TV to Laptop question

[KevanGuy]

I have a Toshiba laptop with the S-Video hole in the back. I'm trying to get my TV to play on my laptop. The S-Video is coming from a Shaw cable box. I checked to see if I have a video capture card and I do. But, I can't get the friggin thing to work. Running XP. Any help out there?

[KevanGuy]

Well, I took a better look and I think it is just S-Video out. Weak.

[Bobblehead]

The S-Video is an output, not an input.

[OBCT]

Is it possible that the s-video connector is an output, as opposed to an input? I think this is likely the problem... s-video inputs are rare in PCs AFAIK.

If the s-video connector is an output, as I suspect, then you'll need to find another way of utilizing your unit's video capture capability. This might be done via a composite video input, USB port, firewire port, or something else. What is the model of your laptop?


EDIT: Doubly late.

[Vulcan]

If you don't already have one you need a video capture card like one of these. Probably a USB one.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...pture-Devices&

[BlackArcher101]

Maybe it's an output only, not an input?

(I just want to see if I get thanked.)

[photon]

I think it's just an output.

[corporatejay]

It was retro night.

Oh wait.....wrong thread.

[FlamesKickAss]

I have a question for laptop to tv question and dont think a new thread is neccessary. My laptop has hdmi output but I cant get the sound to transfer either, I am running on Vista, the reason I want to do this is my laptop has a blue ray player in it.

[OBCT]

Originally Posted by FlamesKickAss

I have a question for laptop to tv question and dont think a new thread is neccessary. My laptop has hdmi output but I cant get the sound to transfer either, I am running on Vista, the reason I want to do this is my laptop has a blue ray player in it.

Though HDMI was designed to be a video and audio interface combined into a single connection, very few (if any) PCs and laptops with HDMI outputs include the audio portion of the signal in their HDMI design. There are several reasons for this, but the simplest reason is that it is easier/less expensive this way. The demand is for high definition video moreso than the accompanying audio.

You will need to connect the audio separately from the video. You will need to use the mini jack (1/8" or 3.5mm) audio output as your connection point (unless your laptop has rca analog or digital audio outs -- extremely rare). This hole is sometimes designated by a light green colour, and is the same place you would normally plug in speakers. Do not use the headphone jack unless there's no other option.

Now you will need to buy an adapter for the audio cable to be able to connect to your TV. Your best bet is likely this or something similar. That'll convert from the laptop's mini jack connector to regular old stereo RCA, which will plug into your TV's audio 1, aux 1, or similar input.

You can buy an adapter cord like that at a local shop (ie. Radio Shack) if you want it right away... otherwise, Monoprice offers an incredible value (even after currency conversion and shipping charges). Make sure you purchase enough length to make the desired connection!

Hope that helps.


EDIT: helps to read the post all the way through. :/