want to connect my oldish PC Dell optilex 745 (http://www.dell.com/us/dfb/p/optiplex-745/pd)

to my new Samsung HD TV:

(http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/11885528/art/samsung/ue40es5500-led-smart-tv.html?key=0&srcid=1google.ie).

The idea is to stream internet videos, and get the best picture possible for all types of media playback from various Hard drives etc.

The TV imput is HDMI only, and the computer has S-VIDEO, DVI, and I have a converter that gives me a VGA port from the DVI one.

Would DVI be better than S-Video? I assume VGA is inferior.

Any other thoughts that are relevant are greatly appreciated.

Regards JACK.

If you really want the best picture possible, would you consider getting a new graphics card with HDMI output?

They can be got for very cheap these days

jackthelad321

Tallon wrote: »

If you really want the best picture possible, would you consider getting a new graphics card with HDMI output?

They can be got for very cheap these days

It sounds intersting. I have an oldish PC - would that still work? Would Is till use the VGA/DVI connection? as I don't have a HDMI output built into old PC?

Thanks for the reply. Also, what do you think about VGA or DVI to HDMI as per my OP?

Regards, Jack

Tallon

No, a new graphics card would have a HDMI slot on it so you could just run a cable to the TV

I think the DVI to HDMI would actually be okay tbh. I wouldn't be mad about VGA to HDMI, but I've never used it

Khannie

DVI->HDMI cable all the way. No question.

riclad

SVIDEO = lores ,bad, low quality ,sd tv ,not good,
vga hires ,hidefinition ,good,
high quality = vga ,or hdmi.
if using vga , you,ll need a 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable for sound, male to male 3.5mm,
if you wanna use tv, rca in ,4 sound, then get 3.5 to rca ,male both ends,
cost 3 euro ,powercity or maplins.
svideo is like a tv from 1960, low low quality
vga = brand new hdtv , as a metaphor.
super hi res= vga or hdmi.
google connect pc to tv using vga cable.
you can use 3.5mm audio in, or rca audio in,
unless you get a new card just use vga or dvi cable.
see what connector your tv has.

sink

DVI-D and HDMI are the same signal with just a different pin arrangement, so you can get a DVI-HDMI adapter or even a DVI-HDMI lead that will do the job as well as HDMI itself. For small stuff like that I find ebay the best place to look.

If you are buying and adapter for use with a DVI lead you need DVI female - HDMI male adapter, and if you are using a HDMI lead you need a HDMI female - DVI male adapter.

sink

Tallon wrote: »

I think the DVI to HDMI would actually be okay tbh. I wouldn't be mad about VGA to HDMI, but I've never used it

You can't actually get VGA - HDMI as HDMI is not compatible with the analogue signal from VGA. The only reason DVI is compatible is because DVI as a standard can run in different modes DVI-A DVI-D and DVI-I.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface#Connector

Tallon

sink wrote: »

You can't actually get VGA - HDMI as HDMI is not compatible with the analogue signal from VGA. The only reason DVI is compatible is because DVI as a standard can run in different modes DVI-A DVI-D and DVI-I.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface#Connector

You can, but that's why I said I wouldn't be mad about it...

sink

Tallon wrote: »

You can, but that's why I said I wouldn't be mad about it...

I have heard of some TV's being compatible with VGA to HDMI but I'm pretty sure that will not work with 99% of TV's as it's not part of the standard.

Tallon

sink wrote: »

You can't actually get VGA - HDMI as HDMI is not compatible with the analogue signal from VGA. The only reason DVI is compatible is because DVI as a standard can run in different modes DVI-A DVI-D and DVI-I.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface#Connector

sink wrote: »

I have heard of some TV's being compatible with VGA to HDMI but I'm pretty sure that will not work with 99% of TV's as it's not part of the standard.

?

sink

Just read some of these reviews on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Video-Cable-Black-Support-Necessary/product-reviews/B002TUC64W/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

sink

Tallon wrote: »

?

