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    Can I use my laptoc screen as a desktop monitor?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by C E Jones, Sep 16, 2009.

  1. C E Jones

    C E Jones Notebook Consultant

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    Is this possible? The HDMI connection between my plasma TV and my HTPC has stopped working, and as I have not secondary monitor, I'm unable to do any troubleshooting. Is there any way to connect my laptop to the HTPC via VGA and use it as a monitor for the desktop? I doubt this, but if possible I'd rather avoid buying a separate LCD monitor for which I'll have no use after I get the HDMI connection working again.
     
    C E Jones, Sep 16, 2009
    #1
  2. Trottel

    Trottel Notebook Virtuoso

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    Sorry, but no. LCD monitors have hardware that takes the image signal and changes it into the electrical pulses used to drive the screen. Unfortunately laptop LCD screens don't have this as the signals are sent in the correct format from the video card itself.
     
    Trottel, Sep 16, 2009
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  3. ViciousXUSMC

    ViciousXUSMC Master Viking NBR Reviewer

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    Yes its possible, a few ways to do it.

    Not just by plugging in VGA though, you need hardware or software.

    The easiest and cheapest is software and a network.

    But it wont do you any good since you dont have the software installed already and its really meant to be a 2nd monitor not a primary monitor.
     
    ViciousXUSMC, Sep 17, 2009
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  4. Vinyard

    Vinyard Notebook Evangelist

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    My friend has done this before so yes it's possible. I'm not sure how he did it though. It could be one of those things ViciousXUSMC mentioned but I'm not sure.
     
    Vinyard, Sep 18, 2009
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  5. spookyu

    spookyu NBR Zombie Expert

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    There's a free software that allows you to do it via network (several actually). Err if I remember correctly it's called "Synergy", but THAT might possibly be something ELSE.
     
    spookyu, Sep 18, 2009
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