The Zipityzap Internet Television Blog

I’ve been using my PC to HDTV VGA/SVGA cable a lot lately and am quite impressed with the video quality.  It’s a shame that everybody can’t get such a great connection - usually because not all HDTVs have “pc input” (the same as a standard VGA/SVGA monitor connection).  I used to be one of those folks - and had previously used s-video to s-video or s-video to RCA composite connections to a standard “tube” television.

The best display resolution you can get with a VGA/SVGA cable is the highest supported by BOTH your PC’s graphics controller and your HDTV.  For example, if your PC supports both 1024 x 768 and 1280 x 1024 but your HDTV only supports 1024 x 768, then your best resolution will be 1024 x 768.  So, as is the case with my wife’s Toshiba Satellite laptop, we have to change the resolution depending on whether it’s connected to the HDTV or not.  Using the laptop alone, we change to the higher 1280 x 1024 resolution; connected to the HDTV, we have to downgrade a notch to 1024 x 768.  Fortunately the Intel Extreme graphics controller software allows us to save “schemes,” which makes toggling back and forth a snap.

Since my HDTV also has composite inputs, I thought it would be interesting to compare the s-video/RCA composite quality to the VGA/SVGA quality.  S-video and RCA composite video are older standards and both support up to 728 x 576 resolution (standard definition).  Our HDTV does not have an s-video input, so I used an s-video to composite cable for this test.  The results would be identical for an s-video to s-video cable.

VGA/SVGA Cable
The image below is a photograph of my HDTV displaying an VGA/SVGA image.  The screen resolution is 1024 x 768 pixels.
 

S-Video/RCA Composite Cable
Below is the same image as displayed in standard definition with an s-video to RCA composite cable.  For comparison, take a look at the third line from the top.

Bottom line, the VGA/SVGA cable from PCTVCables.com is your best bet.  It’s affordable, it supports high-definition,  almost all PC’s have this standard video output, and it comes with a built-in audio cable.  If you’re shopping for a new HDTV, make sure it has “pc input!”

I’ve discovered that almost all HDTV’s sold today are equipped for connection to a PC. Better yet, I’ve also discovered that almost all laptop PCs have VGA/SVGA outputs for connecting an external monitor. So all you need is an inexpensive cable and VOILA - the Internet is on you HDTV.

I’ll admit - I had to go out and actually purchase a HDTV to test out this concept. My personal laptop is about 4 years old and doesn’t have an s-video output. And, as it turns out, I’m glad it doesn’t! The VGA/SGVA output is far superior. Your HDTV is basically a very large monitor for your PC. So I’m no longer recommending s-video cables unless, of course, you don’t have an HDTV. So what are you waiting for - put some of that economic stimulous to work and support your country!

Today I’m going to offer you a complete package: everything you need to make internet television on your HDTV reality. Zipityzap.com is your software - a free internet television portal to help you quickly find and tune free internet television and movies. And now I’m pleased to announce the launch of PCTVCables.com - a place to purchase a low cost PC to HDTV cable combined with complete instructions on how to get set up. So there you have it - internet television software and internet television hardware. No expensive box required!