How to Connect Laptop to TV 2011 : Step 1: Connect with S-Video
First, connect a video cable -- you've got several choices. For PC users, an easy option is an S-Video cable. Most PCs and digital televisions are equipped with an S-Video port.
Tip: The ends of S-Video cables usually feature either four or seven pins and pinholes. Check your TV and laptop ports to make sure they match.
Step 2: Connect with VGA
If you have an older HDTV, try a VGA cable, which produces better picture quality and works with both Macs and PCs. To connect, turn off your laptop and your TV. Find the trapezoid-shaped VGA outlets on the TV and on your laptop. Once you're connected, power everything back on.
Tip: Macs need a DVI- or mini-DVI-to-VGA adapter to connect the VGA cable.
Step 3: Connect with DVI
Connect with a DVI video cable. A DVI connection is a step above VGA in picture quality, but only newer computers and HDTVs come with DVI ports. Connect as with a VGA cable.
Tip: Some Macs require a mini-DVI-to-DVI adapter for DVI connections.
Step 4: Connect with HDMI
If your HDTV doesn't have a DVI connector, use a cable that is HDMI on one end, and DVI on the other to connect to your laptop.
Step 5: Connect audio
Hook up the audio. After you've connected your laptop to the TV via video cable, connect the mini-to-RCA cable from your computer's headphone jack to your TV.
Step 6: Use a wireless converter
A final PC option is to go wireless, using a converter box and the software that comes with it. Using a VGA cable, plug the box into your TV and install the software onto your computer. The box will then convert computer's VGA signal to the TV, and transfer both video and audio.
Step 7: Adjust display settings
If you have a PC, go to the Control Panel and adjust the display settings to accompany double display on both your monitor and TV set. Mac laptops should automatically adjust for double display. System Preferences, click on Display, and then Detect Displays.
Step 8: Find your laptop
Click your TV's video source -- usually a button called "input" or "TV/Video" on your remote -- until your laptop comes up.
Tip: The ends of S-Video cables usually feature either four or seven pins and pinholes. Check your TV and laptop ports to make sure they match.
Step 2: Connect with VGA
If you have an older HDTV, try a VGA cable, which produces better picture quality and works with both Macs and PCs. To connect, turn off your laptop and your TV. Find the trapezoid-shaped VGA outlets on the TV and on your laptop. Once you're connected, power everything back on.
Tip: Macs need a DVI- or mini-DVI-to-VGA adapter to connect the VGA cable.
Step 3: Connect with DVI
Connect with a DVI video cable. A DVI connection is a step above VGA in picture quality, but only newer computers and HDTVs come with DVI ports. Connect as with a VGA cable.
Tip: Some Macs require a mini-DVI-to-DVI adapter for DVI connections.
Step 4: Connect with HDMI
If your HDTV doesn't have a DVI connector, use a cable that is HDMI on one end, and DVI on the other to connect to your laptop.
Step 5: Connect audio
Hook up the audio. After you've connected your laptop to the TV via video cable, connect the mini-to-RCA cable from your computer's headphone jack to your TV.
Step 6: Use a wireless converter
A final PC option is to go wireless, using a converter box and the software that comes with it. Using a VGA cable, plug the box into your TV and install the software onto your computer. The box will then convert computer's VGA signal to the TV, and transfer both video and audio.
Step 7: Adjust display settings
If you have a PC, go to the Control Panel and adjust the display settings to accompany double display on both your monitor and TV set. Mac laptops should automatically adjust for double display. System Preferences, click on Display, and then Detect Displays.
Step 8: Find your laptop
Click your TV's video source -- usually a button called "input" or "TV/Video" on your remote -- until your laptop comes up.
