Houston, I need help!

NorthStar

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Joined
Apr 5, 2013
Messages
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Location
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
I have an older computer (PC), an IBM ThinkCentre (tabletop style) which has only a VGA output connector (no HDMI and no DVI).
Also, it only has a CD drive (no DVD and no Blu-ray).
{It's an older PC, perhaps ten years old or more.}

Now, the new Samsung flat screen monitor that Mike gave me, has an HDMI input and also a DVI input; but no VGA connector.

Today I went to the Source and I bought a small adapter for $20.
It's a DVI-A (M) to VGA Female Connector.

Now, I know nothing about the various flavors of DVI connectors;
but just from googling it seems that there are three varieties:
1. DVI-D = Digital
2. DVI-A = Analog
3. DVI-I = Both (Analog & Digital)

* Mine is DVI-A (Analog), and the (M) I assume, is for Male.

Can someone please tell me which one I truly need?
That would be so swell because right now I just don't have any clue if that DVI-A will work (it is missing a bunch of pins; it has only 12+5), as compared to 29 pins for a DVI-D, or/and DVI-I.
 
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[h=1]Finally, a solution for VGA to HDMI - Here's How It Works[/h] [h=2]1. Connect the VGA Cable[/h] Use the 6ft VGA cable (included) to connect your computer video card to this converter box.
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[h=2]2. Connect the 3.5mm Audio Cable[/h] Use the 6ft Audio cable (included) to connect your computer audio output to this converter box:
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[h=2]3. Connect the HDMI Cable[/h] Simply connect your HDMI cable (included) from the converter box to your TV. The lengh of your HDMI cable will vary depending on which package you purchase.
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[h=2]4. Power it up[/h] The converter box needs to be plugged in to ensure proper signal amplification. A 5 Volt power adapter is included.
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[h=1]Connect VGA to HDMI[/h] Everyone these days wants to connect their computer to their TV. People don't want to watch movies on their laptop. They want to watch it on their big-screen TV. Some new TVs won't have a PC input, but will have multiple HDMI inputs. And with the growing popularity of video content available on the Web, people need a solution to connect VGA to HDMI.
Unfortunately, you cannot convert VGA to HDMI with only a cable. So many of us still use a computer that doesn't have an HDMI output, or even a DVI output. It's still quite rare to see a video card that's equipped with an HDMI output. Some of the HDMI video cards don't even support audio, which ads another level of complication. The only solution we've found is to use a powered device that converts the VGA signal from analog to digital HDMI.


Some people have attempted to convert their VGA to DVI, and then convert their DVI to HDMI. Unfortunately, this won't work either. Before we explain why, please note that there are three types of standard DVI:

  • DVI-A is strictly analog
  • DVI-D is strictly digital
  • DVI-I is capable of transferring both analog or digital signals (Integrated)
You might think that a DVI-I adapter would solve the problem by easily transferring video signals from VGA to DVI to HDMI. While the DVI-I will pass the analog VGA signal through the adapter, the HDMI spec simply won't read that analog signal. It dead ends there.
Luckily, we've found a really nice converter box that supports all High Definition Multimedia Interface specifications. It just got a whole lot easier to go digital. While it's not exactly "cheap," it's a lot less expensive than a new computer or an upgrade to a high-end video card. Check out this solution: VGA to HDMI Cable Converter.


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Wow, that is super complicated! ...And why HDMI over DVI? ...Like I said; my PC doesn't have a Blu-ray drive (it's a dinosaur).

Here's what I exactly bought today (mine is black color though):

Adapter_DVI_to_VGA.jpg


Would that work, or not?

____________________

Joe, thanks a lot for all your great assistance. ...I might have to go back in town, and talk with a computer expert and tell him exactly what I got and from there what do I need for my own personal use and satisfaction.
It seems that in my case DVI would do, and just the small adapter; but which one, DVI-D or DVI-A or DVI-I???

Also, should I plug only one screen (that new Samsung one from Mike), or should I also keep my small one to have now two?? ...But then, I would need a VGA splitter for that, right?
I know nothing about this; why people are using up to fifty screens? !!!
Is one not good enough? ...About you guys, how many screens are you using? And how small, or how big are they?

