Usign a TV as a monitor?

I have built a new PC and am hoping to not have to buy a monitor for it at this time.

It has a GeForce 7100 GS video card, and is running XP Pro.

I am wanting to hook my PC to the TV and use it as a monitor. I have a connector that plugs into the yellow port on the TV and the S-video cable plugs into that, when I plug the s-video cable in, it doesn't show on the TV, nothing does it just shows the standard "Unusable Signal" error message.

I want to use the TV fo a monitor and not have to buy one for a while, anyone got any suggestions?

Thanks,
Elite

 

I think there are converters which will allow you to use you tv as a monitor but I am pretty sure you will only get (at best) 640X480 resolution from it but most likely will only see 320X200. The number of lines which can be displayed on an normal pc monitor and on a TV are significantly different. Maybe there are some experts on the BBS who can give more info.

Good luck

Mitch

 

Elite,
The yellow connector is for COMPOSITE VIDEO ONLY. You can not connect an S-Video signal to it, it will not work!
You must use either Composite Video on both ends, or S-Video on both ends.
I looked up the specs on your video card and it appears it has only DVI, 15 Pin monitor, and S-Video connections.
You'll need to have a TV that has a S-video connection in order for this to work.
One other possibility would be if you have a VCR that accepts a s-video connection, you could use that, set the VCR to LINE IN and then connect your TV via the RF output and watch the signal on the TV via the TV tuner on ch 3 or 4.
One remote possiblility is that if you have a home theater amplifier that has s-video inputs, AND also will downscale to composite video, you could use that.

HOWEVER, MitchellCooley is correct in that your resolution sacrifice will be extreme.

There are some scalers that you could buy, but then you'd most likely exceed the cost of just buying a new flat panel for $150 bucks or so.

 

Thanks for the info, but I have a S-video to composite connector that I bought at the circuit city. I will find a VCR and give what you told me to try a try If that doesn't work then I will simply just buy a new 19" Flt panel Widescreen monitor