How can I connect my computer to my HDTV?

How to Connect an HDTV to a Laptop Computer

• Answer:

  High-definition television (HDTVs) share many of the same inputs as modern monitors, and can be used as monitors with both laptop and desktop computers. The increased screen size and resolution of an HDTV can be helpful for tasks like photo or video editing, spreadsheet management, or even recreational tasks such as playing games or browsing the internet. The integrated components of a laptop require separate audio and video connections to the HDTV in order to enjoy maximum functionality. Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You'll Need Laptop HDTV Video cable Audio cable Instructions Determine which video outputs the laptop and the video inputs the HDTV. The most common types of video connections shared by laptops and HDTVs are S-Video, VGA, and HDMI. An S-Video connection is circular, with a single rectangular hole in the bottom of the port and several circular holes from the middle to the top. S-Video ports can connect an HDTV to a laptop but it is important to note that they cannot transfer a high-definition image. VGA ports are rectangular with three rows of circular holes in the port. HDMI ports are also rectangular and resemble a USB port with V-shaped edges. Both VGA and HDMI ports can transfer a high-definition image. Determine the audio output capacity of the laptop. Most laptops lack a designated audio output, although an audio connection can be made between the HDTV and the laptop using the headphone jack. Connecting an HDTV to a laptop via the headphone jack requires a cable with a single 3.5mm connection on one end and standard composite (or RCA) audio connections on the other. The headphone jack is a single black input which generally has a headphone logo printed next to it. If the laptop does have a standard composite audio output, identified by a circular red jack next to a circular white jack, a standard composite cable will suffice. Make the appropriate audio and video connections and set up the laptop and the HDTV to interface with one another. Ensure that the audio and video cables are both connected to the same input on the HDTV. Change the active input to the input that the laptop is connected on the HDTV. This is done by pressing the "input" (or "source") button on the HDTV or HDTV remote. Many laptops will automatically recognize and use the outlets to the HDTV. If the laptop does not automatically send a signal to your HDTV, consult the laptop users manual to determine how to accomplish this. The process varies depending on the laptop's operating system.