The Chetboard

I'm looking at connecting the TV set to my desk top; or, getting a lap top to control the TV set, independently of the desk top computer.
The more local stores I go to, the more different advice I get.
One guy thinks all I need is a wireless keyboard and a router. He didn't seem very sure of himself. I just plain don't know.
Once again, I would appreciate comments from the Chetboard.

Do you have a gaming console attached to your TV? If so, which one.

I don't have one--don't know what that is.

All you need is a digital converter...PC TO TV. They run between $20-$40.

http://cgi.ebay.com/VGA-PC-Component-TV ... 27b84cda6d

If your computer has "on board" or "integrated" graphics and you aren't comfortable with installing add in cards in your PCI slots, then ...what Phil said. You could also get a PCI Video card with a 'TV out' (digital) jack. My video card has two standard VGA outputs to run two monitors plus a digital out for TV. You should be able to find one cheap...like..less than $50.

What has happened over the last few years with technology is pretty amazing. The problem is, when you talk with many folks about HDMI, VGA, gaming port etc., you often just get that "deer in the headlights" look from them!!
My best advice is to look around for the neighborhood computer geek Not necessarily a kid, but just a good neighbor with computer smarts. I would bet that almost every neighborhood has a few of them these.

Google TV does not require you to hook up a computer to your TV. Although hooking up your computer to your TV sounds easy enough, there can be annoying issues - like constantly adjusting for resolution and sound problems.

http://www.google.com/tv/

Randy

I'm actually one of those people look like a deer in the headlights when talking about HDMI an Vga etc. I still have an old style TV. I never like to discard anything until it breaks.
Thank you for the advice here. I appreciate it.

My bad Paul, I got it turned around...For some reason I thought you were wanting to connect to the internet and use your TV as a monitor. I will take time to read the posts a little more carefully in the future.
Everyone else steered you in the right direction...it certainly can be a lot more convenient. What you want to do is pretty commonly done, so I bet there is someone within a stones throw of where you live or work that could set it up for you in a jiffy, without much trouble.

Paul,

One of the least expensive solutions as suggested above is to add a PC to Composite converter between your PC and your TV. Amazon has a very reasonably priced converter.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00351VWKI/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000RMZMKY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1KK41TG0ZS906SMT4N11