Cable for connecting a computer to a TV. Simple nuances that are important to know: how to properly connect a TV to a computer

To do this, inspect the connectors available on the device. If you cannot determine the types of ports by eye, find their description in the documentation for your computer. Depending on the device model, you may see the following types of connectors:

• HDMI is a digital interface that is present on most modern computers. It transmits both audio and video, and therefore is optimal for outputting a multimedia signal to a TV.
• DVI is another digital port that is widely available on the market. It transmits only video, no sound.
• VGA is a popular analog connector. Like the previous type of port, it outputs only a video signal.

• Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 2, USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) are digital interfaces that are present in Apple computers. They all transmit video and sound. In addition, the Mac may be equipped with a regular HDMI connector.

There are other types of connectors. But we have listed the most popular ones. Surely your device is equipped with one or more of them.

2. Determine which connectors for signal reception are on the TV

Inspect the TV ports. Most modern models have HDMI and VGA connectors. Older ones are equipped with RCA format ports, the plugs for which are called tulips:

3. Select a cable according to the available connectors

If you have an HDMI TV

If both your TV and your computer have an HDMI connector, then everything is simple: you can connect the devices using an HDMI cable. This option will be optimal.

To connect a computer that does not have an HDMI port to an HDMI TV, you will also need a special signal converter along with an HDMI cable. Which one exactly depends on the connector available on the computer. This could be DVI → HDMI, VGA → HDMI or other adapters to HDMI.

In addition to the HDMI cable, such converters can often be connected to an additional audio cable, the other end of which is inserted into the computer. This allows audio to be transmitted bypassing the limitations of DVI and VGA. An audio cable is often sold complete with a converter.

To connect to a Mac HDMI TV with Thunderbolt 2 or Mini DisplayPort, you will need a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter along with an HDMI cable. For it to transmit sound, ask the store for an adapter that supports audio.

If you have a VGA TV

For a VGA TV, the procedure will be similar. Only you will need an HDMI → VGA, DVI → VGA or other converter, depending on the computer port. The main thing is that it converts the signal to VGA.

If you have a TV with an RCA connector

If you have a very old model of TV with tulips, then converters like HDMI → RCA, VGA → RCA and others that provide an RCA signal at the output are suitable.

In order not to make a mistake when buying a cable or converter, you can tell the seller the types of connectors on your TV and computer: he will select the appropriate option for you or check the compatibility of your choice.

4. Connect devices via cable

Turn off your computer and TV first for safety reasons. Next, connect the devices using a cable (and, if necessary, a converter). Only then turn on the devices. If the TV does not automatically detect the computer as the signal source, then do it yourself in the TV settings.

5. Adjust the TV picture using your computer

If the image is blurry, open the system settings on your computer and find the section responsible for the monitor. Here you can set the resolution that matches your TV and change the video display mode if necessary.

How to connect a computer to a TV via Wi-Fi

Modern smart TVs can be connected to computers wirelessly via a local Wi-Fi network. Technologies like DLNA and Wi-Fi Direct allow you to broadcast video, music and other content to your TV screen or completely duplicate the image from your computer on your TV, turning the latter into a wireless monitor. Moreover, in the case of Wi-Fi Direct, you don’t even need a router for this.

For example, on LG devices there is a service for similar functions. And Samsung TVs offer similar capabilities as part of the AllShare service.

Wireless connection settings may vary depending on the manufacturer and model of your TV. Some devices establish a connection in semi-automatic mode. Others require installation of additional software on the connected computer.

Therefore, it is difficult to formulate universal instructions that will suit all users. If you want to connect your TV to a computer via Wi-Fi, you will find the necessary information in the paper manual or on the manufacturer’s official website along with the software required for this.

