Looking for some Advice on Dsktp to HDTV.

[justaguy]

1) I have a Dell desktop w/ XP and I was wondering what would be the best way to set up my Panasonic HDTV as a 2nd monitor. I would ideally like to find a way to do this without spending top dollar, but I am not ruling anything out.

I don't know if I am permitted to use actual store names. But, I had asked a technican at a local "stationary" supplier this same question, and he told me I needed a Video Card and another cord to do what I want. With it being HDMI, the total cost for the vid-card and cord would be around $250.00 ($200 for the v-card and $50 for the HDMI cord).

2) I was wondering if anyone could give me a little direction to find a less expensive way to get this done.

Thanks for your time,

justaguy

[filthy]

Well what do you have for video now, a card or onboard and it's make/model? It's been proven that a $25 HDMI cable is as good as a $250 one. As for video card, it doesn't have to be $200, but depends on your PC.

If you have a PCIe slot ATI and Nvidia make $100-$150 cards that do very well. I have the best Nvidia card in my gaming machine, an G92 8800GTS 512MB in a monster system and it makes games and movies on my 52" 1080p LCD just immaculate.

Now my media center PC is a decent machine and has a ATI HD2600 Pro 256MB card and it shows just as well on the same 1080p LCD via HDMI cable. Of course the bigger card allows for better frames per second in gaming but just as it would on a monitor and doesn't affect image quality on the big screen.

I would have to suggest a $20-$40 HDMI cable and a HD2600 Pro 256MB (they have PCIe and AGP) which will cost around $150 for both card and cable.

AGP card:$100
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26734&vpn=100217L&manufacture=SAPPHIRE

or

PCIe card: $100
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26340&vpn=100207L&manufacture=SAPPHIRE

and

DVI > HDMI cable: $30.00
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=20752&vpn=HDMI%2DDVI%2FD%2D10%2DM%2FM&manufacture=Others

[filthy]

Buying in town would be more convenient but many on here will tell you that sites like NCIX, Direct Canada and so forth have the better name brand products and much better prices, mostly $10 express shipping too that arrives in 2-4 days from the day you click order.

Any more questions ask away...

[justaguy]

Well... I don't really know if I have a video card at all. lol. (I only have one plug-in for a monitor if that helps lol)

Let's just come out and put it on the table, I know more than the average about comps, but really not as much as I should. /ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif I built this pc from dell online, but I don't think I put a good video card in since I don't play that many games on here. But I did make sure I had extra ports on my motherboard incase I wanted to upgrade. I think it's a Dimension 850 or something. Just a basic, getting a little too old, comp. lol.

That said, I think the least complicated way to get a card in and a cord to the TV would be best. The Tech guy I asked said there is a lesser expensive card that I could get, but wouldn't be HMDI.. or HD... for $100 less... but I wasn't sure if it was worth it, and I wasn't sure if I should just spend the extra $$ to maximize movies.... because I won't be playing lots of games, just a couple. Mainly just be using it for basic movie watching and web browsing.

So, I guess my dying question is if you (filthy) think I should buy the cheap card, the expensive card, or should I buy online? All while keeping in mind that I am a moderatly talented at the way of the cpu. lol

Thanks again.

[filthy]

I like the card I listed, it's a fair price and will make movies just mint on your TV in Hi-Def. It will also allow for some gaming. That cable will do a great job too for it's price.

[justaguy]

OK, I will be trying to get those very soon.

Thanks alot Filthy I really appreciate the advice! I didn't feel like taking the first thing I was offered, and now I feel more confidant hearing from someone who knows.

P.S. If it don't pan out, I will just go ahead and blame you. haha just joking.

[filthy]

Well I'm just offering my two cents, and I think you'll be happy. This card is a little cheaper than what the Staples guy said and more than likely a better card overall.

I think I was helpful but one or two more opinions would have been better...

[tired-n-cranky]

I paid a total of $6 for my HDMI cables, INCLUDING shipping.

Don't fall for anyone trying to sell you a more expensive one. They are all basically the same.

Check out http://www.dealextreme.com or, http://www.monoprice.com for excellent deals on cabling, with fast shipping.

[tired-n-cranky]

10 ft dvi > hdmi cables:

$6.42 + shipping 28AWG wiring
http://www.monoprice.com/products/produc...&seq=1&format=2 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023104&p_id=2405&seq=1&format=2)

$13.45 + shipping 24AWG wiring
http://www.monoprice.com/products/produc...&seq=1&format=2 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023102&p_id=2284&seq=1&format=2)

[ByrdDawg]

One local electronics store wants 39.95 for a DVI to HDMI adapter plug.

I was at the U.S. Walmart one day and found one in their clearance bin for 5 bucks!

Guess what - it works just fine.

This HD cable scam is a mega rip-off!

[filthy]

Well the thing is is these over-priced cables are made with heavy duty materials...but, who takes their HDMI cable rock climbing??? lmao!

[J*B]

Most cables are way over priced.