Are all PC Inputs on an LCD standard?

[Robby]

I currently have a 32" Sony Bravia connected via VGA to my 24" iMac. Is there certain LCDs that can handle PC/Mac inputs better than others? I think i'm right in saying that VGA is an analogue signal - if so, what's the digital equivalent for hooking a TV to a computer?

I ask as i'm thinking of upgrading to a 37" Full HD model and want to get the best possible connection between my iMac and TV. My iMac has a resolution of 1920 x 1200. Am i better off sticking with VGA or is there a better method?

[zantarous]

DVI/HDMI is the digital standard for hooking up your PC/Mac to a TV be it Plasma or LCD. I have yet to come across a PC or Mac that has a HDMI output, but I assume some of the more expensive graphic cards have this. If your MAC had a DVI output you can get a dongle that will let you plug it into a HDMI slot as both are more less the same digital signal (DVO does not carry sound).

Beware even though the screen may support 1920x1080 (Full HD) not all support this via VGA and some even don't offer this via DVI/HDM. Find some screens that you like and then have a look at the user manual, almost all manufactures have these as downloadable PDFs on their sites. Usually you will find a chart to see what input support what devices at what resolutions.

[DM]

Those Imacs have DVI and optical out for sound. Get a dvi/hdmi dongle and as stated check the manual on the TV you want. No sound on DVI but the mac has optical out so you can use to your amp.

As an aside I've seen HDMI on an expensive laptop, first time I'd seen it.

[zantarous]

Your right about the laptop I have seen the spec of a few, had totally forgotten about them. Although I don't think the one I saw was that expensive, £700 for a Toshiba IIRC.

[Robby]

Thanks guys, big help. Looks like i'll be ditching the VGA and going for a DVI option.

Again i'm stretching my knowledge here but does the term 1:1 mapping apply here? Is that a way of saying the pixels of a monitor match those of the connected LCD and therefore i need to find a TV that has this feature, or is it pretty much standard nowadays?

I only ask as it's something i remember reading up on when i first bought my Bravia around 3 years ago and figured it wasn't something i needed to have back then.

[zantarous]

Yeah pretty much standard but again best to make sure, most TVs will have a option to enable or disable this option.