Use my Laptop to play movies on an analog TV

edsonecasey

Honorable
Feb 18, 2012
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10,510
Hello,

Still willing to learn if I can view a LAPTOP-BASED VIDEO out of the HDMI port to a device/converter so that the digital signals are converted to analog. I thought digital TV converters could accomplish that.
 
Solution
digital TV converters take digital air TV (via an antenna) to analog (typically coax), This signal is typically SD running 480i/p at 30fps. They are not made to handle computer outputs which are typically 60fps 720p or 1080p, and generally do not have the hookups do to so either (but some high end units may do the trick).

There are some specific converters that will take HDMI input to composite output, but there may be a frame or two delay between the audio and video unless the box processes both audio and video together (like in a surround sound receiver or something).

When it comes down to purchasing a $1-200 converter or receiver vs a cheap digital TV, you can take bets on which I would jump on.

Many older TVs still had HD...

CaedenV

Distinguished
Jun 14, 2011
532
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18,960
digital TV converters take digital air TV (via an antenna) to analog (typically coax), This signal is typically SD running 480i/p at 30fps. They are not made to handle computer outputs which are typically 60fps 720p or 1080p, and generally do not have the hookups do to so either (but some high end units may do the trick).

There are some specific converters that will take HDMI input to composite output, but there may be a frame or two delay between the audio and video unless the box processes both audio and video together (like in a surround sound receiver or something).

When it comes down to purchasing a $1-200 converter or receiver vs a cheap digital TV, you can take bets on which I would jump on.

Many older TVs still had HD hookups (like component RGB), and there are some cheaper realtime converters which will go from HDMI to Component if that is an option, but to go to S-Video or Composite is a whole different ballgame.
 
Solution

bucknutty

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Jul 22, 2010
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a vga to composite can be had for under $50. I used to use one years ago, how ever the resolution was limited to 800x600 and it looked all fuzzy on text, videos looked good.

Does your laptop have vga out, or only HDMI?
 

CaedenV

Distinguished
Jun 14, 2011
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I take back what I said, looks like the HDMI converts are much cheaper now ($50) as they are getting clearanced out. So jump on it now while you can still find them.
http://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Composite-S-Video-Converter-3RCA/dp/B0047PDBP0

Also, keep in mind $210 gets you a 32" HDTV these days... It would be a huge step up form your typical SDTV if you are in the market, and not a bad price. Personally I bought a large monitor for my computer and use that to watch movies on... not the same image quality as a TV, but it was cheaper and it gets the job done.
 

kyraugsmih

Honorable
Mar 16, 2012
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10,510
not the same image quality as a TV, but it was cheaper and it gets the job done.
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