Installed custom Windows 7 64bit on my computer last night. I had been using my hdtv as a monitor for the past month with Windows Vista with no problems. Now I want to continue using my hdtv as a monitor but all I see is a blank screen, I have a Dell Inspiron laptop, a vga cable, my tv is a 32″ LG hdtv. Can anyone help?

I am in the market for a 22-24″ monitor for my computer. I will use it for web surfing, photo editing, and the occasional watching of videos via YouTube or Hulu. Is it worth the investment to get a HD or HDTV monitor? What benefits does it offer that a regular LCD does not?