Any computer guys out there?

[bluesox_68]

I was just looking for some help and explaination on how to use my 42'' Sharp Aquos as a monitor for a tower I just got. Now I will probably screw up the details but from what I gather my tower has a VGA? video card and my tv has a DVI imput and I assume I would recieve poor quality if I could find an adapter if it exists. Now do I need a DVI video card and cable to make this work? If so I have never installed hardware before so would it walk me through the instructions? I have seen them cheap on ebay used from $2-$50 and like $200 from Future Shop. I am almost certain I would buy the wrong one if I had the option or are they fairly universal for towers? I have no clue what the tower is but a friend gave it to me and said it was good. Are these cards and cables readily available or is this a big waste of time and not worth it? Last question. I have seen DVI out into HDMI in so does that mean HD quality for surfing and is there any websites that stream current HD shows? Pheeew ok now my head hurts and I am going for a nap. Thanks for any help Nuts!

[ProAc_Fan]

Re: Any computer guys out there?

Buy the $20 VGA to DVI adapter and be done with it. Even if there was HD streamed online ( there isn't and if there was it would be slooooow) the odds of you seeing the difference are long. Unless you view your TV from 2 or 3 feet and the image is static comparing SD to HD is very difficult. Installing a different video card seems like overkill to me.


Mike

BTW exactly which Model Number Sharp did you buy? Most of them come with a VGA input already.

Mike

[bluesox_68]

Re: Any computer guys out there?

I looked and couldn't find a VGA input but the model # LC-42D72U

[bat1983]

Re: Any computer guys out there?

I'll agree with ProAC_Fan. I thought the VGA to DVI adaptors were cheaper. Check Monoprice.com, you may be able to find it there for less. As for picture quality, there shouldn't be ANY noticeable difference unless viewed really closely. Just make sure to buy some quality computer speakers.

Hope this helps!

And replacing vid cards, along with a whole slew of computer hardware is fairly simply and I'm sure you'll be able to find a YouTube video on instructions.

[bluesox_68]

Re: Any computer guys out there?

Thanks for the link I will check it out. As for speakers I was hoping since hooked up to the tv the sound would come from my home theatre

[bat1983]

Re: Any computer guys out there?

Thanks for the link I will check it out. As for speakers I was hoping since hooked up to the tv the sound would come from my home theatre

Just make sure then your computer sound is going into your receiver. If you're going to make your PC into a Home Theatre PC, I would recommend upgrading to a dedicated sound card. You'll see a drastic difference in sound quality over on-board sound card. Usually they're fairly cheap, less than $40, even at Future Shop.

Good luck with your set-up.