How can I use a VGA cable as an input?

VGA cable interfering with powered monitor speakers?

• I have a laptop hooked up to a 26" LCD TV that doubles as a monitor via a VGA cable. I recently added a set of powered monitor speakers and every time i use the big display i get "computer noises" through the speakers. If i unplug the VGA and just use the laptop display the noises go away....that being said, I believe that the VGA cable is causing some sort of interference with the speaker cables(3.5mm to RCA run from headphone jack on laptop to RCA on speakers) or the speakers themselves. When the same jack is plugged into say, my ipod it sounds great through the speakers so i know that the speaker cable is good. I do a lot of multimedia "stuff" on my computer so I really need these components to run in harmony.. Previous to the powered speakers i had the audio run from headphone jack on comp to aux input on an older "all in one stereo system" (you know the ones with tape decks, radio tuner and cd changer) and it worked great, no interference from VGA at all. Guess Im wondering how to shield VGA from Audio cables or vice versa......

• Answer:

  Try plugging your speakers into a different outlet then the laptop. If the setup worked fine before the speakers were hooked up then I say the problem is in the speakers not the VGA cable. Sounds like something needs a little more shielding or different ground loop. You could wrap the VGA cable in foil to see if that helps, I know that sounds odd, but if it does help, then you need to find an audio or video cable with better shielding.