How can I get Inspiron 6400 S-Video working?

Question

I recently got myself an INSIRON 6400.  I try to connect the laptop to TV (through the S-Video output) for viewing.  I use a S-Video/RCA adapter and Video RCA cable to connect to Video-IN on the TV.   I can't get any display  or picture to the TV.  I have tried Alt-Fn8 many time, but no help.   I did not make change and have not done anything to the manufacture configuration.   I need help to determine what I need to do (change 'what') on the laptop that I can view onto TV.   I am new to the laptop (DELL) world.  So, Please be specific and detail in the instruction.   THANK YOU (in advance for all the answers!)  :smileyhappy:   :smileyindifferent:

edpr57 · Answer

I triend using the S-Video the other day and worked perfectly, although I did use an actual S-Video to connect to the tv rather than an adapter.   In case your adapter has more than 1 output plug, make sure you're using the yellow RCA.   Did you go the display settings and enable the second video output option? On mines it did work, only it was more of an extended screen rather than a duplicate of what I had on the laptop LCD. More specifically, in case your not sure what im talking about, go to where you would normally select your screen resolution and enable the second video output screen.   Hope this helps.

ChinaDoll13 · Answer

The adapter I use has one end with S-Video and other end with yellow RCA (so I can connect to my VCR video in along with the audio in (from headset out)).   How can I enable 2nd video output option?  Where? I look at DISPLAY / SETTING from Control Panel.  I am not sure what I need to do ... ie where & how to enable it?   What am I missing????   Please help!!

edpr57 · Answer

Have you ever changed your screen resolution? Well thats where you need to go.   In case your not sure, right click the desktop and select 'properties', go to 'display' and you should be able to see 2 display screens. Select the one with the '2' and on the bottom select the checkbox that says something like 'extend my desktop to this...', (I cant exactly remember what it says right now, and I'm not at home so I cant check).

Mimp · Answer

Did you ever resolve this? I'm having exactly the same problem and can't get the tv out to work via any of the methods posted on the subject.

The odd thing is that the tv output is doing something, but it doesn't get detected as a second display anywhere - I get black and white diagonal lines from midway through the xp boot process as opposed to a black screen when in linux, but i can't switch or extend my desktop to display 2 in display properties, and in the advanced properties it refuses to acknowledge that anything is connected.

I reckon it's one of three things

1) I re-installed xp as soon as i got it, perhaps i've got a driver problem - however nothing is marked with an exclamation mark in device manager and updating to the latest drivers from intel didn't fix it

2) I've got a duff adapter - It was a cheap generic s-video adapter from ebay after all

3) The s-video output is knackered.

I'd be interested in weather the OP had also reinstalled windows or not so i can rule that one out..

Cheers

Mimp · Answer

Yup was the wire, grabbed an official dell adapter and it works fine, i guess either dell wires their s-video in a non-standard way or i wound up with a dodgy cable.

scubajew · Answer

Hi there ... same situation for me here... i just bough a new s-video to Video ( yellow jack) cable and have done evrything suggested here but i cannot seem to get any picture to show up at all... have a new Samsung Series4 32' flatscreen lcd tv. any help????

ieee488 · Answer

Hi there ... same situation for me here... i just bough a new s-video to Video ( yellow jack) cable and have done evrything suggested here but i cannot seem to get any picture to show up at all... have a new Samsung Series4 32' flatscreen lcd tv. any help????

You have the same model laptop?

scubajew · Answer

yes I do ... Dell Inspiron 6400 with ATI Mobility Radeon x1400 graphics card..

when i connect the laptop to the TV and use the Fn + F8 key to start presentation mode i get nothing on the screen. i have activated the clone monitor with the catalyst control center, dropped the resolution to 1024.768 but still i get nothing on the screen. Drivers are all up to date. Dell quickset have confirmed that the presentation mode is active.so thats where i'm at now... no idea why its not working.

Mary G · Answer

You might have to use the AV2 connection--might be on the side of a samsung for VCR's, not AV1. Then don't forget to select AV2 or whatever input you are using on the tv controls.

PS AV1 on samsungs is usually for component connections, not composite. Check the tv manual.

scubajew · Answer

sorted it all out... i live in thailand so everything here is 50/50 ... exchanged the cable i bought for another of the same manufacturer and it works fine now... just another Dodgey item bought in thailand.

works just fine now... :)

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How can I get Inspiron 6400 S-Video working?

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