How to Hook My Computer Up to My TV
If you want to watch TV on your computer or watch what's on your computer screen on a TV, you'll have to hook up the two devices. Both configurations require the same connection. Although setup for watching TV on your computer is harder than the other way around, once you've completed it, setup for the opposite is fairly easy.
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Instructions
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1
Upgrade your computer's video card to a card that has several output options unless your video card already has the correct options. You'll need a video card that has various inputs and outputs besides the standard monitor output. You'll want at least a coaxial input and an HDMI or RCA output depending on what kind of connections your TV or video system has. One type of video card that specializes in these types of connections is the ATI All in Wonder series.
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2
Open your computer case. Unscrew and pull out the video card. Slide the new card in place inside the computer case and screw it onto the case where the old card was. Restart the computer and be sure to install any drivers that came with the card, as Windows searches for the drivers.
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3
Connect the video cable from your TV or from the cable outlet on your wall to the input connection on the card. The cables will connect to the outputs on the card the same way that the cables connect to the back of your TV or VCR.
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4
Install the software that came with the video card. The software will allow you to watch TV or switch the connections that you can see on your monitor. TV tuner software is the name for software that allows you to tune in TV channels on your computer. This kind of software should come with your video card.
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5
Run a cable from your computer's output connection to an input on your TV. Change the TV's input display on the TV menu to use the input from the computer and you should see on your TV whatever is on your computer's monitor.
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Tips & Warnings
Ground yourself before working inside your computer by touching an unpainted piece of the metal case.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit video card image by TEA from Fotolia.com
