Using Laptop as Media Center

[bnshrdr]

I have a somewhat older laptop and wanted to use it to play media on my large HD TV.

The output for video is VGA and the output for sound are just the typical 2 channel headphone jacks.

I need to know what equipment I need in order to hook this up to my TV so that I can play any kind of content, from standard definition to high definition.

My TV has component/composite in and RCA in as well.

Thanks for any recommendations!

[audiomick]

This is not to be viewed as a recommendation for this device: I have no idea if it is good or not.
You will need something similar to this
http://cgi.ebay.com/PC-VGA-to-AV-TV-RCA-video-converter-adapters-box-b16_W0QQitemZ110459109166QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item19b7e03f2e
to convert the video signal. You need to make sure that it will convert to a format that your TV will accept.

For the sound, you can just adapt the headphone out to the audio input of the TV. You should be able to get a cable for that at any electronics store. However, you might be happier if you get an external sound card. There are some listed here
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/HardwareSupportComponentsSoundCards

[bnshrdr]

Will a device like that screw up a video's aspect ratio? If I have a a 720p video, will it display with the correct aspect ratio on the TV screen?

[audiomick]

Sorry, I can't say for sure. I know about things like that because I have seen them mentioned here, and, more to the point, I see them being used by the video people all the time on jobs where I am a PA technician, but I have never actually had to set one up myself. My approach would be to research for an apparently suitable device and see if I can find some documentation for it in the internet. Lots of manufacturers make their users manuals available these days.
Sorry I can't be of more help.

[Megrimn]

http://partywarehouse.co.nz/zen/images/RCACable.jpg

I have a couple of these. We use them to watch netflix on the television. i got mine at walmart.

[wgarider]

I have one of these - simple, and works good.....not necessarily cheap, IMHO...

http://static.www.odcdn.com/pictures/us/od/sk/lg/295340_sk_lg.jpg

GrandTec PC to Video EZ scan converter