TV out doesn't work on nc8430

I have some problems when trying to use TVout on my nc8430. I use some S-video to cinch converter and then connect it to the TV via a cinch single wire (as I always used to when I had my PC). On my notebook, I can't make it to work. The ATI CCC doesn't detect the TV, so I try to force it to use it, but still no luck - the TV seems to have no signal at all.

Are there any workarrounds about this? Do I need to activate the TVout somewhere else other than in the ATI CCC?

Thank you,
Petr

 

You may need to toggle the display mode (Fn+F4). Also, try reverting back to the HP issued ATI drivers for the nc8430.

 

I've already tried the Fn+F4 shortcut, but still nothing. I am using original HP drivers. The TV out is working in your nc8430?

I run on batteries when playing this TVout, is it any problem?

 

S Video out to a CRT TV works on my nc8430 on batteries. No special configuration is needed when I use it.

I believe HP uses a proprietary S-video connector, so only certain cables will work (this was the case in my older Presario X1000 where only certain cables will work). I am currently using the same 4-pin cable which is certified to work on all HP and Compaq models with ATI graphics cards. I got this many years ago, so can't trace the place where I got it from (some online cable store in the US). I think it's this one if I'm not mistaken:
http://www.svideo.com/

 

I have installed the latest driver version (from HP) and I will see what happens. I have 2 additional questions:

1) Does your ATi driver automatically recognize the TV when you connect it? Mine doesn't, so I have to force it manually.

2) I use a docking station with an external CRT monitor connected in work. Can this be a problem? I always connect the TV at home, when running the internal LCD (with the CRT disconnected).

 

1) Yes, it detects it automatically.
2) I don't think so.

I am pretty sure it is the cable. If you have another Compaq laptop with an ATI card, you can test it out. Many generic S-video to RCA cables don't work on Compaqs.

 

Thanks, the cable is some old one that came with ATI cards years ago. I am going to try another one.

 

To get the composite (you need the yellow plug right?) on the nx9420 I managed to use an adapter that shipped with my 7900GT. Composite came out of the blue RCA connector...

 

Yes, I need the yellow plug.

 

So, I finally found some other types of converters. One of them seems to work somehow (the connected TV is recognized), but it still doesn't work. I found that the refresh is set to 60Hz and can't be changed. But in my country, we use PAL system with 50Hz. Is there any way how to lower the refresh frequency? I hae correct format set in the CCC, but the refresh still keeps at 60Hz (used in NTSC or how is it called).

 

I used my nc8430 with several s-video cabels and i didn't have any problems yet. As far as i see, tv-out function works with all regular s-video cabels. Besides, i connected my nc8430 to different TV's with different refresh rates with no problems as well. So refresh rate shouldn't be a problem.
Did you try to connect the computer and TV in a different way? (Another input of TV for example)