Determine the type of cable you will use to connect your computer to your TV. To do this, look at the back of the computer where the ports and connectors are located. The video connectors are located next to the USB ports, audio jacks, and Ethernet port, or they are located on the discrete graphics card (under the audio jacks). There are three main types of connector:

• HDMI. The modern standard for connecting HD devices, and most modern computers have an HDMI connector (on the rear panel). HDMI carries both picture and sound. The HDMI connector looks like an elongated USB port.
• DVI. Digital connector with contacts. It has the shape of a rectangle and three rows of eight contacts each. DVI only transmits images.
• VGA. Old standard. It has the shape of a trapezoid and three rows with 15 contacts. Do not use this connector if you have access to a DVI or HDMI connector, as the VGA connector produces poor picture quality. VGA only transmits images and cannot display images in HD quality.

Determine the types of connectors on your TV. Most TVs have jacks on the back, but some jacks may be on the side of the TV.

• Most modern TVs have one or more HDMI connectors. This is the fastest and easiest way to connect your computer to your TV, and this connector provides the best picture quality. An HDMI cable is the only type of cable that carries both video and audio signals.
• The DVI connector is not as common, but can still be found on many modern TVs.
• VGA connectors are generally not found on HD TVs, but they are available on regular TVs.

Through the “tulip” we denote the main points and preliminary configuration of plasma panels and LCD devices. The synchronization procedure may differ in some cases, but mainly depends on the type of computer video card, the installed operating system and the TV model.

In addition, there are quite a few other important points that will affect the quality of synchronization and its speed.

Why does TV need a computer?

Before we tell you how to connect a computer to a TV via a “tulip”, let’s answer this question. First, let's look at a regular monitor screen and take a look at the TV display. The latter, as a rule, significantly benefits from a larger diagonal and is located not somewhere in the corner on the desktop, but opposite a comfortable sofa or chair, where it can easily fit, if not a large company, then a friend or girlfriend - for sure.

Watching videos, photos and gaming - all this looks much more pleasant on a TV screen than on a modest monitor: there is no need to look at the details, use speakers, and personal PCs have not yet acquired remote controls.

The most common reason that motivates an owner to connect a TV to a computer via an RCA cable (“tulips”) is watching videos. But in fact, you can display the same picture on the LCD screen as on the monitor. And it doesn't have to be a movie. Therefore, you should not forget about photos, the Internet and games.

All kinds of car and flight simulators, arcades, shooters and even strategies feel great on the big screen, and gaming becomes truly enjoyable. Also, no one forbids you to surf the web from the comfort of your sofa.

Synchronization

Before you connect your computer to the TV via the tulip, look at which connectors are on the video card and which are on the TV. The video accelerator is responsible for outputting the video signal from the PC, the connectors of which can be easily detected by the connected cable from the monitor. The TV's communication interfaces can be found on the back, side, or even front of the device, but in any case, it doesn't hurt to look at the instructions.

There are not so many types and varieties of interfaces along with connectors. Let's try to identify the main types that are most often used on video cards.

Video card connectors

D-Sub, or a VGA connector to which a standard monitor is connected. It is available on almost all video cards (especially from MSI), with the exception of the latest generation models, which use more modern switching outputs. The VGA interface is also called an analog output, from which the signal of the same name is transmitted.

DVI-I, and in some cases prefixed with D, is an advanced output that works with both analog and digital monitors. In models of previous years, this interface, as a rule, is adjacent to the analog VGA output, and some manufacturers equip their video cards with a special DVI-D-Sub adapter if the line was not equipped with this connector.

S-Video- an equally popular interface along with the previous connectors. It is widely used in many areas, which, by the way, are sometimes in no way related to computer video equipment. via RCA (“tulip”) using such a connector allows you to get a fairly high-quality video signal.

Modern ports

HDMI- this is the newest interface that is used to transmit high-definition images, providing maximum quality video and audio signals. A truly clear and rich image can only be obtained thanks to this output; in other cases, working with a large diagonal is saturated with visible pixels, which are not entirely pleasing to the eye.

TV connectors

RCA- interface, or composite “tulip” connector, is an outdated output, but due to its widespread popularity, it is very often found in everyday life. Before that (the best methods are D-Sub and S-Video), you need to find a special cable. The wiring spread is quite simple and varies in color: one is for the image, and the other two are for the sound (left and right channel).

