How to Play PC Games on a TV

Many PC gamers mourn the fact that their powerful computers are limited to their monitor's visual output of 17 inches or less. Thankfully, newer models of televisions provide a greater variety of inputs, making a video and audio connection to a PC a realistic possibility. This compatibility provides gamers with the joy of seeing their favorite small-screen games come alive in high definition on a larger screen.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with a VGA or HDMI output
• Television with a VGA or HDMI input

Instructions

1. Connect a VGA or HDMI cable, depending on which connection your computer and television use, to the input and output posts on the two devices.

2. Change the input on your television to the corresponding choice.

3. Configure the display settings on your computer to either clone your computer desktop or output only to the television. The method of this configuration will vary depending on your graphics card manufacturer and your operating system.

4. Adjust the screen settings on your computer and television so that they are the same to prevent the appearance of a stretched or compressed picture.

Tips & Warnings

• An HDMI connection will allow both video and audio to transmit through the television. A VGA connection will require the sound to come through the computer or be transmitted to a second audio source, such as a surround sound system.

References

• HDTV Frequently Asked Questions