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computer monitor as tv in truck?

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by blown02GT, Jan 23, 2010.

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  1. Jan 23, 2010 #1
    blown02GT

    blown02GT Light Load Member

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    So I had an idea when I got up this morning. Since we are all trying to save some money in the truck especially when starting out, I thought is it possible to use my computer monitor as a tv in the truck? My computer monitor has VGA and DVI inputs on the back, so it would seem to me that if i could find a DVI to HDMI adapter (which i have already) and run the HDMI into a DVD player that I have that supports HDMI, then hook up the coax from the truck to a coverter that converts coax to RCA and hook up the RCA's to the dvd player would that work? Might be a little confusing so i'll see if i can simplify it. I'll be going from the coax into the truck into a coax to RCA converter to the RCA input on the dvd player, from the dvd player's HDMI to the HDMI converter to the DVI on the back of the monitor. My real question is would i need a digital converter box or would the monitor (since it has DVI) already convert the signal? Thanks for any and all suggestions, I'm just brainstorming since i'm home for a few days and I feel lost being out of the truck lol :biggrin_25521:
     
    blown02GT, Jan 23, 2010
    blown02GT, Jan 23, 2010
    #1
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  3. Jan 23, 2010 #2
    risen75

    risen75 Bobtail Member

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    Umm.. well I see there being multiple issues here.. now to go the other direction of using an LCD tv as a computer monitor is possible (and quite fun with a big enough tv) going the other way would present a bunch of issues.

    1. a computer monitor does not have ANYTHING resembling a tuner so using a DVD player or converter box that uses a specific channel on the tv to send the signal to would not work.

    2. you'd still have to add speakers as no computer monitor has speakers built in that would work with the setup you're thinking of.

    So yes.. it technically would be possible.. but how good are you with soldering and how comfortable are you with voiding any/all warrantees that would be on that equipment?

    (though it was a good idea.. i still say buy the LCD tv and use it as a computer monitor with a TV tuner card in the computer)
     
    risen75, Jan 23, 2010
    risen75, Jan 23, 2010
    #2
    simplyred1962 Thanks this.
  4. Jan 23, 2010 #3
    blown02GT

    blown02GT Light Load Member

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    Aug 26, 2009
    Cecil, Ohio
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    I'm going to buy a tv tomorrow.. i was just brainstorming ideas for people who are strapped for cash starting out like i was. as far as the speakers, they make those things you can plug in and it works off a frequency that detects your radio and works off your truck speakers. some sort of external tuner would be needed for switching channels and from what i see.. they would run around $100, so depending what type of tv you are going to buy (i'm just buying a 19 inch, so it wouldn't be feasible for me) it may be worth it to go this route.. just an idea i guess.
     
    blown02GT, Jan 23, 2010
    blown02GT, Jan 23, 2010
    #3
  5. Jan 23, 2010 #4
    simplyred1962

    simplyred1962 Betty Boop, One Bodacious Babe!!!

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    Using the laptop moniter as a TV doesn't work for me. (I'm just not that computer savvy.)

    However, with an S-Video cord running from my laptop to my TV, I can watch all KINDS of television!

    I just log on to a site that has full-length episodes of the shows I want to watch to view on-line.

    And, VOILA'!! I can watch my programs on my TV.

    Sorry if this doesn't answer your question, blown02GT.
    Hope you can get a better answer than mine.

    Judi Kay
     
    simplyred1962, Jan 23, 2010
    simplyred1962, Jan 23, 2010
    #4
  7. Jan 23, 2010 #5
    Pur48Ted

    Pur48Ted Road Train Member

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    For what you pay for a computer monitor with HDMI/DVI (which would be a LCD TV) you can buy a good LCD TV from Walmart.
     
    Pur48Ted, Jan 23, 2010
    Pur48Ted, Jan 23, 2010
    #5
    simplyred1962 and squirrellsgnwild Thank this.
  8. Jan 23, 2010 #6
    southern fried

    southern fried Light Load Member

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    they make a usp adapter that picks up the tv signal a guy was selling them at the ta in tx in the phone booth deal it caught my attention being that im a computer nerd but was too expensive for me
     
    southern fried, Jan 23, 2010
    southern fried, Jan 23, 2010
    #6
    simplyred1962 Thanks this.
  9. Jan 24, 2010 #7
    blown02GT

    blown02GT Light Load Member

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    Aug 26, 2009
    Cecil, Ohio
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    that's a good idea.. except I don't spend that much time online to make it worth it to buy an aircard and everything when i'm on the road :)
     
    blown02GT, Jan 24, 2010
    blown02GT, Jan 24, 2010
    #7
    simplyred1962 Thanks this.
  10. Jan 24, 2010 #8
    blown02GT

    blown02GT Light Load Member

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    Aug 26, 2009
    Cecil, Ohio
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    I already have the monitor, but I am already heading to walmart tomorrow to pick up a tv.. I was just shooting around ideas for guys that may already have a monitor and didn't have the money for a tv starting out. Thanks for the response ;)
     
    blown02GT, Jan 24, 2010
    blown02GT, Jan 24, 2010
    #8
  11. Jan 24, 2010 #9
    simplyred1962

    simplyred1962 Betty Boop, One Bodacious Babe!!!

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    Yeah, I understand that. I am just a rider...my hubby is the driver.
    HOWEVER, even when I stay home, the cost of the air card is worth it, to us.

    Weather and road reports, construction, lane closures, etc. he can access on-line, and actually SEE on the TV via the laptop. (he's an old 48 yrs. and his eye-sight ain't so good!! :biggrin_2556::biggrin_25525::biggrin_2559::biggrin_2559:)

    Judi Kay
     
    simplyred1962, Jan 24, 2010
    simplyred1962, Jan 24, 2010
    #9
  12. Jan 24, 2010 #10
    Markk9

    Markk9 "On your mark"

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    TV LCd's don't have the high resolution needed to run as computer monitor. If you look around there are computer LCD's that have a TV tuner built in. Second option would be to add a TVtuner card to the laptop and run the TV LCD through the TVtuner card.

    Mark
     
    Markk9, Jan 24, 2010
    Markk9, Jan 24, 2010
    #10
    simplyred1962 Thanks this.
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