Is hooking the computer up to the HDTV possible, even if I don’t have the HDMI port available? My computer has the place for it but this was an option. I’m sad. Can I ever be happy and find a gadget to accomplish this goal?

Yes I can. It’s called the ViewHD PC to HDTV Video & Audio Converter | VGA to HDMI 720P / 1080P Upscaler with Integrated Audio and this is what it does. It converts analog to digital.

I’m going out of my VGA (monitor) to the HDTV. The monitor sends out an analog signal but we need a digital signal. This converter fulfills this purpose. Audio is also integrated with the video.

The video quality is going to be good, but not as good as those with the Smart TV. That being said, this is an amazing device, is affordable, and it does work. The big Smart TV is going to cost more. And yes the Smart TV is worth the money. It does many things.

What is necessary to have in order to make this thing work:  RiteAV VGA Cable with 3.5mm Audio – 15 Ft. and DVI Gear HDMI Cable 2M 6 feet. The VGA cable will go the converter and the HMI cable will go from converter to the HDTV set. It’s not so confusing after all.