Setting up a tv as a second monitor

[Ivor Biggun]

So now I've managed to get my tv coming up as a big screen monitor. I can view my desk top, flv files, docs, jpegs etc but when it comes to watching vids in flv or Windows media player mode I just get a black screen. I can see the movie on my laptop screen but not on the big one, even though the counter is running along the bottom of the application. I know it must be something in the settings or screen resolution, etc but I have no idea how to set it up. I am completely lost and frustrated. Any help will be welcome, even if its's a home visit from Snick when down during the week.

[Jake_Sully]

hmm, try clicking and dragging vlc/ media player over to the TV. It'll be black initially but close it, then reopen the file.

Also what type of cable are you using to transfer the video? Is it an hdmi cable or a DVI?

If its a DVI cable, I hope you have one of those older non HDCP (high defenition content protection) video cards.

[Jake_Sully]

Forgot to add, if you're not using VLC, here's the link to download: http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

It gets around HDCP where as windows media player likely wont sometimes.

And what video card are you using? That would help a lot with troubleshooting this.

[Ivor Biggun]

Thnks for that, not sure about the video card. As I said I get everything from the laptop working on the tv other than the media players. The outline of vlc and wmp comes up and the countdown clock shows the movie is playing ( just as I can see on the laptop) but the movie screen is black. If i click on one of my flv movies it is fine I am using an RBG (PC) cable into the back of the TV, just as I would with any other monitor.

[Bumpa STIKKA]

It's almost certainly your video card. Is it an integrated card using system Ram?

[Ivor Biggun]

yeah must be hidden somewhere in the laptop as I've never had anything else installed. I've got an ATI catalyst control centre whatever the feck that is!! I may have to get my computer lady to putter over on the moci and sort it out as i'm sure there must be a way to get it working.

[Jake_Sully]

Ivor does your laptop have an hdmi out?

It looks like this:



Try connecting your laptop with your tv with an hdmi cable:

[Snick]

Thats weird, have u tried other video players quicktime, vlc, etc...
do they all have the same problem ?

Try using "mirror mode" where both monitors display the same output.

some possibilities
1) your video card only supports playing video on the primary monitor -- never heard of this, but maybe the case for old/cheap card
2) the video card will not play at the resolution of your TV, try using a lower resolution



Otherwise, buy a new video card. (or is this a laptop ?)

That will be 2 drinks, you can pay me Friday.

[Ivor Biggun]

LOL, cup of coffee at my place whilst you explain what you just said - yes it is a laptop (4 years old) which may be what the issue is. All other apps are fine, it's just video. Tones of movies to watch but limited to the laptop. It's a shame as the DVD player has a usb port that I could use instead but can't work that one out either! For Jake I just have a RGB (PC) port, not HDMI. I'll just have to watch Sons of Anarchy on the laptop instead.  

Thanks for the advice- time for an upgrade!

[Jake_Sully]

As someone on the model of the laptop before you buy. I had a friend buy $900 worth of a garbage laptop and couldn't exchange it in the Philippines.

If I had to give you a suggestion on the laptop, get this, I just bought it a few months back: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica....Id=4938

It lets me play movies on my tv with the hdmi cable no problem. Good hard drive and future proof with blu ray reading capability. I'm not sold on blu-ray yet, but I like the option. Fast laptop and Windows 7 (I don't know why so many people can't stand vista, but whatever, 7 is better anyways).

You can click on the video for a review.