Help with HDMI

elsquid · 10-12-2009, 09:32

I've finally given in and bought a television. It has an HDMI socket on the back and my laptop has one on the side. Will I be able to put a cable between them and watch DVDs from my computer on the actual television?

If it's of any help to the techier types, I have bought this television and I have an Acer Aspire 7730zg.

I'm a luddite at hardware so simplified explanations or a link to the correct sort of cable would be appreciated. Thanks.

gemma-the-husky · 10-12-2009, 09:40

not an expert, but i am sure you can - that must be what its there for

you might need to activate the HDMI in some way on the laptop - normally there's some sort of toggle setting to direct the video to screen/external/both - probably an F key - although the HDMI may be active all the while

a lot of laptops enable output to HDMI for large screen presentations etc, but I am sure you can watch films as well

Having said all this, for DVD's its probably easier and cheaper just to buy a dedicated DVD player.

elsquid · 10-12-2009, 09:44

Thank you. That's good to know. I just wondered, are all the cables exactly the same sort? Sometimes you get things with male/female pins/connectors.

chrisjr · 10-12-2009, 10:01

One thing that isn't mentioned in the specs of the laptop is whether the HDMI carries Audio or not. The specs I found said Video-HDMI which is as clear as mud.

So there is a chance the HDMI on the laptop only supports video. I can't see any real reason why it shouldn't also support audio but if it doesn't that could complicate matters somewhat.

I seriously doubt the TV has an audio input associated with the HDMI input. If so then you will have to make other arrangements for the sound.

And whatever you do DO NOT buy your HDMI cable from Comet. only a brain dead idiot with cash to burn would buy something like this....

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/pro...BLE-HDMI-M1000

Which probably cost Comet a couple of quid. This will probably do the exact same job at a tenth of the price.

http://cpc.farnell.com/_/690202/hdmi...-2m/dp/AV13162

But if the laptop does not output audio via HDMI then you may well be better off buying a standalone DVD player. In any case it is likely to be far less hassle in the long run.

elsquid · 10-12-2009, 10:07

Thanks so much, chrisjr. I'll look into that. I'm shocked at that Comet link, the second one seems a much better option.

I am now no longer confused.

Cheers.

chrisjr · 10-12-2009, 10:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by elsquid

Thanks so much, chrisjr. I'll look into that. I'm shocked at that Comet link, the second one seems a much better option.

I am now no longer confused.

Cheers.

Look away now....

http://www.russandrews.com/product.a...VNHIIWZBTGJBSW

And if you are critically allergic to bovine excrement

don't read the rubbish in the description or your head may explode in outrage

Nigel Goodwin · 10-12-2009, 10:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisjr

I seriously doubt the TV has an audio input associated with the HDMI input. If so then you will have to make other arrangements for the sound.

Depends on the TV, but it is VERY common to have a 3.5mm stereo jack socket next to one of the HDMI sockets, for when an HDMI source doesn't include sound (such as from a DVI/HDMI adaptor).

chrisjr · 10-12-2009, 10:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

Depends on the TV, but it is VERY common to have a 3.5mm stereo jack socket next to one of the HDMI sockets, for when an HDMI source doesn't include sound (such as from a DVI/HDMI adaptor).

It's an Hitachi from Comet. It only has the one HDMI (if you believe Comet

)

What do you think the chances of it having an analogue audio in next to it are?

elsquid · 10-12-2009, 10:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisjr

It's an Hitachi from Comet. It only has the one HDMI (if you believe Comet

)

What do you think the chances of it having an analogue audio in next to it are?

It has some audio input things, there's too much to list here but there's lots and lots of holes in the back to poke things into. I think I'll win, somehow.

chrisjr · 10-12-2009, 11:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by elsquid

It has some audio input things, there's too much to list here but there's lots and lots of holes in the back to poke things into. I think I'll win, somehow.

Point is though does it have an audio input linked to the HDMI?

There may well be an audio input linked to a composite video or S-Video input, ie a little group of three phono sockets, one red, one white and one yellow. But these would be useless if you use HDMI for video and need a separate audio lead.

If you look at the back of the TV have a look next to the HDMI socket. Is there either a pair of phono sockets or (more likely) a mini jack socket (like the headphone socket on an mp3 player for example)?

And is there a box drawn round the two indicating the HDMI and audio socket form a single input? If there isn't any audio socket next to the HDMI then you will have to hope the laptop can send audio over HDMI along with the video.

if it cannot then you are going to have to listen via the laptop speakers (ugh!) or use a separate audio system.

elsquid · 10-12-2009, 11:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisjr

Point is though does it have an audio input linked to the HDMI?