It depends on the manufacturer as to whether they want to implement the extra protocols, but a TV that is fully HDMI compliant is not required to be compatible with the analogue signal and so the vast majority of TV's will not be compatible.

There are some devices that can output an analogue signal from a HDMI port which you can plug into the VGA port of a monitor such as a PS3.

Tallon

No, I'm confused as to why you said you can't get vga to hdmi, then turned around and said you heard it actually works with 99% of tv's

edit: ah, nevermind..

OP, get a DVI -> HDMI convertor.. Cheaper than a GPU

sink

Tallon wrote: »

No, I'm confused as to why you said you can't get vga to hdmi, then turned around and said you heard it actually works with 99% of tv's

No I said it will not work with 99% of tv's. I just said you can't get it as I didn't want to go into great detail.

Lu Tze

Tallon wrote: »

No, I'm confused as to why you said you can't get vga to hdmi, then turned around and said you heard it actually works with 99% of tv's

edit: ah, nevermind..

OP, get a DVI -> HDMI convertor.. Cheaper than a GPU

Just bare in mind it wont carry sound, so you will have to carry that seperately. Also if you are looking at getting a GPU, check that the dell (depends on how old it is) has a Pci Express slot (look up a picture online and compare with your motherboard), got buggerd by that before with dell - there wasnt even an AGP slot in it!

jackthelad321

Khannie wrote: »

DVI->HDMI cable all the way. No question.

Hi Khannie

Here's my confusion. I went into a computer shop today on Dawson Street, and a lad told me there was NO CHANCE of a HDMI connection working with a DVI connection, or anything other than a HDMI - HDMI connection. He said the two systems are completely independent of each other. Another lad in Did electical told me the same. (the did guys are often wrong as I found out but I'm curious why there is this difference betweent he retailers and you guys who know your stuff?)

I didn't know what to say. He told me the only chance was to put a new graphics card in with a HDMI port.

What's he on about..? I mean I have read a few different sources telling me that DVI - HDMI will work.

JAck

riclad

if tv has no vga in, but has dvi , get a vga to dvi cable,
AS LONG as you use proper resolution , you,ll get a perfect picture,
see tv manual, pc input resolution,settings.
ITS extremely important ,pc refresh rate is set at 60mhz.
i got perfect picture on my samsung tv, my pc has only vga out, and svideo.
Just forget bout hdmi ,unless you wanna buy a card with hdmi out.
wrong resolution, too high, or refresh rate too high
= damaged tv tube.
vga is analog signal, hdmi is digital signal
best not too mix them.
buy it in maplins ,or peats , or pcworld.
set the Resolultion ,refresh rate on pc first,before you plug in the cable,
first set 1024 x768 ,its safe on any hdtv.
if tv has vga in,just use a vga ,male to male cable.
see http://www.amazon.com/DVI-Analog-VGA-Cable-feet/dp/B00078F54G

note it uses dvi a analog cable above,dvi analog .
ie not a dvi- d ,digital cable.

jackthelad321

riclad wrote: »

if tv has no vga in, but has dvi , get a vga to dvi cable,
AS LONG as you use proper resolution , you,ll get a perfect picture,
see tv manual, pc input resolution,settings.
ITS extremely important ,pc refresh rate is set at 60mhz.
i got perfect picture on my samsung tv, my pc has only vga out, and svideo.
Just forget bout hdmi ,unless you wanna buy a card with hdmi out.
wrong resolution, too high, or refresh rate too high
= damaged tv tube.
vga is analog signal, hdmi is digital signal
best not too mix them.
buy it in maplins ,or peats , or pcworld.
set the Resolultion ,refresh rate on pc first,before you plug in the cable,
first set 1024 x768 ,its safe on any hdtv.
if tv has vga in,just use a vga ,male to male cable.
see http://www.amazon.com/DVI-Analog-VGA-Cable-feet/dp/B00078F54G

note it uses dvi a analog cable above,dvi analog .
ie not a dvi- d ,digital cable.

