How to Connect a PC Laptop to a TV

Traditional media is making the transition from the television to the computer. Many Internet sites have movies and TV shows available for download. Often networks make their shows available on-line after the show has aired. Connecting a PC laptop to the television will enabled a user to view the shows in the original format at their own convenience.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Makes sure the television has the proper connections. Some older televisions are not equipped with the connections necessary to connect the laptop to the television. An S-video connection is the most common means of connection. (See resources for S-video cable examples)

2. Check the laptop to make sure there is a video capable of connecting to the television. Not all laptops come equipped with a TV-out video card. Another option is installing Mpeg decoder card if laptop has no connectors. (See resources for M-peg decoder cards). The drawback of the Mpeg card is that it does not play Divx or .mov files.

3. Obtain the correct cable to connect the PC laptop and the television. S-video cables are the most common cable and the easiest to connect. VGA is another cable option. VGA is a regular monitor cable that connects the two. This option is only available for HDTVs.

4. Connect the laptop to the television. Make certain that both the TV and laptop are off before making the connection. When turning the television on make sure that the appropriate video mode is activated. For instance, if an S-video cable is used set the video option on the television to S-video. On the laptop set the video output to the correct source. Please consult the owner's manual, because steps for changing the setting vary for each laptop model.

Tips & Warnings

• If the television is missing the necessary connection, check the DVD player for the connection and connect through the DVD.

Resources

• S-video connectors.
• MPEG decoder card.