Changing Output Device to TV

Many variables.

It depends on the PC, the graphics adapter and the outpu to TV. Whether simple S-Video or RCA connections.

Eg. My laptop, I simply right click the desktop and select output to TV. Done deal. If I unplug without restoring the notebook,s display, It will reset on boot.

My other computer, needs to be booted WHILE the TV is connected and on channel 3, then the display porperties need to be set to TV out, by right clicking the desktop and selecting Properties to get to my Display Settings.

If you could offer more ifo, you can get a more definitive answer.

Another thing I've done more recently is added a three way switch, my s-video cable and speakeys are permanently hooked up I just plug them into the laptop and hit the switch for the "B' channel and viola I'm on TV. It also accomodates switching between my VCR, STEREO, Sattelite etc. by allowing all the imputs to be switched via a single device. (note: I still need to select TV out on th ecomputers though)

What steps do you currently have to perform to get on the box, system spces, video card etc. would help.

OM

This is a Desktop PC on Windows XP Home Edition. The TV connection is RCA type and is permanent.

I switch the TV/Video button on the remote to Video. This is not a problem.

To get TV display these are the steps I then do:

Right Click at Desktop on the Monitor.
Properties
Settings
Advanced
Device Selection
TV
OK
A confirmation window pops-up and OK

The display then switches to the TV
Another Confirmation window displays. OK and OK again.
I am now at the desktop on the TV.

To get back to the Monitor I do the same thing.

If the confirmation windows are not answered quickly, the display reverts to what is was.

I then select TV/Video switch to TV to view TV normally.

Point value changed by question poster.

Sorry to say it but that's what you'll need to do.

Your graphics adapter has to be manually switched to TV, upon doing so, it asks whether you'd like to accept the change, if not it reverts back to the computer display.

My laptop has S-Video output, this may be the difference in the last two OK stpes. Mine just switches once changed and doesn't look for confirmation.

You MAY find that this is lessened by checking the APPLY CHANGES WITHOUT RESTARTING checkbox, but I would highly doubt it.

I think my case is a little simpler perhaps due to build date or the software/graphics adapter used. I have seen others similar to your that need to accept the changes (your OK boxes).

So there's the answer, no shortcut, your system is the same as many and will need confirmation when changing to TV output, this eliminates problems with a display being changed and not reverting back on reboot. I've had similar situations where a PC goes into blank screen never land when rebooted as the adapter doesn't refresh. Hooking it back up to the TV didn't resolve, the display was in limbo and took a while to get restored. This is just a way of the computer CONTROLLING the output frequency and being able to restore you monitor/LCD on reboot.

The fact that PC's can do this at all nowdays is amazing, we can't expact ALL the work to be taken away from the user.......YET.

Here's your answer then.

YOu cannot simplify the steps you take to connect your PC to the TV, end of story.

You CAN go out and spend less than $100 and buy a DVD player. THat way it is always connected and your family members can learn how o use it with ease.

I don't know what you are expecting here, but if the truth doesn't agree with whatyou wanted to hear, perhaps you shoudln't look for answers.

I attempted to explain the process, you didn't like it. After reviewing your system and setup steps, you cannot simplify them.

Now if I asked what color the sky was and someone said BLUE even though I thoughts it was RED, I would still be expected to accept the answer and move on. NO matter how many posts I reject, the answer is BLUE, like it or not.

SO accept the answer or withdraw your question. Leaving it open just wastes people's time.

Regards,
OM

Some video cards allow you to clone the view, allowing you to view the same image simultaneously on two outputs. This would aleviate the problem of having to switch every time.

if your video card is less than 4 years old, the manufacturer should have a utility and/or app that will streamline this process. check their website. you're right about not having to use the windows display settings cuz it is a little archaeic. I have an IBM tpad from '99 and they keep updating their config utility which sits in the sys tray and lets me single click such changes easily. I believe the only pc line which may not support this is dell's lower end dimension with their 'integrated everything'.once you alter the orig shrink-wrapped, adware, spyware config'd dimension, there are no dwlds to get that util back by its lonesome.
-Orpheum

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