There may well be an audio input linked to a composite video or S-Video input, ie a little group of three phono sockets, one red, one white and one yellow. But these would be useless if you use HDMI for video and need a separate audio lead.

If you look at the back of the TV have a look next to the HDMI socket. Is there either a pair of phono sockets or (more likely) a mini jack socket (like the headphone socket on an mp3 player for example)?

And is there a box drawn round the two indicating the HDMI and audio socket form a single input? If there isn't any audio socket next to the HDMI then you will have to hope the laptop can send audio over HDMI along with the video.

if it cannot then you are going to have to listen via the laptop speakers (ugh!) or use a separate audio system.

Really no idea but I have my laptop audio ported through a decent amp and speakers anyway.

chrisjr · 10-12-2009, 11:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by elsquid

Really no idea but I have my laptop audio ported through a decent amp and speakers anyway.

Well if you'd said that at the start....

Would have saved several posts

elsquid · 10-12-2009, 11:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisjr

Well if you'd said that at the start....

Would have saved several posts

Sorry, as said, I'm a luddite at this stuff. I had to have that bit pointed out to me by my brother. He just didn't know about HDMI or I'd have pestered him about that as well.

scottie55 · 11-12-2009, 00:15

Hi

Just played the HDMI audio game with a Dell laptop and my TV.

Found I needed a software patch, not to the audio, but to the video card - coz that's where the HDMI port is (that had me going for a wee while). After that I have the option of having audio passed via HDMI or not (I decide!).

All works spot on now - good luck.

gemma-the-husky · 11-12-2009, 00:28

blobkbusters always seem to have used HDMI cables for a few quid

i also got a cheapy one (not gold) from argos, which is fine as well

RobAnt · 12-12-2009, 21:48

You'll find you can use the hdmi socket to turn the tv into a complete computer monitor. Modern LCDs, Plasmas and LED tvs will look good at various resolutions too, unlike older LCD monitors.

So you aren't stuck with using it as an output for DVDs, but can play games and any other computer related activity you want very well.

10-12-2009, 09:32	#1
elsquid Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: London Posts: 3,104	Help with HDMI I've finally given in and bought a television. It has an HDMI socket on the back and my laptop has one on the side. Will I be able to put a cable between them and watch DVDs from my computer on the actual television? If it's of any help to the techier types, I have bought this television and I have an Acer Aspire 7730zg. I'm a luddite at hardware so simplified explanations or a link to the correct sort of cable would be appreciated. Thanks.

10-12-2009, 09:40	#2
gemma-the-husky Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: UK Posts: 17,858	not an expert, but i am sure you can - that must be what its there for you might need to activate the HDMI in some way on the laptop - normally there's some sort of toggle setting to direct the video to screen/external/both - probably an F key - although the HDMI may be active all the while a lot of laptops enable output to HDMI for large screen presentations etc, but I am sure you can watch films as well Having said all this, for DVD's its probably easier and cheaper just to buy a dedicated DVD player.

10-12-2009, 09:44	#3
elsquid Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: London Posts: 3,104	Thank you. That's good to know. I just wondered, are all the cables exactly the same sort? Sometimes you get things with male/female pins/connectors.

10-12-2009, 10:01	#4
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	One thing that isn't mentioned in the specs of the laptop is whether the HDMI carries Audio or not. The specs I found said Video-HDMI which is as clear as mud. So there is a chance the HDMI on the laptop only supports video. I can't see any real reason why it shouldn't also support audio but if it doesn't that could complicate matters somewhat. I seriously doubt the TV has an audio input associated with the HDMI input. If so then you will have to make other arrangements for the sound. And whatever you do DO NOT buy your HDMI cable from Comet. only a brain dead idiot with cash to burn would buy something like this.... http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/pro...BLE-HDMI-M1000 Which probably cost Comet a couple of quid. This will probably do the exact same job at a tenth of the price. http://cpc.farnell.com/_/690202/hdmi...-2m/dp/AV13162 But if the laptop does not output audio via HDMI then you may well be better off buying a standalone DVD player. In any case it is likely to be far less hassle in the long run.

10-12-2009, 10:07	#5
elsquid Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: London Posts: 3,104	Thanks so much, chrisjr. I'll look into that. I'm shocked at that Comet link, the second one seems a much better option. I am now no longer confused. Cheers.

