Laptop to TV with VGA Cable

WhatsHisNuts

WhatsHisNuts

Woke
Forum Member
Aug 29, 2006
28,365
1,525
113
50
Earth
www.ffrf.org
Both the TV and the laptop have the VGA cable port. I bought a VGA cable and hooked them up and changed the TV input setting so it gets the input through that port. It keeps telling me there is no signal? WTF am I missing?

I went online and they keep talking about getting a VGA converter. Why would I need a converter when both units have the right port?
 
M

Mags

Registered User
Forum Member
Aug 8, 2000
2,813
27
48
You probably have the right cables. Sometimes, the port itself does not output the signal automatically. On most laptops you will need to hit a key combination (differs for most laptops slightly) like ALT-F5 at the same time.

This (or one similiar to it) acts like a toggle - you hit in once and then the signal will show only on the secondary device (like the TV), hit it again and it will show on both your computer and TV, and then again, and it will be just on your computer.

Not sayin' this is the problem, but this likely could be if you have not tried this yet.
 
gardenweasel

gardenweasel

el guapo
Forum Member
Jan 10, 2002
40,588
234
63
"the bunker"
no dvi port on the t.v.?....haven`t bought a t.v. in a few years(so maybe they don`t have them on t.v.`s),but dvi is a digital input....you`d get better resolution,i`d think....

i know i tried hooking my new computer up with both vga and dvi but i couldn`t get it to work with both hooked up...
 
M

Mags

Registered User
Forum Member
Aug 8, 2000
2,813
27
48
gardenweasel said:
no dvi port on the t.v.?....haven`t bought a t.v. in a few years(so maybe they don`t have them on t.v.`s),but dvi is a digital input....you`d get better resolution,i`d think....

i know i tried hooking my new computer up with both vga and dvi but i couldn`t get it to work with both hooked up...
Click to expand...

Agreed - actually most newer laptops have HDMI outs on them - which would be the best way to go. But I'm guessing his laptop did not have that. Most newer TV's don't have DVI on them (and neither do most laptops anymore)....

They keep changin' things...
 
dawgball

dawgball

Registered User
Forum Member
Feb 12, 2000
10,652
39
48
51
The Joker said:
Get a mac
Click to expand...

So you can also purchase the additional dongle needed??

For many uses from laptop to TV, a VGA cable will serve you better or as well as HDMI. If you are presenting graphs and mapping tools, then HDMI is probably the preferred method.
 
comfortable1

comfortable1

Useful
Forum Member
Nov 13, 2009
3,322
116
0
Mags said:
You probably have the right cables. Sometimes, the port itself does not output the signal automatically. On most laptops you will need to hit a key combination (differs for most laptops slightly) like ALT-F5 at the same time.

This (or one similiar to it) acts like a toggle - you hit in once and then the signal will show only on the secondary device (like the TV), hit it again and it will show on both your computer and TV, and then again, and it will be just on your computer.

Not sayin' this is the problem, but this likely could be if you have not tried this yet.
Click to expand...

Function+F7 on mine (Lenovo).
I run this setup frequently at hotels where they have the panel available... thinking Mags is right. Don't forget if you want audio thru the TV that's separate.
 
gardenweasel

gardenweasel

el guapo
Forum Member
Jan 10, 2002
40,588
234
63
"the bunker"
The Joker said:
You said dongle.
Click to expand...

that word affects me,too...

indifferent0003.gif
 
Woodson

Woodson

L I V I N
Forum Member
Oct 23, 1999
15,681
202
63
Blockchain
fn key and usually f7 until it displays

if not, go to start, control panel, display setting, output, selevt extend monitor | assign 1 or 2 depending | or just use select output to another device which leaves your laptop screen blank and you wondering why the hell you spend $20 on cables for VGA setting which is usually 640x400 and shit quality.


I recently upgraded to a Thunderbolt Mac and a HP 9 Gig Ram 1.5 HD, and 25 1972 x 1200.

The differences are mind numbing. I thought the internet was supposed to crash every 30 seconds up until this last month...

Best of luck with your upgrades.

:0074
 
MadJack

MadJack

Administrator
Staff member
Forum Admin
Super Moderators
Channel Owner
Jul 13, 1999
105,673
1,946
113
70
home
WhatsHisNuts said:
No, it was right clicking on my desktop and then changing the graphics options to monitor. I tried the function key thing and it didn't work.
Click to expand...

Are you happy now :shrug:

:D

:toast:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Bet on MyBookie
Top