Audio/Video Input on a Sharp Aquos 32" LCD TV

Question

Level 1

8 points

Audio/Video Input on a Sharp Aquos 32" LCD TV

I have a Powerbook G4 15" Titanium computer and a Sharp Aquos 32-inch LCD television. I'd like to watch DVD video on my TV through my Mac.

The TV has two HDMI inputs, one PC 15-pin input with an audio jack, and an S-Video input.

Question is this: Which input on the TV is best to use, and what are the best/proper cords to purchase in order to project video and play sound through the TV?

Much Thanks,

Afrosam13

Powerbook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.10), Sharp Aquos 32" LCD TV

Posted on Aug 16, 2007 11:51 PM

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Answer 1

4pack

Level 1

20 points

Aug 17, 2007 5:22 AM in response to afrosam

The best connection is the HDMI connection as this is a pure digital signal. If your powerbook has a DVi type connection then look for a dvi to hdmi cable to connect it, or you can use a various dvi to hdmi adaptors, and cable variations to achieve the same thing. (if your laptop has the weird ADC socket then you can get ADC to Dvi adaptors)

You may find that the display doesn't quite work out right tho with the image either stretching off the screen (overscan) or with a black border. There is no easy way change this in OS X but there are a couple of apps that you can get such as dispalyconfigx or switchresx specifically for this purpose. I found switch res easier to get the results I wanted with.

If your laptop has the older VGA (PC type connection) then use that, this is an anolouge signal however is split in to component elements so you wil still get a good picture. The monitor should adjust it's own overscan for this.

The poorest conection is the svideo, it will give a decent picture, but not as good as the other two above.

depends how much of a pureist you are...

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Answer 2

afrosam Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 17, 2007 8:31 AM in response to 4pack

Thank you for your input, 4pack; here's two quick follow-up q's:

So, my Powerbook has the VGA (PC) connection that I've successfully used for output using a projector. Do you know that particular name of the adapter I'm looking for? I just don't want to wind up ordering the incorrect device.

And, finally, what is the best solution for audio?

Thank you!

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Answer 3

4pack

Level 1

20 points

Aug 18, 2007 2:53 AM in response to afrosam

If your TV and Laptop both have the VGA socket on i.e it looks the same at both ends, then any VGA monitor cable will do the job, no need for any extras. Easiest thing is to do if possible is pinch a cable off sometning else to test. These cables are not a lot of money so don't be foolded into buying one of those super premium pro cables, it's really not necessary.

Audio wise you only have the headphone jack out on the laptop, and the tv probably has component in (RCA sockets) thats the norm anyway so you need to get a Phono to 3.5mm Stereo Jack lead of sufficint length.

something like this I'd imagine http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=31700&doy=18m8 (sorry its a uk site)

Or if you have a Stereo system especially a surround one then you can rig the audio to that which will be even better 🙂

You will need to check the back of the TV or the manual to confirm this. If you took the manual and possibly the laptop into any decent TV store they should be able to sort it out.

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