Why won't my Toshiba Regza 26HL86 display my PC in 16:9?!?!?

Roujin Z -- Tue, 12/04/2007 - 13:18

Here's the problem. I have a Toshiba Regza 26HL86 TV. Here's the link:

http://www.toshiba.ca/web/product.grp?lg=en&section=2&group=6&product=62...

I also have a Compaq SR1820NX desktop computer. Here's the specs:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00609389&lc=en&cc=u...

Here's what is driving me crazy. When I hook up my PC to the Toshiba Regza using the VGA input, the damned computer will only display properly in 4:3. I cannot get a proper 16:9 or 16:10 image, no matter what resolution I try. I've also hooked up my wife's Japanese Toshiba Laptop (a 2002 or 2003 model I think) and I get the same problem.

But when I hook up my Xbox 360 via VGA, it displays perfectly in 16:9 (at 1280x1024). So, my HDTV is definitely CAPABLE of displaying in 16:9 via VGA. So why can't either of our PCs put out a 16:9 image on this confounded Toshiba Regza?!?!? I've searched for a solution for nearly a year now without success, and now that my wife and I are considering buying a third PC to connect permanently to the TV, we'd like to find one that will display properly. Can anyone help us?

HarrisonS -- Wed, 12/05/2007 - 11:21

You will need to change the resolution setting on your computer if you want a 16:9 aspect ratio. 1280 x 1024 is not a widescreen format. Actually, it has an odd-ball 5:4 ratio, but most video cards stretch it slightly to 4:3. Using the Display applet, select Properties and then Settings. You should be able to select a screen resolution of 1280 x 720 which is the closest available to the native resolution of your Toshiba set.

Admittedly, this may be a bit awkeard if you use your computer with different displays (as would be the case with the laptop), since you would be changing resolution settings each time you change displays.

Harrison S.

Roujin Z -- Wed, 12/05/2007 - 12:42

Thanks for the reply.

I tried a number of resolutions yesterday (though I did not try 1280x720, thanks for that), but the only resolution that even displayed close to properly was 1360x768. However, I downloaded the latest drivers from NVIDIA again and figured out how to adjust the screen using the NVIDIA "Keystone" software. It seemed to do the trick, but I found video playback strangely choppy. Do you think the resolution or adjustments I made might have somehting to do with it?

Anyway, I'm very happy that I was finally able to get the right display proportions, even though it took some effort. My wife and I are planning to buy a new HP Slimline, which has the AMD 6150SE chipset, so now that I've found a way to get it right with the 6150LE, I think I can go ahead and make the purchase. The slimine's going to be our simple entertainment hub, so it is really important to get a full and proper image.

HarrisonS -- Thu, 12/06/2007 - 12:05

The 1360x768 you selected is, resolution-wise ideal, since it is almost exactly the resolution of your Toshiba display. I suggested 1280 x 720 only because I thought the 1366 x 768 (or thereabouts) of your display might not be an available option with your video card and drivers.

I think the choppy video you mentioned probably indicates that your present setup is having a harder time scaling to the new resolution. You might still try the 1280 x 720 to see if it is able to scale to that resolution more quickly. This may or may not help. If possible, I recommend that you try the HP Slimline at these resolutions before you buy it, to make sure it can keep up.

Roujin Z -- Mon, 12/10/2007 - 23:07

Thanks again, Harrison.

We did try out the Slimline, but unfortunately the 6150 SE drivers did not work out the way I thought they would. Even the latest version of the drivers does not provide the NView Keystone option, which is how I managed to get proper proportions the first time.

I'm returning the Slimline tomorrow. I've purchased a new HP laptop for my own personal use (something I've been putting off for too long) and I'm going to upgrade my current Compaq desktop to become the media hub instead. I'm going to buy a video card that will allow me to connect the comptuer to the HDTV via component cables, which should allow me to avoid this issue altogether and boost the video performance of the PC.

Any recommendations or advice?

santabwill -- Sat, 02/02/2008 - 22:48

Just bought an HP Pavilion m9100z media PC which I want to connect to my Sharp Aquos LCD HDTV to display (1) blue ray and HD DVDs run on the PC and (2) high-quality digital photos in a slide show in 1080p, the native resolution of the Aquos. HP assured me there will be no problems doing that. "That's what this PC was built for" I was told. I am anxious to find out! You may want to keep this in mind as a possible solution for your purposes.
I would love to hear from anyone that is trying to do -or has done!- the same thing that I am up to.
santabwill

Santa

kostar (not verified) -- Thu, 07/16/2009 - 18:09

you need to use 1024 x 768 resolution (XGA) when you connect to this Toshiba TV via VGA (DSub) cable. Here's toshiba's Reference link.
http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/customersupport/pdf/FAQLCD00086.pdf
Upgrade to HDMI for best results. VGA is a legacy technology.
Have fun :)

cheri moon (not verified) -- Thu, 09/10/2009 - 18:29

My Toshiba Regza works perfectly with a little device that runs between my TV and my IBM laptop called a Gigawear PC to TV converter. I got mine at Radio Shack. it cost about $100.00, but I will tell you that it is more than worth it. I don't have cable anymore, and I never miss a show with HULU (FREE!!!) and Fancast(FREE!!!). I get movies from Netflix (about $9.00 a month), and, basically, this hookup rocks. It is so simple. Right out of the box and into my TV in 5 minutes. And..... Voile'! No more cable bill! All you need is internet access! I have saved over $1300.00 in bills because of this little baby. And...wait for it....I have NO RESOLUTION PROBLEMS! WOO HOO!
By the by, my laptop is not new. The TV is, but they work together like Clydesdales at a beer pull.
Happy trails, Gotta catch Gilligan's Island!
Cheri Moon

Brandy (not verified) -- Wed, 12/09/2009 - 23:54

Hello,
I just purchased a Toshiba 1080p LCD, model 40RV52R for Christmas for my family. I have the mini DVI to DVI adapter connected to a DVI to HDMI cable connected to my Macbook pro, but nothing shows up. Could anyone tell me what I am doing wrong? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Happy Holidays!
-Brandy