Computer to TV: DVI, VGA, HDMI?

[ColdAccord]

I have a macbook pro which has a mini display port

I just purchased an insignia 42" plasma, seen here:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Insignia...2042&cp=1&lp=1

After asking the best buy employees (2 of them) multiple times if this television has a vga input, and being told yes, I get it home and alas, none.

It also doesn't have a dvi port.

So my only option apparently is mini display port to hdmi. which apple doesn't make

it is however available on ebay. I was just wondering if there is any disadvantage to this method of connection, basically why doesn't apple sell it? Or should I look into another tv?

I don't have cable, and likely won't until june when my lease runs out and I move into a new place. I just bought it to watch hockey games on, I have the gamecenter live package online. So for now the primary use of my television is to watch hockey from my computer

thanks in advance for any and all information

[TexasTerp]

Apple doesn't sell it because the Mini Display port is their version of a DVI port, it's really just bs so they can make more money, but technically all the conncetions points are built for DVI specific output. I would suggest getting the Apple Mini to DVI and then buying a DVI to HDMI adapter. That's what I'm using for my MacBook. I also run a direct HDMI from from Desktop PC. HDMI is the preferred Connection of any of those.

I suggest running the TV as a separate Monitor with the proper Resolution instead of running it as a clone (i.e. "clone" = the current screen shows up on both tv and computer screen) By running two different screens you can watch the Games on the TV and still use your computer at the same time.

[StereoInstaller1]

My 42" plasma has VGA, but limited resolutions, none of which are 16X9

My PC has DVI and VGA outputs on a Nvidia 8300 256mb PCIe video card.

I am using this on VGA, set to 1280 X 720 (720p spec) or 1366 X 768 (both 16X9 sizes)...I get a stunning picture, completely fills the set in "zoom" mode, with virtually no artifacts and no stretching at all. I do not yet have BluRay, but normal 480 DVDs are stunning, and NTSC/QAM DTV (HD) broadcasts are absolutely amazing, vibrant and wonderful.

I set the PC to 1920X1080 (or whatever "full HD" is) at 60Hz. The TV said "not supported" using the VGA input. Apparently, the VGA port was designed for a 4:3 image!

Then I tried DVI to HDMI (same video I understand, just a different plug) and it worked, but really grainy and crap. Miserable image, skin tones look like everyone has liver spots. I tried different resolutions, different inputs, tuning, color balance, all kinds of crap, even in the same 720P settings it likes so much in VGA...what the hell?

Personally, if your experience turns out as crappy as mine in regards to DVI/HDMI, take it back and get a different TV.

BTW, 6th ave has the Panasonic 50" Plasma for under $700...still no VGA (IIRC) but DAMN, that is big and cheap!

GL!
Luke

[accident]

DVI and HDMI are the same spec, minus the sound. The ebay cable is just cutting out the middle adapter.

[daniel]

want audio? http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

dont care about audio? http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

/thread

[s0urce]

want audio? http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

dont care about audio? http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

/thread

winnar

[xphiledan]

also check out www.meritline.com, they offer a similar product

[scabzzzz]

Shoulda bought a real computer Andre.. you silly fucker.

[namsayin]

i use a macbook pro and to connect to the TV i use the HDMI port on the back to a DVI adapter and connect it to my computer, although no audio comes out of the TV i connect speakers to my macbook.

[daniel]

i use a macbook pro and to connect to the TV i use the HDMI port on the back to a DVI adapter and connect it to my computer, although no audio comes out of the TV i connect speakers to my macbook.

if you want audio, look at my earlier post.

[ColdAccord]

Shoulda bought a real computer Andre.. you silly fucker.

dude, i tried to fight them all. phones and computers. i now have an iphone and a macbook pro, and I have to say I am happy with my purchases on all levels.