Your computer has a library of movies and programs. However, the screen is small. It’s easy to get bored staring at pixels. You want the big screen experience. You need to connect your desktop or laptop to the TV. This is not rocket science. All you need is the right cable and a few settings.
Check the port
Look behind the TV. Look at the back of your computer. A matching hole is required. Televisions usually have several options. VGA may be displayed. DVI is common in older configurations. Composite video is a yellow plug. S-Video exists, but is rare these days. Component video uses red, green and blue pins. HDMI is a modern standard. If both devices have matching ports, you’re halfway there.
Make a connection
Turn off your computer. Safety first. Move your computer closer to the TV. Make sure the keyboard and mouse are still connected. After that, there is no need to crawl under the table. Connect the selected cable. HDMI is the best. It handles video and audio in one go. VGA can only display video. DVI only handles video. If you are using VGA or DVI, a separate audio cable is required. Connect the other end to the computer. Connect the other end to the TV input port.
Wake them up
Turn on the TV. Switch the input source. You may need a remote control. Look for HDMI 1, HDMI 2 or AV. If you get stuck, check the user manual. Next, start your computer. The TV must show the desktop. If the image is stretched or cropped, something is wrong. Change the screen resolution. Go to your operating system’s display settings. Adjust it to fit your TV. Use the mouse and keyboard as usual. Now it feels like a giant screen.
Wireless options
Cables can get tangled. If you don’t like wires, look for a WHDI device. WHDI stands for Wireless Home Digital Interface. This is a small stick. Connect it to your computer. Send the signal wirelessly to your TV. This is newer technology. Can be expensive. But you can keep the floor clean.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes things don’t work out. The signal may not be visible. Check your input selection again. Did you select the correct HDMI port? The sound may not play. This happens with VGA and DVI connections. An additional audio cable is required. Resolution issues are common. If the image looks strange, try adjusting your display settings. Update your graphics drivers if things get glitchy.
Can I just use a USB cable? Probably not. The TV’s USB port is usually used to read flash drives. Not suitable for video output. Use an HDMI or other video port. Do you have any questions? Check out the frequently asked questions.
