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Topic: Adaptor for DVD player in my laptop? |
Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Posted 1 Jul 2002 8:29 pm |
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I have a DVD drive in my laptop computer (IBM ThinkPad) and I keep thinking there's just GOT to be a way to get a line out of there and into my TV set so we can watch movies off it. (I know I could watch them on the laptop itself, but that's too small)
The only output I can find from the laptop is one of those trapezoidal multi-pinhole jobbies that takes a cable to go to a computer monitor. Is there some kind of adaptor (or combination of adaptors) that has the multi-pin thing at one end and RCA plugs at the other end? There's GOT to be a way to do this!
Thanks,
jc |
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Everett Cox
From:
Marengo, OH, USA (deceased)
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Posted 2 Jul 2002 1:05 am
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Hi Master Cohen-- Yes, there are several gadgets to allow viewing your computer screen on a standard TV. Many laptops, these days, have TV-out built in. You didn't name the model ThinkPad but from your description I'll assume it does NOT have that function.
So you need what's called a 'scan converter'. It will connect to the vga monitor port on the computer, convert the signal to one the TV understands, and provide a connection to the TV. Depending on what you consider 'acceptable tone' (picture) and how many $$$ you're willing to spend, you can get very basic or very advanced units.
None of which I'm aware will give the resolution or sharpness you see on the computer screen. A monitor and TV may have much in common but really are two different animals. But a good one should provide a decent picture. Most converters provide composit and s-video, NTSC and/or Pal. Better ones may also provide zoom, PIP, and other enhancements. There's a couple that use wireless technology and can utilize wireless mouse/keyboard add-ons.
AITECH is a leader in this stuff. Check out eBay. Item # 2035117183 ending 10:17 July 2 may be just what you want. Otherwise, do a 'scan converter' search on eBay or Google. --Everett |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Posted 2 Jul 2002 4:32 am
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| Thanks so much, Everett! Great info. Is 640X480 adequate resolution for the TV? |
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Everett Cox
From:
Marengo, OH, USA (deceased)
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Posted 2 Jul 2002 11:54 pm
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You would probably prefer at least 800x640. Some scan converters won't go that high, others can go higher. Other factors such as the PC's video card/chip have a bearing on what ACTUAL results a particular converter will achieve, regardless of its spec's. Try to get one that, itself, has some ability to adjust the display size and refresh rate.
--Everett |
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