How to Connect an LCD TV to a Computer
Liquid crystal display, or LCD for short, is a type of screen display technology that was once used primarily for computer monitors and laptop screens but has evolved into a common format for larger TVs. One useful function of LCD TVs, especially large HD LCD screens, is that they can double as a large workspace for a computer, or be used to display videos or to play games. Connecting a computer to an LCD TV is relatively simple, but it requires the proper hardware to be purchased in advance.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Video card with video output capabilities (S-video, DVI or HDMI)
- LCD TV with a matching input
- Cable
Instructions
-
-
1
Plug one end of your video cable into your video card. An S-video cable may require an extra adapter to link the video card to the normal S-video cable. (This will likely come with the video card.)
-
2
Plug the other end of the cable into your TV, using adapters as appropriate. If your video card and TV have the same type of plugs, you will not need an adapter. If not, you may need to use two cords with an adapter between them. You may also be able to plug an adapter right into your video card or TV, and just use one cord to connect them.
-
-
3
Turn on the TV and computer.
-
4
Turn the TV to the proper video channel. Depending on the TV, you may have several video channels, or even several of the type you are using to connect the computer, which you will have to cycle through to get to the right one.
-
5
Set up screen sharing in your video card's control panel. When the TV is hooked up properly, it should be automatically recognized as a second display device, and may even be working just after starting up your computer. If not, find the control panel for your video card by right-clicking on your desktop. Within the panel, look for an option to set up multiple displays or screen sharing. This will enable you to turn the TV into a clone of your computer desktop, or to set it in dual view mode, which creates an extension of your workspace.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Getting the proper cords and adapters to physically hook up a computer to a TV is the most difficult part of hooking up a PC to a TV.
If your computer has an integrated video card, its video output ports may be limited. Adding a dedicated video card will increase your video output options.
