PC output onto a TV

[LateraLex]

Perhaps a simple question, but my gf just bought a Sony Bravia TV. On the back it has a VGA input, which I was able to use to have her laptop display onto the TV. She usually has her laptop connected to an LCD monitor which is right next to the TV.

Do any VGA splitters exist which would allow her to keep the wires physically connected to both the TV and the LCD monitor?

I assumed that she would have to manually switch it each time, so the PC doesn't get confused on the resolution.

Thanks

 

[LateraLex]

I've asked some friends... would this work?
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...id=10106&cs_id=1010601&p_id=54&seq=1&format=2

 

[SJetski71]

I've asked some friends... would this work?
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...id=10106&cs_id=1010601&p_id=54&seq=1&format=2

You may want to read the last 5 or 6 reviews because even if it does what you want it to, it may not be worth your time, frustration and eyesight.

Perhaps look for a different brand of the same type of product elsewhere? You can try newegg and amazon since they have user reviews that'll let you know if the product is crap or not.

 

[DellMonitorGuru]

I think there are KVM type switches, that let you switch back and forth. If you want both TV and Monitor at the same time, they make external video cards but don't know how good or expensive they are.

 

[lawless2142]

My experience with a couple netbooks and laptops using Intel graphics has been that hotplug detection of VGA monitors is hit & miss. You really have to boot with it connected or else the driver seems to forget the max or all possible resolutions. In this case I would tend to think 2 VGA cables would be far cheaper. If she's willing to switch a box, why not swap a cable? You don't even have to screw the thing in really .

 

[LateraLex]

My experience with a couple netbooks and laptops using Intel graphics has been that hotplug detection of VGA monitors is hit & miss. You really have to boot with it connected or else the driver seems to forget the max or all possible resolutions. In this case I would tend to think 2 VGA cables would be far cheaper. If she's willing to switch a box, why not swap a cable? You don't even have to screw the thing in really .

That's a really good point. I think my instinct is that no switch will really do the trick. The idea of having two VGA cables is a good one, I'm not sure why I didn't think of that - and a reboot isn't the worst thing in the world

 

[harjon]

Is there an HDMI connector on her laptop? that way she could connect the VGA to the monitor and the HDMI to the TV.