How to Connect a Laptop to a Color TV

You can hook your laptop up to your TV.

Many people have a need to connect their laptop to their TV. This may make watching videos and movies better, playing games more fun, and easier to display a picture slide show. What many people might not know is that connecting your laptop to your TV can be quick and easy. The most important thing you need to do is to make sure you have the proper cable connecting your computer to your TV (see Tips). Once you have the cable, the rest is a breeze.

Things You'll Need

• HDMI cable, DVI cable, S-Video output single cable, or VGA cable
• Audio cable, if necessary

Instructions

HDMI Output

1. Plug the TV end of the HDMI cable into the TV input slot.

2. Plug the laptop end of the HDMI cable into the laptop output slot.

3. Turn the TV on, and change the TV to "HDMI Input" using the remote control. Turn on your computer to finish the process. The best part about an HDMI cable is that it will transfer both the audio and sound from your computer to your TV; therefore, no other cables will need to be used.

4. Go to Section 5 if you need to tune your TV display from your computer.

DVI Output

1. Plug the DVI output end into your computer. The other end of the cable is an HDMI end, which is plugged into your TV in the input slot.

2. Plug the black end of the audio cord into the audio output on your computer.

3. Plug the red and white audio inputs into the color coordinating audio input slots on your TV.

4. Turn both your TV and your computer on. Go to Section 5 if you need to tune your TV display from your computer.

S-Video Output

1. Plug the circular end of the S-Video cable into the S-Video output on your computer.

2. Plug the audio cables into your computer's audio output slots, as well. The audio cables will be connected to the S-Video output cable end.

3. Plug the other cable ends of the S-Video cable into your TV's input. The cable ends will be red, white and yellow. Make sure that you plug each cable into its color corresponding input slot.

4. Go to Section 5 if you need to tune your TV display from your computer.

VGA Output

1. Plug one VGA cable end into the computer output slot. Plug the other VGA cable end into the TV's VGA input slot. Keep in mind that the VGA input slot might also be referred to as the RGB PC Input.

2. Gather separate audio cables, as the VGA cable will not carry, and does not contain, audio cables. Plug one end of the audio cable into your computer's audio output.

3. Plug the other end of the audio cable into your TV. Again, make sure that each audio cable is plugged into its corresponding color (red and white) input slot.

4. Turn your TV on, and set your TV to VGA or RGB/PC input using your TV's remote control. Turn on your computer, and go to Section 5 to tune your display.

Tune TV Display

1. Click on the "Start" button on your computer.

2. Select "Control Panel" on the right side of the Start Menu.

3. Click on "Display Settings."

4. Click on the "Settings" tab. Click on "2," and drag the 2 over the number "1" so that 2 is in front. Press "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• If your computer's output is small and rectangular with 19 pin holes, you'll need an HDMI output cord.

• If your computer's output is large, rectangular with 24 pins in three horizontal rows, you'll need a DVI port.

• If your computer's output is small and round, you'll need an S-Video single cable.

• If your computer's output is small, slightly rectangular with 15 pin holes in it, you'll need a VGA cable.

• Only high-definition televisions accept HDMI cables.

References

• Best Laptop Guide: How to Connect Your Laptop to the TV
• Hook PC to TV: Laptop to HD