Is there any way to use a HDMI - DVI converter and then use DVI - DVI or else DVI - VGA??

Lu Tze

jackthelad321 wrote: »

Is there any way to use a HDMI - DVI converter and then use DVI - DVI or else DVI - VGA??

There you go

http://www.adverts.ie/cables/new-quality-gold-plate-hdmi-to-dvi-dvi-d-s-link-24-1-cable-48cm/1715839
Show that to the did guys!

jackthelad321

Lu Tze wrote: »

There you go

http://www.adverts.ie/cables/new-quality-gold-plate-hdmi-to-dvi-dvi-d-s-link-24-1-cable-48cm/1715839
Show that to the did guys!

Sorry I completely got that arse about face. I meant could I use a DVI-> HDMI converter -on my PC- and then connect a HDMI - HDMI lead/cable to the TV from the PC, thereby making it HDMI PC to HDMI TV. (hope that's clear!)

(Ok I know I'm a complete greenhorn but could that work?) Have it in my Head HDMI - HDMI is the way to go. Chrikey I need to get bac kin the technology loop!

jackthelad321

Tallon wrote: »

No, I'm confused as to why you said you can't get vga to hdmi, then turned around and said you heard it actually works with 99% of tv's

edit: ah, nevermind..

OP, get a DVI -> HDMI convertor.. Cheaper than a GPU

Hey Tallon. I think I'm going to get a DVI - HDMI converter, so (if i'm correct) I will convert the DVI to HDMI on the PC and can then use my HDMI - HDMI lead to watch the picture hopefully in good quality. This should also allow me to get sound. Am I right to assume all of this?!

Thanks for all the help.
Jack

sink

jackthelad321 wrote: »

Hey Tallon. I think I'm going to get a DVI - HDMI converter, so (if i'm correct) I will convert the DVI to HDMI on the PC and can then use my HDMI - HDMI lead to watch the picture hopefully in good quality. This should also allow me to get sound. Am I right to assume all of this?!

Thanks for all the help.
Jack

DVI-D (ie DVI-DIGITAL) and HDMI are exactly the same video signal bit for bit, only the connector is different. There is absolutely no difference in visual quality between them. A DVI-D to HDMI adapter is every bit as good visually as a straight HDMI*.

HDMI however carries audio as well whereas DVI does not, so if using a DVI connection for video you will need a separate cable for audio, this includes a DVI to HDMI adapter as in your case. If you use a DVI to HDMI adapter you will definitely need a separate cable for audio.

*The exception being resolutions greater than 1080p 60Hz, in which case you need a DVI-D dual link, this is not necessary for you

jackthelad321

sink wrote: »

DVI-D (ie DVI-DIGITAL) and HDMI are exactly the same video signal bit for bit, only the connector is different. There is absolutely no difference in visual quality between them. A DVI-D to HDMI adapter is every bit as good visually as a straight HDMI*.

HDMI however carries audio as well whereas DVI does not, so if using a DVI connection for video you will need a separate cable for audio, this includes a DVI to HDMI adapter as in your case. If you use a DVI to HDMI adapter you will definitely need a separate cable for audio.

*The exception being resolutions greater than 1080p 60Hz, in which case you need a DVI-D dual link, this is not necessary for you

Thank you I appreciate the help and am looking forward to doing that. Will get the audio cable also. Thanks for all the help - learned a lot in the last few hours.
Jack

ZENER

No TV or Monitor has a vertical refresh rate of 50 MHz let alone 100 MHz, the units of measurement for these signals is Hz (Hertz). DVI connectors include the analogue signals normally found on an analogue VGA cable. DVI-D is signal compatible with HDMI but does not contain any audio signals so a separate method of carrying the audio signal is required.

