Can anyone help with connecting our laptop to the TV?

[Caz10]

Apparently this is possible! Dh says we should be able to use the TV as a 2nd monitor, eg to watch a downloaded movie on the TV screen. We have a High Definition TV and a HDMI cable, but when we plug in into the TV and laptop Windows throws a hissy fit and shuts down...any thoughts?!

We do this - no problem. You need separate audio and video cables. There is only one audio cable but many video cables to choose from - S-video, VGA, DVI or the one you have HDMI. Most computers don't have HDMI outputs however so not sure how you're interfacing with the laptop. The best way to do with your cable is to get a DVI connector to plug into your laptop from the HDMI cable.

Also, it probably is implied but i thought i would check - are you flipping over video output to 'monitor' (as you do when using PowerPoint with a projector)?

Lastly your videocard on laptop may need adjusting and is usually a very simple thing once you find out what to do. Do a detailed google search with your brand/model number and 'connect to tv' search.

If Windows is shutting down it sounds like there is a problem with the display driver you are using. Make sure you have the latest display driver, and also any other driver and firmware updates from your notebook manufacturer's web site.

Thank you both very much

We do have an HDMI output on the laptop so that's not a problem, but I thought that one cable would do it all - will we still need an audio cable then?

DH contacted HP support and they suggested driver problems too MrV, they sent a link to reinstalling the display drivers (and presumably updating them at the same time) so we will do that then try again.

HDMI is video only, so yes you need an audio cable too.

In my experience, HP/Compaq support, both on-line and on the phone, is the best, so hopefully that should sort you out with the right drivers.