How to Hook Up a XBox 360 to a Computer Monitor

Back of an Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 is a video game console from Microsoft. The Xbox 360 features high-definition graphics for most of the games. You do not need to have an expensive HD television to view content in high resolution. You may also use a widescreen computer monitor. If your computer monitor features a digital input, such as a DVI or HDMI port, you can get high-resolution graphics without buying an expensive TV.

Things You'll Need

• Widescreen computer monitor
• HDMI cord
• HDMI to DVI cord

Instructions

1. Check your Xbox 360 for an HDMI output. This is a small rectangular slot marked "HDMI" under the video out port on the back of the console. Most Xbox 360s will have these; however, the first-generation Xbox 360 consoles did not have them built in.

2. Check your computer monitor for an HDMI or DVI input. The DVI input is a D-shaped port that has a series of pins on one side, and a horizontal slot or cross on the other side. The HDMI port is roughly rectangular and is slightly bigger than a standard USB port. If your monitor has an HDMI input port, use a standard HDMI to HDMI cord. If it does not have an HDMI port, use a HDMI to DVI cord to connect the Xbox 360 to the monitor.

3. Connect the HDMI cord. One end of the HDMI cord will plug into the HDMI port on the back of your Xbox 360. The other end plugs into the HDMI input on your computer monitor. On monitors with DVI, hook the HDMI end into the back of the Xbox 360, and the DVI end into the DVI input on the monitor.

4. Switch your monitor over to the proper input channel. The input channel typically will correspond to the input method used to connect the Xbox 360. For example, if you plugged your 360 into the monitor by means of HDMI, switch your monitor to the HDMI input channel.

5. Turn on your Xbox 360 to check for a video signal.

Tips & Warnings

• Go into your console settings menu on the Xbox 360 to switch resolutions. The Xbox 360 uses 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p resolutions. If the monitor is not compatible with all resolutions, switch your Xbox 360's resolution to one that is compatible with your monitor's capabilities. Depending on your monitor, an external audio source may be required. Some monitors have built-in speakers. If yours does not, use the audio out on your Xbox 360 to connect to a stereo or other source for sound. This is important when using an HDMI to DVI cord, as DVI will only carry a video signal.