Educate Me: Outputting Video from PC to TV via HDMI

I've got a 1 year old Lenovo Desktop that I'm trying to connect to my TV via HDMI. Problem is, I can't seem to get the two to recognize each other. I was hoping that the PC having an HDMI out would make this an easy process but no such luck. HDMI cable is known good. I've tried restarting computer with only the HDMI plugged in and no dice. I've fiddled with the display settings but haven't had any luck either. I've also tried adjusting the PC resolution down to match the TV (720P).

Anyone more knowledgeable with computers have any ideas?

Hold the Alt key and hit F8. This should give you the option to duplicate the monitor on the other output, use only the external monitor, or split between the two.

I think you have done what you are supposed to. I have my PC monitor connected by HDMI. As you said, you should just be able to plug it in.

Obviously make sure the source for the TV is set to that source (which should be the default), and you will need your PC set to the same res. The computer should not care what cable you use.

You have to make sure that the PC is actually outputting an HDMI signal to the port. As others have stated, you need to turn head to display output settings and fiddle until you get it.

Is your TV set to HDMI-1 input

Otherwise, alt-F8 to tell the PC that it needs to pay attention to the new screen.

Everything everyone else said, and drivers. Make sure you have your video drivers installed and updated. There may be additional hoops for getting the audio over HDMI, but the video is usually easy.

/hijack

can audio be sent through a DVI cable to HDMI input? i have an DVI --> HDMI adapter cable that works for video, but doesn't transmit sound, and thesers no secondary sound input for the HDMI inputs. is a DVI port capable of this?

hijack/

run the PC with both a monitor and the TV, go into your video card settings (model of video card would help, btw) and select the additional TV output to HDMI. set the screens to mirror or duplicate each other, then disconnect the monitor. done.

-J0N

Check your TV, sometimes they have a dedicated computer input or one HDMI port specifically marked for computer input.

jmthunderbirdturbo wrote: /hijack can audio be sent through a DVI cable to HDMI input? i have an DVI --> HDMI adapter cable that works for video, but doesn't transmit sound, and thesers no secondary sound input for the HDMI inputs. is a DVI port capable of this? hijack/

I think you need a converter like this: http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011405&p_id=8124&seq=1&format=2 DVI does not transmit audio, so you will need some other input like the RCA cables on this converter for it to work.

PubBurgers, like others have suggested, you may need to update your video card drivers. If you're not sure what your PC came with, follow these instructions here: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2406120,00.asp Some TVs also have firmware that can be upgraded. Check the manufacturer's website to see if there is a firmware update for your TV model.

I'm using my TV as a monitor for my PC with HDMI. However I am using a new, high-end graphics card (NVIDIA GTX 970), so I would expect it to detect my TV!

OK, after following advice (thanks!) and general fiddling the PC and TV now recognize each other. Image and sound work on TV BUT there is a pretty terribad flickering problem on the TV. The screen blacks out and comes back at seemingly random intervals. Could be 1 second, could be 30. I've tried adjusting refresh rates and resolutions to no avail. I double checked the HDMI cable and it is definitely good.

I did update video card drivers as well.

Find out what resolution the TV wants to display. That will be in the manual somewhere. Then set your video card in the laptop/PC to that resolution/refresh. Do you lose sound when it blacks out, or just picture?

Dr. Hess wrote: Find out what resolution the TV wants to display. That will be in the manual somewhere. Then set your video card in the laptop/PC to that resolution/refresh. Do you lose sound when it blacks out, or just picture?

Will look into it. I lose both audio and video.

Any luck with this?

Kept fiddling with resolutions and refresh rates yesterday with no luck. Didn't get a chance to fiddle with it today.

Nearly all TVs for the North American market have a 60Hz refresh rate. Did you happen to find out what video card your PC has?

Sounds like a bad cable or connection on the PC or TV. Is there only one HDMI connection on the TV? When it is working, try shaking the cable or fiddling with the ends and see if it drops out.

In reply to Dr. Hess:

I'm beginning to think that the HDMI port on the computer may be the culprit. The cable just doesn't fit as snugly as I'd like. It's never had a cable in it before but that doesn't mean it isn't broken. I'm still going to keep trying different settings when the TV frees up and I have a chance.

FWIW:

The video card is an onboard deal. Device manager lists it as an Intel HD Graphics 4400.

The TV is a 2 year old 50" 720p LG plasma.

I know the port on the TV is good as I use it for other devices. The cable was an ebay special. It's a 30ft cord that ran a whopping $7.50 shipped. It seems to work fine when plugged into game consoles though.

Could be the cable is a bit on the loose side, and the port on the pc is also a bit on the loose side.

I avoid no name cables, this does not mean expensive cables, just not ebay crap, most of mine are Amazon Basics or Monoprice.

I use Mediabridge Ultra HDMI cables for my PS3 and my PC. The pricing is very reasonable and the build quality is decent. I've never had a problem with them.

http://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-ULTRA-Series-HDMI-Cable/dp/B0031TRZX2/

Back from the dead!

So after two months of letting my rage subside due to my inability to figure this out I decided it was time for another go. I could get a crisp and clear image via HDMI but can't get it to stop flickering.

So I ordered a VGA cable last week. I went to hook it up and, while the image is stable, there are these lines slowly rolling up the screen. The lines are probably only 1/2" thick but it's driving me nuts. Some google fu indicated it might be a 'ground loop' problem. I don't have cable but do have an antenna connected to the coax input. I disconnected that and everything else connected to the tv to no avail. I also disconnected everything else that's plugged into the same surge protector as the tv.

I then tried disconnecting everything that's plugged into the surge protector with the PC, still no luck. I tried connecting the computer directly into the wall outlet via a plug with the ground prong removed. Still have those lines. I've tried every refresh rate and resolution combo I can think of. I also tried plugging the PC and TV into the same power strip.

Any suggestions before I set fire to the whole lot? I'd love to do my PC gaming on my TV but this is turning into a nightmare.

Get an addon video card with HDMI output and plug the HDMI cable into there instead, this will fix the loose onboard port. In my experience, VGA connections to a TV are a PITA every single time. One of my HTPCs has this kind of hookup but the video isn't sized or centered quite properly and there's definitely some image quality loss.

I would assume the lines/bars are a refresh rate issue. You want the PC to output to the TV's Native Resolution and Refresh rate, like what the good doctor mentioned.

Are the TV and PC plugged into the same outlet or at least the same breaker? Have you plugged an outlet tester into the outlets?

I tried matching up the output refresh/resolution to match the TV's and had no luck.

I've tried plugging the in on multiple outlets, including the same one as the tv, and had no luck. I haven't tried using a different outlet for the tv yet though.

PubBurgers wrote: I tried matching up the output refresh/resolution to match the TV's and had no luck. I've tried plugging the in on multiple outlets, including the same one as the tv, and had no luck. I haven't tried using a different outlet for the tv yet though.

You've almost done all the learning I have, keep going until you're ready to move away from dumb analog signals into the 21st century with a smart digital video connection.