using the t.v. as a second monitor.

[betachris_00]

So I bought a video card recently, and had my brother install it for me. ('cause i'm lazy) as we're putting it in, we notice that instead of an installation guide for a video card, the box contained a quick start guide for a modem. weird. it also came with a little cable that plugs into the back of my computer, next to where i'm plugging the monitor into now, and leads up to the video spot on my t.v.s "plug-it-in-thingy". I decided to try this out, plugged the yellow deal into the t.v., plugged the other end into the computer, turned everything on, and waited.
After finding the right input selection (Video 2), it became apparant something had gone awry. the screen was in black and white, though the main monitor was still fine. Also, the t.v. screen was flickering like crazy. Like when you'd have to mess with the tracking on an old VCR to get rid of that crazy screen rolling effect? That's what I had going. At a rapid enough pace to make my head want to explode.
I messed around with the settings and what-not, and got the gist of how everything would work. I just can't comfortably use any of it, because of the excorcist moment my t.v. wants to have over there.

My question is simple. What do you recommend I try next to make this work?

[NonCon]

Using the TV as a second monitor? You can do what I do and get an S-Video cord if both your computer and television have that plug-in thingy majigger...

[Aerozord]

I tried using a TV as a monitor once and wouldn't suggest it. Atleast not on most TVs. Computer monitors have far better resolution. Now if you have a HDTV, or dont intend to ever read anything on it, then it should be ok. Otherwise, probably shouldn't even bother

[Eltargrim]

If you're trying to send output through S-Video to a regular standard definition CRT TV (As I assume you are) make sure that the resolution, refresh rate, colour settings, etc, are all compatable with your TV (Ideally 640x480, 60 Hz, and colour can really be anything). Also try changing inputs on your TV, changing the cable, and before anything else, make sure both connections are seated properly

Really, though? In my opinion, trying this with S-Video isn't worth the effort, especially when you have a perfectly useful monitor right there. Again, if you don't have an HDTV you're intending to use as a monitor replacement, not worth the effort.

[NonCon]

Some computers, at least mine does, automatically go to the proper settings when you connect them to the TV or another monitor. But personally, unless you're going to be watching a movie or something else that's downloaded onto your compy that you can't watch on a DVD player or something, stick with the compy monitor. However, if you are doing it to watch movies and stuff, it actually works surprisingly well for that.

[Smarty McBarrelpants]

Yeah I agree with others it not worth the effort most of the time, but is incredibly useful for watching movies. At our flat we have our server hooked up to a TV permenantly so we can stick things on and show movies to groups at wills.
But I recommend keeping it hooked up permeanently. Managing all the settings and things is a huge pain, but we only had to do it once.

[bluestarultor]

I don't know why this wasn't suggested, but try putting it through an RF adapter. Sometimes it's just a matter of finding good intermediate hardware.

As a suggestion, though. Don't use your TV for word processing or looking at web pages and the like. It supposedly increases eyestrain. The program I saw that talked about it said that it was great for games, though.

[betachris_00]

Well, I was just going to use it for watching movies, and maybe messing with emulators. But for now, I'm not too worried about it. Plus, I think I may have figured it out.