Mac Mini to Philips LCD 20PF5120

From Philips' Web site for this 640 x 480 TV:

This LCD TV can be used as a PC. Your computer will have to be equipped with a VGA type video output and interface cable (not supplied). (One end with VGA type connector, the other end with DVI-I type connector.)


Connect VGA end of the interface cable (not supplied) to the computer, while connecting the other ends to the DVI INPUT jack on the LCD TV.

Although audio connections are not required, the LCD TV can reproduce the computers audio out by an AUDIO ADAPTER to the Audio output jack on the computer (if available) while connecting the other ends of the Audio cables to the PC AUDIO Jacks on the bottom of the TV.

Plug the DC Adapter into the DC IN 16V jack on the LCD TV. Plug the power cable into an outlet. Turn on the LCD TV and PC.

Press the AV+ button until PC MODE appears on the screen.

Note: For PC function, it just accepts analog input via DVI-I type connector.

I cannot find any positive comments on this low-end TV, Jose. Here's a sample post...

Pros: Decent enough for analog TV signals
Cons: Poor manual Awful PC support Limited PC resolution Sluggish remote Clumsy menu Price feature ratio

As a TV, it works as advertised. The response time on the remote isn't instantaneous, which can get annoying. That's only the tip of the iceberg though.

As a PC monitor, the 20PF5120 stinks. I tested it on a GeForce 7600GS. I did manage to get dual monitor to work, but the manual was useless. Switching to "PC" mode doesn't work. It just registers no signal, despite being detected under Windows.

I had to switch to DVI mode to even hope to get a signal. Even then, I had to fiddle with the Control Panel to independently configure the display res to something smaller than my other LCD. Contrary to what the manual states, it would not even reach 800x600 at any of the desired refresh rates. Sadly, it was limited to 640x480.

My 21" PC monitor cost $100 less and easily handles 1600x1200. Not this TV/monitor. For a 20" LCD you'd expect higher resolutions. Very low end. One would suspect that much of the cost is due to the TV/HD support. Couldn't be the PC support. Strictly amateur hour.

I just went through the exact same thing...Bought a "bargain" 22" widescreen LCD for my home workstation. BEFORE properly reserarching on the Internet. Really poor performer. It was returned the next day, and I am now quite pleased with my Samsung 226BW.

i have a philps. it has a hdmi port. I use a dvi to hdmi cable to connect my server to it. using pcd on the philips. my cable was from xtrememac

http://www.xtrememac.com/audio/av_cables/dvi/index.php

m-okay.

i do not know what kind of configuration can be done on the mini to send the proper digital signal.

if you have not yet checked out the wikipedia:

"The long flat pin on a DVI-I connector is longer than the same pin on a DVI-D connector, so it is not possible to connect a male DVI-I to a female DVI-D by removing the 4 analog pins. It is possible, however, to connect a male DVI-D cable to a female DVI-I connector. Many flat screen LCD monitors have only the DVI-D connection so that a DVI-D male to DVI-D male cable will suffice when connecting the monitor to a computer's DVI-I female connector."

"the DVI connector includes pins providing the same analog signals found on a VGA connector, allowing a VGA monitor to be connected with a simple plug adapter. This feature was included in order to make DVI universal, as it allows either type of monitor (analog or digital) to be operated from the same connector.
The DVI connector on a device is therefore given one of three names, depending on which signals it implements:
DVI-D (digital only)
DVI-A (analog only)
DVI-I (digital & analog)"

i don't know... my philips was purchased years ago, and it has the option of "pc" on the remote. i have connected with dvi or vga, both works. dvi connection for my philips is a little tricky, if it doesn't like the resolution, it will display no signal then turn black. i will need to use the remote switch to "hd", and the screen appears, but it doesn't fit right. i need to change the resolution on my mac and use remote switch back to "pc".

by the way the pca is for vga connection and the pcd is for dvi connection on my philips.

another thing, i don't think mini support dual link. even the radeon 9600xt on my old QS doesn't.

Message was edited by: Cup of Tea