HDMI problems

[duffy90210]

Ok, I am total rubbish with new technology, I just got a new 32" HDTV 1080p, also build a new PC with a GF9500GT/1GB with HDMI as the second screen, the main display being a 24" TFT.

Installed ok, and the main display work as expeced, but I seem to have issues with the HDTV.

1. The display on the HDTV seem to be missing half an inch from all sides, ie, the edge of the picture seem to be outside the screen.

2. I cant get any sound on the HDTV using HDMI, I have tried both the HDMI ports on the TV but same result, I checked the HD Sound on the Realtek settings and its reporting no problem.

I really havent a clue what to do with it after spending all day trying to fix it up, anyone with some clues as where I should look ?
Thanks

Just to add, I first had XP Pro with the problem, thinking it may not support HDMI 1080p, I upgraded to Vista Business but no luck

[Van Nugent]

1. HDTV's have the option to change the screen mode - 4:3, 16:9, Wide, several Zoom options. We need to make sure it's set to the mode we want. Normally, the remote control has a button to change the screen mode. Or just browse the setup screens of the TV.

2. You will need to play with the Realtek HD Audio Manager in Control Panel to set the HDMI audio output. Did you install the Realtek HD driver or did you just use the Vista built-in driver?

[duffy90210]

Thank s Van
I am sure its on 16:9 as except for the missing edges, the proportion look like wide screen just like the TFT next to it, but will it another try
I installed the Realtek sound drivers thats Vista cert'd. but I recall seeing HDMI audio, only Realtek HD , LOL, I suck at these toys....

[duffy90210]

Van, you were spot on on the first one, I didnt even know they have these options to zoom1 full1 etc... my last TV died years ago, always been TV cards since :)

[Van Nugent]

Yeah, when you open the Realtek Audio Manager, click the Digital Output tab. Now if you used the HDMI output on the GeForce card, you'll need to check the settings from the nVIDIA control panel and make sure the HDMI output includes both video + audio.

It sounded like you have played the video from a 4:3 source on a 16:9 screen. (*)

Edit: (*) Please ignore this. I didn't see your above post before typing this post. :)

[duffy90210]

Ok, I think may be the onboard Realtek has no support as I cant see any options to change anything within the Digital Device settings under the Realtek Audio manager. let alone HDMI and GF.
Is there a minimum requirement for sound cards or do I need a cable to connect the SPIF to the GF9500 for that to pump out the sound ?

Anyone with a corrupted Exchange server that can fix the sound, we could do a trade..

[Van Nugent]

I'm afraid you will need to run an audio cable with stereo mini-phono plugs (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882339162) on both ends to connect the soundcard's output to the HDMI audio input on the TV. If your TV uses RCA jacks for audio inputs, you'll need a stereo mini-phono plug to 2 RCA plug cable (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882339107).

[duffy90210]

Thanks Van, I need to get the RCA cable as no 3.5mm on TV, sigh.... I do hate new technology ...

[Bossworld]

Hi mate

I've got an MSI 8500GT which has HDMI built in. But it came with a cable to loop through from the graphics card to the SP/DIF on the computer. You could either plug it from a connector on the card to an external coaxial output, or from the card connector to an onboard motherboard SP/DIF header.

Hope that helps? :laugh:

[duffy90210]

Thanks , I did read there may be a need for the cable but none came with the card, my other option may be to get another card that will support HDTV.
Thanks to you both for the help.

[Van Nugent]

For me, I do not want to waste a digial audio connection for the TV as the TV's speakers are weak. I connected the digital audio connections to my A/V receiver instead. I'll check out the manual for your video card to see what connections are available.

[Van Nugent]

Duffy, who made your GF9500GT/1GB? :)

[duffy90210]

I havent a clue Van, I got abouta dozen of these that came with a batch of ready build, but we had to replace them with FireGL cards so they sat on the shelves since, but after long research, I noticed that most nVidia actually needed a S/PDIF Audio cable to hook it to the Mobo, these cable are difficult to find but common on nVidia cards that HDMI doesnt auto do sound, while ATI are standard.

To save time, I just done some quick search and going to get a HD4550 where everyone say its great for HDTV, no hurry as the HDTV is going back due to a minor remote locking up fault, something new I learned this weekend. :)
Thanks for all the help

ps, my requirement for sound is very basic, just to watch movies when its not in use for demo or training, I could just get a pair of good speakers from the stockroom, but thats another extra piece of kit on the desk, so a new card would just make it easier.

[Van Nugent]

Yep, I agree with you, ATI cards work better for HD video/sound. For your TV, a 3.5mm to RCA cable should work fine and doesn't cost much.