Connecting HDTV to a home computer network.

[EdithB]

Guys, has anyone tried connecting your HDTV to your computer? I want to watch movies and shows from Netflix on my HDTV. Per instructions, it says I need an HDMI cable. I have an older model HDTV so I can't do it wirelessly through my router. HDMI cables are expensive, so before buying I'd like to hear some advise on what cable to use. Can I get a cheap HDMI cable? Is the reception good? Should I just buy a newer model TV? Thanks!

[daveywavey]

pwede naman dvi gamitin mo.

tapos buy ka na lang sa cd-r king ng adaptor na dvi-hdmi

[junior01]

to me i used the dvi because the video card i bought only have a dvi ouput so i bought another dvi to hdmi cable to connect to the hdtv.

the problem is can the video card output be read on the hdtv? sometimes if you play to much with the setting of the video card the hdtv wont read anymore the video signal.

its always better to play computer game on the big hdtv.

[illumina]

@ EdithB: If you're in the US right now...yeah, for some reason, HDMI cables are expensive there. Just get the cheapest one you can find, based on the length you need.

Do you know if your computer's video output is DVI or HDMI? You may need to get an adaptor, if your computer doesn't have direct HDMI output.

My set-up is a Bravia connected to my MacBook Pro via DVI-to-VGA on video, then from the MBP's headphone port to the TV's audio input...because the Bravia has VGA input, and those two cables are still way cheaper than an HDMI cable.

[EdithB]

Thanks for the input guys. I have a Toshiba Satellite laptop with Intel I7, it has an hdmi plug, I don't know if it's the video output. I thought HDMI is both video and audio. My tv is an older Samsung HDTV with an HDMI plug in the back. I think I might just get the cheapest HDMI cable I can get. Thanks again.

[illumina]

^ Yup, HDMI should be audio and video. In my case, since I'm connecting through DVI, audio isn't picked up.

[EdithB]

Just an update. I bought a $29 4' HDMI cable and it worked really well. The instant live streaming from Netflix looks great on my HDTV! I'm thinking of getting the $89 Roku box for the news programs CNN, FOX,MSNBC and CNBC. If it works well, I'm getting rid of my cable. I'll get a cheap antenna for local channels and then I'm set! I hate paying for cable with all the commercials they have.