[Keith Paynter]

I have a VGA to component cable to view my widescreen laptop on my HDTV. I cannot get the refresh rate and resolution to setup correctly in either dual monitor or extended desktop modes. What settings can anybody recommend?

[ChristopherDAC]

When you say that you "can't get it to set up properly", what do you mean? What is the problem that you are having? Also, what hardware are you using? A "VGA-to-component cable" sounds very odd to me, since VGA uses RGB signals, and component is Y-Pr-Pb. With my ATi card, I can set up my output for 1920×1080 as a standard setting, and then I suppose I'd need to set it to 60 Hz refresh and interlaced (easier might be 1280×720, 60 Hz, and no interlace).

[John_Bonner]

I always thought to go VGA to component you needed a "transcoder" which is a small converter box that cost about $150. I've never seen a VGA to component cable.

[Keith Paynter]

They can cost typically $15-30. Better (?) ones will cost up to $100. One of this site's sponsors, Blue Jeans cable, offers them...



http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/...ocomponent.htm

It is most likely an issue with the video card on the laptop. ATI All-In-Wonder 9600 or Radeon 8500 AGP VGA cards with software support only need such a cable or a basic adapter like this for YPrPb: