Problems connecting computer to tv via dvi

When plugged into the TV via HDMI make sure that the resolution in the "Display settings" match the specification of the TV.

DVI ==> Digital Video Input
If your monitor has both DVI and VGA inputs,
and your PC's video-card has both DVI and VGA outputs,
then buy a DVI-to-DVI cable, and use it, for a better picture.
If your monitor has both DVI and VGA inputs,
and your PC's video-card only has VGA output,
then use a VGA-to-VGA cable.
Or, purchase a video-card with DVI output,
to replace the video-card with VGA output,
and then use a DVI-to-DVI cable.

The manual won't help you to much in this regard.
This monitor is a standard type that has both a VGA and DVI input.
Normally what you would use with a personal computer.

If you want to use it as a TV monitor you will have some sort of device that outputs to VGA or DVI.
DVI stands for "Digital Visual Interface" and it's preferable over VGA as it should potentially give you a better image.

This means:
A) A computer. You can build your own media TV and watch internet streamed shows like Hulu, Netfix, use as a DVD player, etc. I recommend this route. No more dependance on Cable companies! You just need internet.
B) Find a DVD, and, or Tuner/Cable/Satellite box that has these outputs.
If you want to use Cable or Satellite, contact your provider company and see if they have a box that will output to either VGA or DVI. Might have a hard time finding one of these, or it might cost more then it's worth.
C) Buy a S-Video input to VGA/DVI output. You can buy these for around $40.
Then you should be able to hook it up to just about any device as most modern TV devices will have an S-Video outputs.

Your Dell Monitor does not have a video output. The DVI/HDMI cable needs to run from the DVI-Out of you computer tower directly to the TVs HDMI input, ideally one with a red/white analog audio input next to it, because that cable only provides a video signal. If you don't have a DVI out on your computer, perhaps your TV has a VGA input. If your computer/video card only has one monitor connector, then you can only connect the Monitor OR the TV.

Does your TV have a "VGA" input? If so, then connect the VGA-output from your computer's video-card to that VGA-input.

Does your TV have a "DVI" input? If so, then connect the DVI-output from your computer's video-card to that DVI-input.

Does your TV have a "S-Video" input? If so, then connect the S-VIdeo-output from your computer's video-card to that S-Video-input.

Note that only _SOME_ video-cards have DVI output or S-Video output. Check your video-card.

the Flat Screen TV if has, a HDMI input, also has VGA Input.

You must choose :HDMI or VGA, if HDMI The VGA board must Have HDMI Connector, and you connect a HDMI cable to the TV.

The HDMI is a digital signal input/output, VGA is Analog Signal. You must have Signal Converter if you Use the 2 signals

Step 1
Shutdown your computer and look at the rear of the case to determine the type of video connections that your machine has. Nearly all computers will have the standard 15-pin VGA output port. In addition, you may also find that your computer has an S-video port, an RCA composite video port, a set of three component RCA video outputs or perhaps even an HDMI output port.
Step 2Determine the types of video inputs that are available on your plasma TV. There should be a standard RCA composite input, a three-jack RCA component input and an S-video input. In addition, you may also find a 15-pin VGA input, a DVI input or an HDMI input. Step 3 Select which type of connection you will use. HDMI and DVI represent the highest-quality connections, followed by VGA, Component, S-video, and composite. If your computer has only a VGA output and you will not using it solely to drive the plasma TV, you may want to invest in a video card upgrade. Most new video cards will offer dual monitor connections and possibly a separate TV connection. The first monitor connection is intended for the main computer monitor, and the second monitor connection, or the TV output, can be used for either a second monitor or a TV. Depending on the card, the TV output may be DVI, HDMI, component, S-video or composite. Step 4Purchase a video cable long enough to reach from your PC’s video output to your plasma TV. If the distance is over ten feet, you may want to invest in high-quality cables to ensure that the plasma TV receives a clean signal for the best possible picture. Cables over thirty feet in length, depending on the connection type, may result in poor video performance. Step 5Set your computer’s screen resolution to something that your plasma TV can accept, using the “Display” settings in the “Control Panel” in Windows. Refer to the owner’s manual of your plasma TV for the supported resolution and refresh rate. If you are using the S-video, composite or component outputs on your computer, this step may not be necessary. Step 6Connect your PC to your plasma TV using the appropriate cable. Start the computer up and it should recognize the attached display. In the “Display” settings, you will need to configure how the plasma TV is used if it is attached a second display. Most video cards support “Clone” or “Mirror” mode, which displays the same content on both displays. In addition, there is the “Extended” mode, where the second display will operate independently, and windows can be dragged from one screen to the other. If your plasma TV is the only monitor for the computer, you will not to configure the multiple display modes. Step 7Connect a cable from the sound output of your PC to your plasma TV using the appropriate audio adapters. Then relax on the couch and enjoy your videos on the big screen.

Hey RHSully,

In addition to connecting your Macbook to the TV, you may also need to adjust the video output signal coming from the computer itself. Several of the TV's in Sony's Bravia model line should include a list of the optimal settings for each screen resolution within the owner's manual, but you may need to search through Sony's online support site if you can't find this list for your specific model.

Hope this helps you out.

Sincerely,
Aaron
Go Ahead. Use Us.

Weegee, Unfortunately you are trying to mix two different video types: VGA is an analog video interface found on most computers (except for latest with flat panel monitors, which are usually DVI). Your TV DVI interface is digital (although there is a DVI-A, which is an anlog DVI interface, it is unlikely that your TV has this). So, what you are trying to do probably won't work. I assume your computer does not have DVI output (otherwise you wouldn't have bought the adapter), but some monitors have VGA inputs; does yours? What kind of DVI adapter did you get? Is a DVI-A? Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvi for info on DVI interfaces.

I think you may have to use tv out as the secondary monitor