How to Get the Sound From a PC to a TV

The integration of home theater components into the computer realm has motivated many to start connecting them together in different ways. One such way is to listen to your computer music through your TV speakers. You can also play the music through your home theater speakers.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with line out or headphone jack
• 1/8-inch stereo to RCA converter cable
• SPDIF or coaxial cable (optional)

Instructions

1. Connect the larger, red and white RCA plugs into your television. Plug the lime-green end into the headphone/line-out jack located either on the back, or side of your computer. If your computer has a digital audio output (such as a coaxial or SPDIF output), obtain an optical or coaxial cable and use this method for better sound quality.

2. Plug the red and white RCA plugs into your receiver, instead of your television to listen through your home-theater system.

3. Test the connection. Tune your TV or receiver to the proper input by using the remote. Play a song through your computer and you will hear it through your TV or home theater. Control the volume either from your computer's mixer or the volume control on your TV or receiver.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using a coaxial audio connection, a standard 75-ohm RCA cable (the thick ones) can be used instead of buying an expensive cable. A SPDIF output, however, does require an optical Toslink cable. If your TV is in a different room than your computer, buy a longer cord or an extension cord for your audio cable.

References

• SPDIF information
• Sound card color codes