Dell Inspiron > S-Video > HDTV?

[fallenangle]

Apparently the 7 pin din AV out socket, nominally described as 'S-Video', on my just inherited Dell Inspiron 5100 laptop is possibly capable of outputing HDTV resolutions using a Component (YPbPr) signal as well.

I found a pin out suggesting this is correct, there'a a Dell part (no.: 310-8272) called an S-Video to Component adapter and cheap and cheerful alternatives on eBay listed as S-Video to HDTV for Dell PC/Laptops.

I've tried researching this more to try and get an answer as to whether my particular Dell laptop can be persuaded to output Component this way but so far with no luck. On the off chance I thought I'd ask here in the hope somebody might be able to help.

[Baseley09]

Ya this is possible, my 8600 gts graphics card came with such a break out cable and I used it fine over component at high resolutions (1080i).

This is probably what you looked at and is the one

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/7Pin-Mini-DIN-S-Video-RGB-YPbPr-Component-Adapter-/300535618056?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item45f9519a08#ht_1607wt_689

[fallenangle]

That's actually better than the other cheap ones I've been looking at, most of which use yellow/red/white RCA/phonos. That made me suspicious that they're not wired up correctly for the stated purpose. But I couldn't think why you'd want S-video to Composite. The 7 pin din is stated to output only digital audio so using the standard analogue L/R stereo audio out colour phonos doesn't make any sense either.

Anyway thanks for that helpful eBay link and confirming that it could work.

Whilst there's no logical reason why the laptop would have a 7 pin din if all it could output was S-Video, experience tells me that doesn't mean it necessarily does. So if anybody who has owned a Dell 5100 or similar model laptop knows any more please share.

[fallenangle]

Pah, I've no found out for sure it doesn't and can't be made to support Component out. But worse than that there is a problem with S-Video too. Apparently this is a known fault with some video cards (ATI) used in early Dell Inspiron laptops.

Without a registry fix (well beyond my knowledge and capabilities) the 7 pin DIN socket only outputs Composite. Very disappointing.

Looks like I'll have to save up for a cheap monitor to be able to make use of the VGA out if I want to use a larger screen