How To Connect Your Laptop To Your Television
- May 25, 2009
- 884,513 Views
Voice Over Artist
Brady Kirchberg
Music
Todd Mazierski
Writer
ToddSeda
Tired of squinting over your laptop? There are several ways to turn a big-screen TV into your new computer monitor and enjoy video games, web content, and photos like never before.
You Will Need
- A laptop
- A digital television
- A male-to-male video cable of one of the following types:
- S-Video
- VGA 15-pin
- DVI
- DVI-to-HDMI
- A mini-to-RCA audio cable
- A PC-to-TV converter box
- A mini-DVI-to-VGA or mini-DVI-to-DVI adapter for Macs
Step 1: Connect with S-Video
First, connect a video cable – you’ve got several choices. For PC users, an easy option is an S-Video cable. Most PCs and digital televisions are equipped with an S-Video port.
The ends of S-Video cables usually feature either four or seven pins and pinholes. Check your TV and laptop ports to make sure they match.
Step 2: Connect with VGA
If you have an older HDTV, try a VGA cable, which produces better picture quality and works with both Macs and PCs. To connect, turn off your laptop and your TV. Find the trapezoid-shaped VGA outlets on the TV and on your laptop. Once you’re connected, power everything back on.
Macs need a DVI- or mini-DVI-to-VGA adapter to connect the VGA cable.
Step 3: Connect with DVI
You can also connect with a DVI video cable. A DVI connection is a step above VGA in picture quality, but only newer computers and HDTVs come with DVI ports. Connect as with a VGA cable.
Some Macs require a mini-DVI-to-DVI adapter for DVI connections.
Step 4: Connect with HDMI
If your HDTV doesn’t have a DVI connector, use a cable that is HDMI on one end, and DVI on the other to connect to your laptop.
Step 5: Connect audio
Hook up the audio. After you’ve connected your laptop to the TV via video cable, connect the mini-to-RCA cable from your computer’s headphone jack to your TV.
Step 6: Use a wireless converter
A final PC option is to go wireless, using a converter box and the software that comes with it. Using a VGA cable, plug the box into your TV and install the software onto your computer. The box will then convert your computer’s VGA signal to the TV, and transfer both video and audio.
Step 7: Adjust display settings
If you have a PC, go to the Control Panel and adjust the display settings to accompany double display on both your monitor and TV set. Mac laptops should automatically adjust for double display. If yours doesn’t, go to System Preferences, click on Display, and then Detect Displays.
Step 8: Find your laptop
Click your TV’s video source – usually a button called “input” or “TV/Video” on your remote – until your laptop comes up. You’re set!
According to one industry prediction, by 2015 the average European household TV will measure a whopping 60 inches.
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Comments (34)
Very Helpful Information Thanks
over 2 years ago by sami2626
Maybe you could integrate DLNA server and add one more option of using Boxee - connecting the Computer to TV over Network ?
over 2 years ago by Darjan_Mijatovic
Olvidé algo aquí, mi portátil tiene un puerto HDMI para que pueda conectarlo a un puerto HDMI con un cable HDMI en ambos extremos? Alguien me corrija si me equivoco?
3 months ago by tartesso
It's official. Much as I adore em all, I may now UNLOAD ( &; unburden! ) my beloved husband and 7 SONS! I can do it ALL now! Thanx!
about 1 year ago by Cary_Cooke_Newcomb
I'll be trying this. Need to buy some cables.
over 2 years ago by kpfingaz
Just forgot something here,, My laptop has a Hdmi port so should be able to plug into a hdmi port with hdmi cable at both ends? Someone correct me if I'm wrong
over 2 years ago by wizzydeaf
You are correct, an HDMI output connection on your PC or laptop can be hooked up to your TV that has an HDMI input using an HDMI-to-HDMI cable. Sound or course will still be separate. Another sound option not known to many is SPDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format), some computers/laptops have this output and some newer TVs have this for a sound input. This provides pure digital sound. Another plus!
about 1 year ago by whitejcdc
I don't know if this is universal, but I get both sound and picture using a HDMI-to-HDMI cable from my laptop to a HDTV. It is very simple, and the picture and sound is awesome.
about 1 year ago by Will_Rapp
I connected usint the HDMI to HDMI cable. But had no sound...Plugged in the cabel for sound and my TV will only give me the option to connect to one or the other. Either sound or picture. Any suggestions?
about 1 year ago by irburton
It is simply GREAT, but I will need a new TV.
over 2 years ago by Tingis
Awesome! I knew it could be done, I just did not know how.
over 2 years ago by Bethintx1
So many acronyms, so little time. Really great video!
over 2 years ago by BCipolla
very useful and an excellent tutorial !!.Thanks alot
over 2 years ago by ganny21
Dunno, this wasnt as useful, how hard is to know that you need X cable, and then just connect it?
Anyway, I didnt know the multiple display ajust
over 2 years ago by BiobulletM
I will def choose wireless with the dlink! I SO cannot wait to toss comcast to the curb. Thanks for the info!
about 1 year ago by David_Arnold
I can connect my net-book to the TV (a Sony Bravia). It gives me video and sound but there's a problem: lip synch is lost. Is there any way to delay or advance the sound or vision so that they are synchronised?
Colum
about 1 year ago by Colum
wanna be a best guys ewit me
about 1 year ago by rajyea
Interesting!
about 1 year ago by Matthias_Mller
Whew, that's a lotta spageitti just to watch what happens on my PC on the Boob Tube.
over 2 years ago by jayamari
What was presented here was the many different options for hooking this up depending on what video and audio connection types you have on both the PC/laptop and the TV. You will most likely use only of those to connect so examine your INPUTS/OUTPUTS carefully.
about 1 year ago by whitejcdc
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