TV-Out...

[johnb41]

I am planning on getting a computer to use in my bedroom for a dual purpose: watch tv in the comfort of the bed, and also use the computer for basic computing tasks (email, web).

To watch the video on the TV, i'd need to connect the tv to the TV-Out on the video card, right?

Here's the question: Is it a pain to go from watching tv on the TV, to then using the computer? For example, do I have to disconnect the s-video cable before i can work on my PC monitor? How does this work?

I just need to know before I go ahead and buy the computer. If it's a hassle, I just may not do this.

Thanks!
John

[Jesse]

Hi John,

Not a problem at all. Even the cheap radeon and nvidia cards that have tv out will also support dual monitors. There will be connections on the card for both tv out and a monitor so no need to disconnect either one when switching from tv viewing to computer use or vice versa. Just connect both the tv and the monitor to the vid card and set up dual monitors in the vid card's software (ie catalyst control panel for radeon, nview for nvidia).

Have fun,

Jesse

[johnb41]

Thanks Jesse. So you're saying that if my video card does not support dual monitors, then i'll have to physically switch cables?

John