hello all,
i recently purchased my first plasma big screen( yesterday in fact) :D. While i was learning about the specs, i asked the sales guy if it was possible to hook up an older computer (probably 2001?? dell) up to it and he said it was but i would have to buy something. he didn't go into detail on it so i was wondering if any of you would be kind enough to help me out. the tv is a TH50PZ80U. i did some searching but its rather tough when im not sure what the right word is. thanks in advance
nate

Your set doesn't have an RGB input.You'd need one of these.

http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com/ATLONA-VGA-FEMALE-TO-COMPONENT-VIDEO-MALE-ADAPTER-p-17300.html

Or get the Z85 set.

If the computer doesn't have a DVI output it won't be easy to connect it to the TV.

Your set doesn't have an RGB input.You'd need one of these.

http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com/ATLONA-VGA-FEMALE-TO-COMPONENT-VIDEO-MALE-ADAPTER-p-17300.html

Or get the Z85 set.

It's not that simple. Component and rgb are different signals. A simple cable adapter won't do it, he'd need a transcoder. Not worth the trouble, if you ask me.

It's not that simple. Component and rgb are different signals. A simple cable adapter won't do it, he'd need a transcoder. Not worth the trouble, if you ask me.

Yep, you're right.Didn't see the note.

If the computer doesn't have a DVI or HDMI out he can just purchase a DVI/HDMI output card for his computer instead of that VGA to component adapter. That's definitely a way better option than a transcoder. But then it all depends on how bad you want to hook your computer to your TV.

I've got an old CRT TV and a laptop with VGA out. Can a simple VGA to RGB cable let me use the TV as a monitor?

I've got an old CRT TV and a laptop with VGA out. Can a simple VGA to RGB cable let me use the TV as a monitor?

Almost certainly not.