Using TV as default PC display

[FlezZ]

Hi!

I'm using a DVI-HDMI cable (DVI out from PC, HDMI in on TV) to connect my PC to the TV. However, the signal appears on the TV only then when I plug the HDMI cable in while the PC and TV are already on. So every time I want to get the TV to show the PC display, I need to switch them both on, remove the HDMI cable from the TV and reinsert it. The same thing is with the sound cable, to get it working I have to plug it in when the TV and PC are both already on. Is there a way to get the TV working like a normal computer screen, so whenever I turn on the PC, the TV will get the signal without me having to unplug and plug the HDMI cable?

The TV is a Philips 5000 LCD series, the PC has Windows 7, ati x550 graphics card with newest drivers available.

Please ask if you need any more information.

[Blue_MiSfit]

That's odd... my friend has a 42" Sony Bravia that he connects to a Radeon 4850 over HDMI, and has never used anything else.

Try the other port on the card? Try a different video card?

Derek

[Audionut]

Are there any other monitors connected to the PC.
I would hazard a guess that the DVI-HDMI convertor is causing the video card to have problems detecting the TV.
You could try switching inputs on the TV and then back to HDMI and see is you get signal. Not the best solution, but would save unplugging if it works.

[Blue_MiSfit]

Possible. I'd re-state my suggestion that you try a different video card. You can get one with a native HDMI port for like $40 these days. Plus, if it doesn't fix your problem, you can always return it.... ;)

[Ghitulescu]

Philips has a problem with HDMI. I don't know what exactly is this problem (I don't own Philips, not anymore :) and never will) but it poses problems to many HDMI devices, including DVDs, BDplayers and STBs. I suspect is the hand-shaking protocol.

[FlezZ]

Are there any other monitors connected to the PC.
No other monitors are connected to the PC, just the TV.

It's an older PC with a slot for only AGP graphics cards. Not much AGP cards in stores these days, especially with HDMI out.

[ramicio]

There are plenty of AGP video cards with HDMI currently on the market.

[Ghitulescu]

It doesn't matter, it's 99% the TV.
Use if possible the PC-in input, or the YUV one.

[FlezZ]

The TV has 2 HDMI inputs, both are suitable for PC use. I would rather use a digital connection between the TV and PC than analog.

I guess if the fault is on the TV's side, then there's not much we can do.
I would rather not spend money on a new graphics card if it doesn't fix the problem.

[ramicio]

I think it's the card. Plug 'n' play on video cards is something fairly new, and if you're still using AGP, then that's something fairly old.

[Ghitulescu]

One way of minimizing the handshake is to set the card to output exactly the requested mode (each TV has a favourite mode, try to find out which one is yours, like 1280x720x50p). It's not always the highest resolution, or the highest fps, or whatever. This information resides in EDID, if you can read it, or alternatively in the user manual or service manual.