hdtv as pc monitor problem

C

ctkatz

Member
i bought an hdtv to use as a computer monitor. when i first installed it, all was well. the image was stretched out but i could live with it. when i restarted my computer however, the display went to 16 colors 800x600. i don't know how to return the display to the correct color depth at the least or get it back to where it was overall. it is having an impact on what i can do on that computer, winamp doesn't work and that's where i have all of my mp3 files. anyone know what can get me straight?
 
What operating system are you using?

If it is Windows, go to Control Panel, then display properties. In one of the tabs there, you should be able to change the resolution, colors, etc.
 
Sounds like a video card issue to me. First do what MM says, if it's only 800x600 then your video card most likely cant handle a HD resolution. What are the specs of your PC?
 
i may have to get a new video card then. it is an older pc from 2001 with no upgrades on the video end of things. i do wonder why a new card would be necessary when it displayed perfectly fine initially...
 
it may be, but i bought this tv at a circuit city that's shutting down. this was the display monitor and it had no remote, so i have to get one to really do some things with it.

i think my card is an intel 82810 graphics controller, but i could be wrong. it was the factory card that came with the dell dimension 2100.
 
I am not that familiar with HDTV. What I do know is a HDTV generally has less resolution then say a new wide screen monitor. What type of connection are you using. VGA ? DVI ? I can't imagine using a analog VGA would look very good with a HDTV, but what do I know. Just a thought. Could the display TV you bought be sketchy ?
 
I would be looking at a new video card. If it's stock from Dell, it's not much. Are you sure it's even a card and not on board video? Most Dells only come with onboard.
 
If your going to upgrade your video card mine as well get a DVI connection. It gives a much more nice, sharp image. Your HDTV can accommodate that. Or look for a monitor with DVI connection. VGA is old school analog connection now. ;)
 
actually, i think i may be better off going with a new stock system or building my own. the only components i have upgraded since i have had this thing were the memory, hard drive and adding a usb 2.0 card. a new video card i think may tax what i have already.

i always wanted to build my own system, this is a good reason to do it now.
 
ctkatz said:
actually, i think i may be better off going with a new stock system or building my own. the only components i have upgraded since i have had this thing were the memory, hard drive and adding a usb 2.0 card. a new video card i think may tax what i have already.

i always wanted to build my own system, this is a good reason to do it now.
Click to expand...

Definitely a good thing to learn. You can build a top of the line for ~$1000 and a damn nice machine for $600-800.
 
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