3 major problems with external display

[x-shaney-x]

So I have completely switched to kubuntu now but I have run into a problem (or 3).

I sometimes hook up my laptop to an external hdtv to watch dvd's:

1. The tv res is slightly different to the laptop so I end up with the top and bottom of the desktop cut off on the tv.
2. In gnome, when the tv is connected I can turn off the laptop display, otherwise I get picture and more annoyingly, sound from both tv and laptop. How do I turn off the laptop display once connected?
3. When watching a dvd on the tv display, sound is VERY tinny. In gnome I can go to sound preferences and just change the output to HDMI.
In KDE the sound preferences have no other options, only the laptop speakers.

So I ended up having to go back to gnome just to watch the DVD's. How can I solve these problems?
Number 3 in particular is the really major one.

[x-shaney-x]

After booting up today, I noticed the sound preferences now have a digital HDMI option, though the TV is not currently connected.

Trouble is, this option is highlighted but I have no sound output at all anymore from the laptop.
The previous analogue sterio option is still there but greyed out and I can't select it.

What's going on? This has become a major blight on my KDE experience now.