Need help with computer

[jimbo74]

Ok, So I would appreciate some help with my computer. I have a laptop and a desktop both with VGA outputs. I also have a 50" Panasonic Plasma HDTV. TC-P50S1. It has HDMI inputs. I bought a VGA to HDMI convertor, and I plugged everything in, I selected which input on the TV to use, and nothing displays on either computer.

[Gene1986]

Do you have wireless set up by any chance?

[jimbo74]

I am on a wireless router for both computers? Not sure what you mean by a wireless setup.

Sent from my SM-G386T using Tapatalk

[SkyHawk]

There is usually a function key combination on the laptops to cycle between external display, on board display, or both. Look for that key. By default, the vga port is usually disabled on the laptop until you activate it. No idea what is up with your desktop.

Similar to this - you hold the 'function' or 'fn' key while you press the display mode key








You may also need to look at the specs on the VGA - HDMI adapter, and see what vga resolution it wants you to output from your computer.

[brassburnz]

You may need to tell the computer to output video to another monitor. I have two 54" televisions set up in my classroom to project images from my laptop.

My laptop only has VGA outputs, so I use a VGA to HDMI adapter. I think it's the F4 key, but I can't remember for sure.

I also found this. http://windowsreport.com/connect-pro...er-windows-10/

[jimbo74]

already running the dual display clone setting on the laptop.... it allows it to run, and it isn't an option if I unplug the cable, but I am still not getting anything on the screen

[fishmonger]

what windows are you using?

[jimbo74]

xp on both machines

[OutlawStar]

So with a brief google search, it looks like the VGA to HDMI adapter require a USB connection for power and audio. Apparently a simple "gender changer" adapter to go from HDMI to VGA also exists, but they don't function the same way; they aren't bi-directional.

So with troubleshooting, i have to ask the dumb questions. Did you get the correct adapter, and have you plugged the USB in?

[bigbearbear]

Do you have another HDMI device at home, like a BlueRay player to try the HDMI input on the TV to make sure it works?

[jimbo74]

I do have the usb of it plugged in, and it is the convertor box, not just plug changers....

I know vga is analog, and the hdmi is digital and it needs to actually be converted....

I am about to try using this on another tv I have hooked up downstairs

[jimbo74]

Ok, I have tried another tv, and same thing, no display

[jimbo74]

Ok, tried a different adapter on another tv, and it worked. Looks like I will be using the 60" Samsung I was going to give to my parents, oh well.... so I think I have the display maxxed out, but it still seems small. Is there a way to fix that?

Sent from my SM-G386T using Tapatalk

[fishmonger]

why not get a newer video card for the pc with hdmi. vga i believe just doesnt have the bandwidth to make it look better. its always going to look funny.

[jimbo74]

Funny you should mention that, this desktop pc doesn't support a video card

it is a dell optiplex gx520

well, it is working, and the pic isn't bad. My cellphone crappy pic makes it look worse. I was talking to a friend of mine, and he said I just wont get the full use of the screen with this setup

I still have no idea why the Panasonic doesn't work though --- this adapter from Amazon works on the Samsung and not the Panasonic, but the adapter from Fry's, I got today, doesn't work on either.....