How to Connect an LCD Flat-Screen Monitor

LCD monitors have virtually replaced the large desktop monitors. Their space and energy savings costs make employees more efficient in their work and lower the expenditures. Most monitors have the same basic connections. The only additions to an LCD monitor are a possible sound connection for speakers that may be on the monitor and an auxiliary connection mode, DVI.

Instructions

1. Gather together the specifications on your video display adapter and on the LCD monitor. Not all video cards will support all of the modes that are available on the LCD monitors manufactured on the market. You will have to purchase an upgraded video card to install if your current card is more than a year or so old.

2. Ensure that the plug on the monitor is the same style as the video output connector on the video card. Most video cards and monitors have a 15-pin sub-D connector; however they may also have other outputs to mate to higher end graphics displays. These other connectors will require extra auxiliary cables that you will need to purchase.

3. Identify if your LCD monitor has internal speakers for playing multimedia content. Locate the audio line-in connector on the monitor, usually placed on the bottom edge near the video cable. Connect the audio feed cable from your sound card line-out to the line-in connector on your monitor.

4. Locate the driver for your monitor. This shipped on a CD with the monitor. Although most monitors can work satisfactorily using a generic driver, to gain specific special features of your monitor it is best to use the driver file provided by the manufacturer.