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  1. #1
    Stamp Licker/Whore TriggerHappy's Avatar
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    Default Using TV as computer monitor

    Whts the best resolution for a 46" lcd flat sony? I cant seem to get it to use the full screen without cutting something off. Anyone? Thx

  2. #2
    Gong Shooter
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    While I don't know the answer to this question, I've heard that some computers have trouble handling large screens as monitors. Something to do with not being powerful enough or having the correct video card.
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    High Power Shooter
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    I'm assuming you're using a dvi/hdmi connection? If so, then you need to turn off over-scan. This is either done through your tv, video card drivers or a combination of both. And it's not always obvious where you need to go. Good luck on that. Your computer should be picking up your recommended resolution. These days it's generally 1920x1080 or 1280x720. Some tvs use an odd resolution between the two.

    If you are using an analog input (vga, component, etc) you're probably not going to be able to disable over-scan. Analog connections are not recommended for serious computer use.

  4. #4
    Iceman sniper7's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mevshooter View Post
    While I don't know the answer to this question, I've heard that some computers have trouble handling large screens as monitors. Something to do with not being powerful enough or having the correct video card.

    yep, my old computer used a CRT screen, I bought a flat screen for it, video card went out shortly after, then it crashed....HARD!
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    Machine Gunner Hoosier's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sniper7 View Post
    yep, my old computer used a CRT screen, I bought a flat screen for it, video card went out shortly after, then it crashed....HARD!
    No, the size of the display doesn't matter at all. The only thing that matters is how many pixels you're trying to drive. 30" computer monitors require dual video cards, because they are running resolutions like 2560x1600.

    www.dell.com/content/topics/topic.aspx/global/products/monitors/topics/en/monitor_3007wfp?c=us&l=en

    When you are driving a HDTV, the resolution is going to cap out at 1080 vertical, and usually 1920w. So an actual 30" computer monitor will be driving over four million pixels (and thus require two gpu's) while a flatscreen TV is only going to be pushing just over two million pixels. (Multiply HxW, just like finding area)

    When you are using a flatscreen TV for your computer monitor, it needs to be far away from you. At least four feet. Do NOT use a TV as your display up close if you value your eyesight.

    And the best cable option is DVI, the computer (4+ year old) monitor display standard, which many TV's will accept. This should let the computer auto detect your resolution.

    H.

  6. #6
    Stamp Licker/Whore TriggerHappy's Avatar
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    It may help if i add its a mac book pro.

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    High Power Shooter
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    Quote Originally Posted by TriggerHappy View Post
    It may help if i add its a mac book pro.
    Is it cutting off the outer edges of your desktop when you pick any supported resolution for the tv?

  8. #8
    Machine Gunner Circuits's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TriggerHappy View Post
    It may help if i add its a mac book pro.
    Presuming your TV has at least one DVI connector, you'll need the mini displayport to DVI adapter.

    If your TV only has HDMI, you'll need the mini displayport to HDMI adapter.

    If your TV has neither, but has an analog VGA (HD-15) port, you can get by with a mini displayport to VGA adapter.

    For any of the above, you'll also need the correct cable, of course - HDMI cable, or DVI-D cable, or plain old VGA cable.

    The macbook pro WILL detect the usable resolutions when it is connected, and adjust automatically.
    Last edited by Circuits; 10-09-2011 at 18:48.
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    Grand Master Know It All clublights's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TriggerHappy View Post
    It may help if i add its a mac book pro.
    SHOULD be just fine.... might be some setting ....

    can you tell me more about your set up ? which Macbook Pro ... Which model Sony TV .. what cables your using ... so on and so on ..


    I hook up my Macbook Pro to my philips 52" all the time with no issue.. and my mac mini too ..( infact the tv IS the monitor for the mini ... tho I just remote into it most the time anyways .. it's my server)

    The vid card in any MBP should be more then powerful enough to run a HDTV. but the more info the better I can walk ya thru the issue.

  10. #10
    Machine Gunner Hoosier's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by clublights View Post
    ( infact the tv IS the monitor for the mini ... tho I just remote into it most the time anyways .. it's my server)
    This is what my g/f's old mac mini is doing for us. Solid little machines.

    H.

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