View Full Version : Connecting 52HM84 to PC ?
I'm thinking of buying a Toshiba 52HM84 TV, and one of my primary reasons for buying a HDTV is to use with my HTPC. However, I note that this TV has neither DVI or VGA inputs. It only has a HDMI which apparently isn't suitable for connecting to PC video. Does anyone know anything about this?
Blaster
10-17-2004, 10:52 PM
I use S-Video from my laptop to my HDTV...
S-video typically looks horrible on an HDTV, although some people "accept" it.
HDMI is essentially DVI + audio. If you can connect to DVI, HDMI should be no different with the appropriate adaptor.
I am interested in this 52HM84 too, but am concerned with potential problem connecting it to my HTPC. Toshiba's manual specifically says this TV is not for use with a PC, no reasons given.
I wonder if anyone had successfully used with a PC (through either DVI-> HDMI or VGA-> component video). If it does not work, then I will have to rule this TV out.
Thanks.
Lobstah
11-14-2004, 09:41 AM
The statement by Tosh is a disclaimer, which I believe is based on several things. First, burn-in issues from displaying static images (like Desktop) on the set, and secondly, the effort required to provide technical support to accomplish this would be HUGE. Hop over to the AVS forum and check out posts on PowerStrip and you'll see that it can be done...but it's not for the weak ;)
Lob
The statement by Tosh is a disclaimer, which I believe is based on several things. First, burn-in issues from displaying static images (like Desktop) on the set, and secondly, the effort required to provide technical support to accomplish this would be HUGE. Hop over to the AVS forum and check out posts on PowerStrip and you'll see that it can be done...but it's not for the weak ;)There should be no burn-in issues since this is a DLP set. Also, I read one post from an owner who rang Toshiba support enquiring about how to interface his PC to this TV. He was told that it couldn't be done. On the other hand, it seems to me that if you give the TV a compatible HD signal, it should be able to use it regardless of its source.
I ended up buying a Panasonic PT-50DL54. It has two PC/VGA/RGB connectors. Although on the face of it this seems good I'm afraid it isn't. The supported VGA modes are the standard 4:3 ones (640x480, 800x600, 1024x768) and the picture appears unstretched in the middle of the screen.
To the best of my knowledge, there is no RPTV that can be easily used at its native resolution as a PC monitor.
Lobstah
11-14-2004, 10:43 AM
I had the MyHD card in my HTPC, and used it with my Tosh 57H82...worked just fine for what I was doing, but I wasn't suring the web or anything. Many others that use that card do...but you typically need PowerStrip to go between PCs and just about every HDTV that I've heard of. It's "freeware", so not a big deal, but you do have to tweak it on the PC by using settings that others have posted.
Lob
I had the MyHD card in my HTPC, and used it with my Tosh 57H82...worked just fine for what I was doing, but I wasn't suring the web or anything. Many others that use that card do...but you typically need PowerStrip to go between PCs and just about every HDTV that I've heard of. It's "freeware", so not a big deal, but you do have to tweak it on the PC by using settings that others have posted.PowerStrip is not freeware, it's shareware. The trial version is time-limited and after it expires it costs US$29.95. Of course, if by "freeware" you mean pirated, then that's a different matter.
Lobstah
11-14-2004, 11:02 AM
Sorry...thanks for the correction. I never used it, as I didn't need it for my application.
Lob
Sorry...thanks for the correction. I never used it, as I didn't need it for my application.Geeeze! :nono2:
Lobstah
11-14-2004, 11:52 AM
lol...I was being honest...I always appreciate it when someone corrects me ;)
Accurate information is important to everyone who uses these forums...
No harm, no foul ;)
Lob
Thanks for the replies. I called Toshiba, and they simply said it can not used with a PC. When I pressed for any technical reasons, the guy just said it could damage the TV and suggested me to consider another brand.
Lobstah
11-16-2004, 03:29 PM
Right...they want nothing to do with that particular rat's nest, and I can see why.
Lob