_______________

So, my PC is an analog PC, and my Samsung monitor is a digital device?
Would it be best to have a digital PC as well?
...Or an analog monitor?

See, I told ya that I knew nothing about computers and their compatible screens.
I am much better calibrated with plasma HDTVs and Blu-ray players, from my home theater room.

By the way, my 60" plasma has a VGA connector (for a PC), but no way I am running a long cable to another zone, or use my HDTV for viewing strictly Blu-ray movies and music concerts, to now surfing the web and talking with you guys!!!
That 28" monitor from Mike is just the perfect ticket for me.
And my intention is to use it alone, and simply discard the one I have right now (basement storing).

P.S. I just noticed that toll free number (tomorrow morning). :cool:

P.P.S. I tell ya, my new setup is gong to look way more advanced than the one from that picture on the previous page (post #7). :fingers: :peace:
 
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Bob,

It really comes down the adapter you have. If the cable or input on the Monitor has those 2 pins on both sides of the slotted bar in the middle or not. They hdmi adapter I showed you while looking complicated will probably yield the best results.

ps Bob what's the model/name of you monitor? That may help me.
 
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Bob,

It really comes down the adapter you have. If the cable or input on the Monitor has those 2 pins on both sides of the slotted bar in the middle or not. They hdmi adapter I showed you while looking complicated will probably yield the best results.

ps Bob what's the model/name of you monitor? That may help me.

Yes, any type of DVI adapter (male) will connect to the back of that Samsung monitor (female DVI connector).
But like well indicated in one of your previous posts; one is Digital only (DVI-D), another is Analog only (DVI-A; which is the one I bought), and the third one which is both Digital & Analog (DVI-I).

And that's the tricky part, the one that I don't know. But I'll try and I'll find out right away (this weekend).

I've read that in my case I don't need the HDMI adapter, because I only use my PC for that screen (no Blu-ray drive, and no separate Blu-ray player).

I did some research, but couldn't get my answer anywhere from the entire World Wide Web!!!
That's when I decided to post my question right here.
And I just still don't know!

Tomorrow, I'll call some expert from my town (PC expert, not audio expert), and I'll try also that toll free # you posted before.

But Joe, this is very good all what you did, and that video too. I'm sure some people, like I, can learn some good from it.

* The main complication in all of that depends on how old is your PC, and also your PC's screen. And if you match different brands and years, you have to make sure that if you need an adapter (and me I do because my actual screen is perfectly matched to my PC, with both VGA end connectors), make sure you got the right one. ...Regarding digital or analog only, or both. And that's the only thing right now that I'm not sure. If that DVD-A that I got right now (analog) doesn't work, then I'll have to try the DVI-D (digital) one.
...Because I don't think that in need the DVI-I (both analog and digital adapter).

And like I said, those three adapters will plug in the back of my new Samsung monitor, but, which one is going to be truly COMPATIBLE (at transmitting texts and pictures).
As for the sound (analog stereo), it is from a separate single cable.

Tomorrow, afternoon (because I'll be seriously busy in the morning at other duties), I'll take all my time and find out all the ins and outs regarding the three DVI flavors, and which compatible components is for which, and also regarding that HDMI adapter/converter.
...And finally why new monitors nowadays don't have any more that VGI jack connector in the back!!!???!!!
Yeah, many HDTVs have a PC connector in the back, but not screen monitors! ...And that's what they're for, for your PC!
...That is the true drama right there.

If anyone here is following very clearly what I just said in my post here, and can explain in very easy terms, please be my guest. ...Because I want to acquire that knowledge real good now.

Joe, you did perfect, regarding that HDMI converter (analog to digital). That video was very clear.

Now, I want to know about DVI (analog, digital, and hybrid). ...Regarding the right one, the right adapter, between a PC with only a VGA output, and a monitor with only a DVI and HDMI inputs.
 
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Bob,

It really comes down the adapter you have. If the cable or input on the Monitor has those 2 pins on both sides of the slotted bar in the middle or not. They hdmi adapter I showed you while looking complicated will probably yield the best results.

ps Bob what's the model/name of you monitor? That may help me.

