Can't make the TV as default display

[lazerbeam]

I have been trying to set a multi-media computer using Windows Media Center. The problem I’m having is trying to boot up using the TV screen. The graphics card is a Gigabyte X-800XL with ATI chip set. As soon as the black windows screen goes away and the login starts to comes up the picture disappears on the TV (using DVI inputs). After I finish booting I have to go the ATI Catalyst and manually “force” the TV back on. There doesn’t seem to be any way to use only the TV as the display. I’ve tried to make the TV as the default monitor but it won’t “stick”. As soon as I shut down the computer and restart it goes back to the original settings. Any suggestions?:confused:

Oppsss Make that S-video not DVI for driving the TV..

[Peter M]

This happens when the wiring to the TV is electrically incorrect. Then, the graphics card's BIOS and drivers don't detect the connector being in use.

Normally, you'd get TV output active as soon as you turn the machine on, even showing the BIOS on the TV.

So, if your cabling (or the TV itself) don't put the electrically correct 75 ohms load onto the cable, this won't work.

[lazerbeam]

The initial startup (bios) and Windows startup screen (the windows flag over a black background and the blue stripped bar) show up on the TV, but as soon as it switches to log in dialog box (have multiple user accounts) everything disappears from the TV screen.

Right now I have to have a monitor as well as the TV connected to get past the log-in phase. Once thats done, I can manually turn the video back on to the TV screen using the ATI Catalyst control panel.

[sm8000]

Isn't there a limit to the length of S-Video cable? Also, how long is the one you're using, and have you tried another?

Also, I assume you know the TV should be already on even before the PC?

[lazerbeam]

The TV and monitor both display everything ok (bios, windows startup flash screen) until the log-in window comes up then the TV goes blank. I have to manually turn it back on with the ATI conrtol panel after windows finishes logging me in.