Currys, Harvey Norman and DID staff by and large don't have a clue about the technology they sell. Of course there are exceptions but you'll be lucky to find them. I heard a staff member in Currys Airside tell a customer that a PCI-e video card wouldn't work in an AGP slot but an AGP Video card would work fine in a PCI-e slot . . . 'nuf said . .

Ken

sink

jackthelad321 wrote: »

Thank you I appreciate the help and am looking forward to doing that. Will get the audio cable also. Thanks for all the help - learned a lot in the last few hours.
Jack

Good luck, and always remember don't ask a salesperson in Currys/PC world for advice.

jackthelad321

ZENER wrote: »

No TV or Monitor has a vertical refresh rate of 50 MHz let alone 100 MHz, the units of measurement for these signals is Hz (Hertz). DVI connectors include the analogue signals normally found on an analogue VGA cable. DVI-D is signal compatible with HDMI but does not contain any audio signals so a separate method of carrying the audio signal is required.

Currys, Harvey Norman and DID staff by and large don't have a clue about the technology they sell. Of course there are exceptions but you'll be lucky to find them. I heard a staff member in Currys Airside tell a customer that a PCI-e video card wouldn't work in an AGP slot but an AGP Video card would work fine in a PCI-e slot . . . 'nuf said . .

Ken

I couldn't gree more, I went into Did in Rathmines doing a price comparison over the web (Pixmania) for my TV, and when the guy was 'selling' me the specs he blatently got everything wrong, from Wifi built in (NO) to 200 refresh rate (No) to price (wrong) and just about everything else. I had to tell him all this embarassed like I ws the expert!!

Later found out that he apparantely told my friend that analog wasn't being cut in Octiober and your old signal should still come through when the switch happens... :eek:
nuff said.

riclad

simpy get a vga to dvi cable, as posted above ,dvi is video only .
I would ,nt expect ever shop assistant to be an expert as they are not trained in all aspects of tech,
But they should know the specs ,capabilitys of the
tvs they are selling.
You can tape or clip the audio cable to the dvi cable to make it look neat ,cables are avaidable in different lengths .Think how long you need it,before you buy one.You ,ll need to use audio ,line out from the pc,.
Theres no point buying a hdmi cable.
,if the tv has dvi in.

riclad

using vga to dvi,you,ll get a great picture, but theres maybe 4 or 5 safe resolutions you can use , on a hdtv ,using that cable, they should be listed in the tv manual,pc input,settings.
most important make sure PC REFRESH RATE is set to 60 mhz,BEFORE you connect to a tv
many pcs uses 70 or 75mhz when connecting to a pc monitor as default mode.

ZENER

Because of the persistence of image effect on an LCD screen owing to the fact that the pixels do not switch off during refresh (compared to CRT type screens) most will default to 60Hz frame rate. Refresh rates such as 72 or 100Hz were common on CRT screens because the fast response and blanking between frames caused nausea in people who were susceptible to it. Have a read here.

Please stop saying MHz

Ken

yoyo

jackthelad321 wrote: »

Later found out that he apparantely told my friend that analog wasn't being cut in Octiober and your old signal should still come through when the switch happens... :eek:
nuff said.

UPC analogue isn't being cut off in october, if that's what he meant. If he meant Terrestrial analogue then that is very very bad advice. I'm sure there will be many people who will find out the hard way when the switch is finally flicked off :P

Nick

riclad

my samsung HDTV tv manual says set pc to 60hz refresh rate ,
70 hz or higher rates may cause damage ,
HE s , plugging into a tv ,which is not designed in the same way as a monitor.
in ideal conditions, a pc with windows will ,identify a pc monitor, and use the right rate, IT wont do this with a hdtv.

ZENER

. . . thanks for not using MHz again. The rest I suggest you research some more.

Ken

riclad

As i have connected up 3 tvs, to pcs, I,VE found using the correct resolution at 60hz will give you a perfect picture,thru dvi, hdmi,or vga ,ITS worth reading the tv manual re pc input settings, as to the exact recommended resolution for your tv ,But any hdtv will accept 1024x768 pc input.