10-12-2009, 10:16	#6
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Quote: Originally Posted by elsquid Thanks so much, chrisjr. I'll look into that. I'm shocked at that Comet link, the second one seems a much better option. I am now no longer confused. Cheers. Look away now.... http://www.russandrews.com/product.a...VNHIIWZBTGJBSW And if you are critically allergic to bovine excrement don't read the rubbish in the description or your head may explode in outrage

10-12-2009, 10:23	#7
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by chrisjr I seriously doubt the TV has an audio input associated with the HDMI input. If so then you will have to make other arrangements for the sound. Depends on the TV, but it is VERY common to have a 3.5mm stereo jack socket next to one of the HDMI sockets, for when an HDMI source doesn't include sound (such as from a DVI/HDMI adaptor).

10-12-2009, 10:46	#8
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Quote: Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin Depends on the TV, but it is VERY common to have a 3.5mm stereo jack socket next to one of the HDMI sockets, for when an HDMI source doesn't include sound (such as from a DVI/HDMI adaptor). It's an Hitachi from Comet. It only has the one HDMI (if you believe Comet ) What do you think the chances of it having an analogue audio in next to it are?

10-12-2009, 10:54	#9
elsquid Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: London Posts: 3,104	Quote: Originally Posted by chrisjr It's an Hitachi from Comet. It only has the one HDMI (if you believe Comet ) What do you think the chances of it having an analogue audio in next to it are? It has some audio input things, there's too much to list here but there's lots and lots of holes in the back to poke things into. I think I'll win, somehow.

10-12-2009, 11:03	#10
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Quote: Originally Posted by elsquid It has some audio input things, there's too much to list here but there's lots and lots of holes in the back to poke things into. I think I'll win, somehow. Point is though does it have an audio input linked to the HDMI? There may well be an audio input linked to a composite video or S-Video input, ie a little group of three phono sockets, one red, one white and one yellow. But these would be useless if you use HDMI for video and need a separate audio lead. If you look at the back of the TV have a look next to the HDMI socket. Is there either a pair of phono sockets or (more likely) a mini jack socket (like the headphone socket on an mp3 player for example)? And is there a box drawn round the two indicating the HDMI and audio socket form a single input? If there isn't any audio socket next to the HDMI then you will have to hope the laptop can send audio over HDMI along with the video. if it cannot then you are going to have to listen via the laptop speakers (ugh!) or use a separate audio system.

10-12-2009, 11:15	#11
elsquid Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: London Posts: 3,104	Quote: Originally Posted by chrisjr Point is though does it have an audio input linked to the HDMI? There may well be an audio input linked to a composite video or S-Video input, ie a little group of three phono sockets, one red, one white and one yellow. But these would be useless if you use HDMI for video and need a separate audio lead. If you look at the back of the TV have a look next to the HDMI socket. Is there either a pair of phono sockets or (more likely) a mini jack socket (like the headphone socket on an mp3 player for example)? And is there a box drawn round the two indicating the HDMI and audio socket form a single input? If there isn't any audio socket next to the HDMI then you will have to hope the laptop can send audio over HDMI along with the video. if it cannot then you are going to have to listen via the laptop speakers (ugh!) or use a separate audio system. Really no idea but I have my laptop audio ported through a decent amp and speakers anyway.

10-12-2009, 11:20	#12
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Quote: Originally Posted by elsquid Really no idea but I have my laptop audio ported through a decent amp and speakers anyway. Well if you'd said that at the start.... Would have saved several posts

10-12-2009, 11:45	#13
elsquid Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: London Posts: 3,104	Quote: Originally Posted by chrisjr Well if you'd said that at the start.... Would have saved several posts Sorry, as said, I'm a luddite at this stuff. I had to have that bit pointed out to me by my brother. He just didn't know about HDMI or I'd have pestered him about that as well.

11-12-2009, 00:15	#14
scottie55 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 127	Hi Just played the HDMI audio game with a Dell laptop and my TV. Found I needed a software patch, not to the audio, but to the video card - coz that's where the HDMI port is (that had me going for a wee while). After that I have the option of having audio passed via HDMI or not (I decide!). All works spot on now - good luck.

11-12-2009, 00:28	#15
gemma-the-husky Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: UK Posts: 17,858	blobkbusters always seem to have used HDMI cables for a few quid i also got a cheapy one (not gold) from argos, which is fine as well

12-12-2009, 21:48	#16
RobAnt Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: South West Posts: 10,218	You'll find you can use the hdmi socket to turn the tv into a complete computer monitor. Modern LCDs, Plasmas and LED tvs will look good at various resolutions too, unlike older LCD monitors. So you aren't stuck with using it as an output for DVDs, but can play games and any other computer related activity you want very well.

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Help with HDMI