I suspect that the TV can't read the signal from the computer on the HDMI port. You would get a signal from a VGA connection. (Computers send a slightly different signal over HDMI than a DVD or blu-ray player.)
In general, when connecting a TV to a computer, turn off both devices before connecting the video cables. Then turn on the TV and set it to the source (with the no signal message). Then turn on the computer. Next set the computer to output the video on the external video port. (Depending on the laptop, you may need to enable the port in the BIOS. To access the BIOS, press Esc, F1, F2 or F10 repeatedly as you turn on the computer. The key depends on the brand of computer.) Next set the video output in the OS (depends on the OS). For Windows 7, right click on the desktop (anywhere there are no icons or running programs), select Graphics Properties and set the desired monitor choice (laptop monitor, external monitor, both or extended). Click Apply and then confirm this when the display changes. (At least this works for my HP laptop on the VGA port.; my desktop lets me change monitors under Screen Resolution.)
The manual for the TV is available here:
http://www.sanyo.com.au/resources/manuals/tvs/lcd42xr9da_im.pdf .
I wish that I had better news for you.
Cindy Wells
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