HD Content - Methods?

[oldskooladdict]

Just brought a Sony 32" LCD TV last night (after deliberating for what seems like an eternity over which to get)

So... with this on the way, I need to decide how on earth I am going to feed it with HD content!

I've got a laptop - but this only has VGA connector - as I understand it it's not possible / stupidly difficult to change the onboard graphics card to one which would have a DVI connection.

I've got a desktop with a DVI connection (currently being used for my monitor), however, this is in a different room. Cable wise from PC to TV would be around 15-20meters. (As this is in a different room I think controlling the PC might be an issue - all I could think of here was a longish USB cable with a wireless receiver on the end for a mouse/keyboard/combined touch pad thing)

So, what would you recommend for the cheapest way to get HD content on the TV?

I know a tasty media PC or a PS3 would be decent options - but both are gonna be expensive - with a media PC being around 400+ and a PS3 being around £250...

[oldskooladdict]

Hmm, it looks like it's possible to upgrade the graphics - but not sure how or which I can put in...

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1179839

[GoNz0]

doesnt the sony have vga in ?

my 42" telly is now fed via VGA as the hdmi out on the HTPC has handshake issues and the quality is spot on.

[oldskooladdict]

The Sony has a 'PC Input' so yeah

# Connectors
# Digital Audio Output (optical)
# HDMI Inputs: 3
# HDMI PC Signal Capability
# PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In
# Component Inputs: 1
# Composite Video I
# USB 2.0 Input
# MiniJack (Head/Earphone) (mm) 3.5
# PCMCIA Card Slot
# RCA Audio Out
# RF In
# Scart Inputs (RGB): 2
# BRAVIA Sync

15 pin dsub

So you reckon that would look decent?

[GoNz0]

same quality as HDMI cable in my opinion. you will need to use the audio out to audio in on the telly though.

[oldskooladdict]

Hmm, well perhaps I'll just chill out and give that a go then. It would certainly be easier!

There's rumours the PS3 will be reduced in price around Easter - perhaps I'll just keep my eyes open for a decent deal.

[PeteSmith]

Of course the PS3 will probably be the best option, you should be able to use the bravia sync with that also. I'm not sure about the VGA being the same quality as HDMI, especially if you intend on playing Bluray media via your PC? I'm no A/V expert so don't quote me. What do you think of your new Telly? I have been considering a 32" Sony HDTV for some time also, i'm just waiting for the dust to settle following the new range.

[oldskooladdict]

Don't know what to make of my new TV yet - only ordered it on Tuesday, it hasn't arrived yet :/