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    HDTV Connectivity

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by pe-csp, Oct 16, 2009.

  1. pe-csp

    pe-csp Newbie

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    I have a Lenovo T61 laptop that I'm trying to connect to a WD73736 Mitsubishi TV. I have a VGA output that I converted to DVI with an adapter and then a DVI to HDMI converter cable. I cannot get this to work even after doing all the TV & laptop setup and adjustments. Do I have a basic signal compatibility problem or do I need to make this connection in another way?
     
    pe-csp, Oct 16, 2009
    #1
  2. jaredy

    jaredy Notebook Virtuoso

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    It is generally pretty terrible to try and convert VGA to DVI and usually does not yield great results. I would suggest a docking station.

    But did you test VGA to DVI to an external monitor? Generally DVI to HDMI is no problem, but this is going a step forward.
     
    jaredy, Oct 16, 2009
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  3. pe-csp

    pe-csp Newbie

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    My research appears to say that there are 4 possible ways to do the Thinkpad to Mitsubishi connection:

    1. Get a video card with HDMI or DVI output and connect directly to the TV HDMI.

    2. Get a VGA to component adapter cable and connect to the TV component connections.

    3. Get a VGA to HDMI converter box.

    4. Get a USB to HDMI converter box.

    The last 2 seem to be expensive and have alot of negative comments on the blogs/forums. It appears that even though I was able to get from VGA output to HDMI with cabling and gender changing adapters, the signal is not compatible. Is VGA analog and HDMI digital? Which of those possibilities will work and what is the cheapeat/best way?
     
    pe-csp, Oct 16, 2009
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  4. lead_org

    lead_org Purveyor of Truth

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    VGA -> is an analogue signal. DVI -> is digital signal. You CAN'T convert between these signal unless you have a dedicated DAC (digital to analogue converter) or vice versa. Most dvi output port on the graphics card carries (not all) additional analogue signal, which allows you to use a dvi to analogue converter plug. But not the other way around. Your only options are USB to HDMI or USB to DVI (Lenovo sells a WUXGA capable USB2DVI).
     
    lead_org, Oct 16, 2009
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  5. jaredy

    jaredy Notebook Virtuoso

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    Oh you aren't using an external converter? Then ya you can't just use an adapter like lead_org said.
     
    jaredy, Oct 16, 2009
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  6. pe-csp

    pe-csp Newbie

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    A big thank you to jaredy and lead org for helping me sort out this issue. I'll let you know what I did to finally fix the problem.
     
    pe-csp, Oct 17, 2009
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