1. Oh yeah, it has two two screws on each side. :derf:

2. Yes, HDMI is OK too, but I coudn't find any adaptor (VGI to HDMI) today while I was in town, and I did check three major places.
* DVI is also a more secure connection, because of those two locking screws.
** Plus in my case HDMI is not necessary.
*** No sweat too, I can use my original VGA cable; I only need that small adaptor (VGA to DVI), but which DVI version???
And that is the question.

3. I checked in the back and the only thing I saw is the S/N number: Z2QDHCKB206004N Version no: CT01 ...And my credit card number is .... :D
It's a Samsung flat screen monitor. ...I tried already to find out from Samsung's own website, but without success.
...And I don't have any manual. ...That's Mike's fault. :D

Next time I'll go in town I'll ask a Samsung dealer if he can trace my model. I doubt it though. ...Kids nowadays. :D

You know Joe, this is all new to me, and I'm learning right now, and I just luv it! :) ...I know that I'll be flying real high real soon. :cool: ...It's the same thing with a new high-end audio component, or a new pair of high-end loudspeakers. ...Or some new ultra expensive high-end interconnects, or speaker cables, or AC power cord.
Every little tiny improvement makes a huge difference in one's audiophile life.
The more money you spend, and the bigger your stereo (ego) the merrier and happier mentally you feel. :D
The real truth, the world's essence, is usually through the roof. ...Way up there at the beginning of all sources.
 
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Well...I'm not sure anything is my fault in a kind gesture like this, but none the less, knowing this might happen, I did take some pictures of the back of the monitor so some of our techie members could lend some help.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1368188032.008923.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1368188044.723938.jpg

Oh, and by the way, it didn't come with a manual. It came with a blue piece of paper that said "Your Manual can be downloaded from: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads"

Monitor Manual here: http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201008/20100809170119296/BN59-00841M-01Eng.pdf
 
Bob,

You should be good to go with that adapter. Have you tried hooking the cables up?
 
1. Mike, I am so happy that you gave me that monitor for free! ...So much so that I am making all efforts to have it set up perfectly, video and audio wise.
...And so much so that I am doing stuff that will improve my web surfing and posting here at the Shark, and seeing better and bigger pictures, plus I am installing a new stereo sound system with an integrated amp (Denon) and speaker monitors from Paradigm.
Before that I only have a mickey mouse sound system with a very small screen at lower video resolution (definition).

* Mike, I can see that you don't know me well yet; my sense of humor is very acute and often in use (80%). It's just the way that I am in real life and the vast majority of people who know me well they just like me that way.
Now I can see the sensitive side of you; but again, fun loving and living is the essence of my personality, in general I think.
And the proof is not in my words, but in my actions; so just wait till I return the favor.
Be patient though, and I give much more than what most people expect.
I can be serious too when the right time calls it for.

** Thank you again Mike! ...And regarding the model number and the link too (I only saw the serial number through the transparent plastic bubbles; wrapping cover). ...Yep, I didn't even unwrap it just yet, but coming up tomorrow.
I needed to do some other work, and getting all the right parts together, plus cleaning up my desk for a full enchilada life's changing experience (for the best of everyone, me included).

2. Joe, I called two PC experts not long ago; the first one told me that I need the DVI-I (hybrid analog and digital) adapter, the second one told me that I'm just fine with the one I got, the DVI-A (analog) adapter. ...And I asked my good friend Will if he had a spare stereo cable for my use; he just brought me one about 30 minutes ago.

---> I always work like that: I take my time to gather all the right pieces together; I draw a plan (graphic map), and then I put it all together perfectly. It's just me and I always been like that; kind of a perfectionist who learns along the way, with everyone else.
And I'm like that too (Joe, you are also like that) when I'm trying to help others. ...We try to give all the very best we got! ...And Mike too, you're like that. ..And Mark, and Jeff, and Bob, and Paul, and Cyril, and Jerome, and Jeff, and Dave, and Kev, and Rob, and Ron, and Jim, and Andre, and Nelson, and Matt, and Doug, and Emile, and Debby, and everyone else here.
Here, is the very best audio forum with the very best bunch of true friendly and lovely people I ever met in the entire Internet!

I have wonderful plans for the prosperity of Mike's site; and it's going to get better and better by the minute. ...And the very best way to get there is by one day at a time.

Now time for a smiley or two. :) :heart:
 
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