There are a few basic steps when connecting your computer to your television. First, you need to identify the connections on the back of both your computer and your television. Determine whether it has an S-Video outlet on both your computer and television. You can do so by searching for a black four-prong round plug. It is usually identified as ‘S-Video’ on the back of both your television and your computer. If you are able to locate this, then you simply need an S-Video cord, which you can purchase at any electronics store for less than $10.00 if you do not have it readily available. This cord handles both the audio and visuals for the connection.
If you have a separate sound system that connects to your computer, it is suggested that you use an RCA cord to hook up the advanced audio to your television. RCA cables are identified as three round plugs, white for audio, red for audio and yellow for composite video. If you determine you do need these cables for your exterior audio equipment, also know that you are able to connect any RCA computer to your television by this method as well, without the use of an S-Video cable. Also note that there are RCA to S-Video cables available for you to have the option to hook up an RCA prong device to an S-Video connection.
If your television has a DVI/HDMI port, you only need a single cord when connecting it to an HDMI source. When connecting it to a DVI port, however, you would need a DVI-to-HDMI cable for the video, and an RCA cable for the audio. For Mac users, you are able to simply use your DVI port along with an RCA cable to connect the computer to the television.
One last option is by way of a PC-to-TV converter box. To do so, you will need a VGA cable, which is identified by a 15-pin connector. You plug the VGA cable into your computer and into the box, and then use an RCA or an S-Video cable to connect it to the television. You power this box by way of a USB cable.
For Mac users, you are able to simply use your DVI port along with an RCA cable to connect the computer to the television.
If your television has a DVI/HDMI port, you only need one cord when connected it to an HDMI source. When connecting it to a DVI port, however, you would need a DVI-to-HDMI cable for the video, and an RCA cable for the audio.
Note :
- PC users: Depending on the resolution and aspect ratio of your television, they may not be the same. This requires you to adjust the settings on your computer so that the video will work properly onto your television. To do this, you simply right-click on your desktop and select Properties. When the new box appears, click on settings. Here, you can adjust your screen resolution to match it to your television, and if you aren’t sure of your televisions settings, adjust it until you get the best picture.
- Mac: Your computer will automatically adjust the resolution and aspect ratio, otherwise, you can find the settings under System Preferences to auto adjust them yourself.
Recommended Software which can allow you to Watch Tv on PC
nihar says
it is really very helpful on certain topics. Can you kindly tell if we can ask our querries on any of your address?
Amit Bhawani says
@Nihar : If you have any small queries you can ask in the same post, but if your doubt needs detailed answer you can join our free help desk and get support – http://www.amitbhawani.com/help/
TechnicaMag says
I was looking for the same tutorial.
But your 2nd paragraph regarding RCA cable is confusing.. The language is not proper… 🙁
Which is better for LCD TV ?
Jatin says
How can the media extenders for media center be missed??
Marie says
Is it possible to connect the laptop to the hdtv from usb to usb?
Hitesh says
Hi Amit,
I have HDMI and VGA port with my newly purchased HP laptop but on the other hand in TV I have RCA port. How should I go about connecting Laptop to TV. I used one VGA to RCA cable but TV was not showing anything.
Do I need to install any software for that or is there any HDMI to RCA cable available in market, please guide me.
Thnaks in Advance
kiran patel says
dear techi,
want to know can i record tv programs using rca to usb2.0 cable via video software? tv tuner card are just a waste.
do help me.
savio says
i have laptop acer aspire 4736z and LG 42inch tv. both are having HDMI port. when i tryed to connect laptop to tv thru hdmi port…on tv it says no signal.
i have used hdmi cable of my philips HDMI…..pls advice.
Peter says
I have been doing it a different was bu using a PC VGA to TV Converter Box its very simple and effective.
Gerald Mayer says
I’ve been searching about this topic few days ago. I have a problem on how to connect my laptop to my tv. I’m trying to connect but it says no signal.This post helps me a lot. Now I know how to connect my laptop to my tv using hdmi to rca cable. Thanks…..