S-Video. If you use this interface in synchronization with a similar output on a video card, then, naturally, no adapters are needed, and the signal will flow without interference or obstacles. If the commutations do not match, you can find a VGA-S-Video adapter.

SCART is a relatively old interface that can simultaneously transmit both audio and video signals. Its main purpose remains connecting a video player or other similar player. To synchronize with a computer you will need an adapter such as SCART-D-Sub or SCART-S-Video.

Modern interfaces

HDMI- this, as mentioned above, is the highest quality option for displaying images on the screen, and if your video card and TV are equipped with this connector, you can safely use synchronization without any restrictions. For synergy, an inexpensive HDMI-to-HDMI adapter is sufficient.

Before connecting your computer to the TV via a “tulip”, make sure that the above connectors match yours, otherwise get a special adapter, fortunately, there are plenty of all kinds of adapters on the computer market, including the most exotic ones. The only bad thing about the adapter is that it can worsen the picture on the TV screen by changing the signature.

Switching cables may come with both the video card and the TV itself, so carefully study the contents of both devices before connecting your computer to the TV.

A review of cables and interfaces showed that the most acceptable adapters and, accordingly, types of connections are as follows:

• D-Sub(VGA) - DVI-I.
• D-Sub(VGA) - SCART.
• S-Video - SCART.
• DVI-I - SCART.

In other variable cases, the signal is greatly distorted and the picture suffers, so experts do not recommend using other switching methods.

There is no need to skimp on connecting cables. Cheap material and an unknown manufacturer guarantee low noise immunity, which will significantly reduce image quality.

If you are tormented by doubts about choosing one or another method of communication, then you can look through the official forums regarding your video card or TV model; there will probably be questions/answers from technical support on synergy with popular lines of devices.

Audio signal

Most motherboards use standard TRS 3.5 mm audio output connectors or, in other words, “mini-jack”. Before connecting your computer to your TV via RCA, make sure that the audio output on your devices is equipped with just such interfaces, otherwise you will have to additionally buy a special adapter.

The same applies to connections via SCART and S-Video interfaces. If your TV is equipped with a separate audio system, then there should be no problems with connections at all. Systems of this kind are always equipped with popular connectors that do not require an adapter or adapter.

And one more important piece of advice: all operations to connect/disconnect any equipment, both to the TV and to the computer, must be carried out with the power completely turned off. Only after all the wires and cables have found their place and are tightly seated in the connectors, can you turn on the equipment and proceed to software configuration.

VGA

HDMI

To output images from a computer to a TV via VGA, DVI (only with an adapter), HDMI connectors - NO software installation is required! We recommend performing all manipulations with cables when connecting a computer to a TV with the equipment de-energized!

DVI

We connect the TV to the computer via a LAN cable.

We connect the TV to the computer via a VGA cable.

VGA-HDMI, VGA-USB, VGA-MiniUSB cables DO NOT EXIST!

VGA-HDMI, VGA-USB, VGA-MiniUSB adapters DO NOT EXIST!

We connect the TV to the computer via a DVI cable.

Attention! Mass-produced TVs are not equipped with DVI connectors!

We connect the TV to the computer via an HDMI cable.

Modern plasma TVs have little in common with the rectangular units with convex screens that used to be in every home. They boast outstanding technical characteristics, high image clarity and a number of additional functions. Nowadays, connecting a TV to a computer no longer seems surprising or fantastic.

Many PC and laptop owners are trying to expand the scope of their devices. And so they have a completely logical question: “How to connect a TV to a computer?” Let's talk about this.

Why is this necessary?

Each user determines for himself whether he needs equipment connected to the TV or not. In fact, there are many reasons that push us to take such a step, and in each individual case the question arises of how to connect a TV to a computer and how difficult it is.

Before answering it, let’s consider the main advantages of such a “tandem”:

• Computer games on the big screen.
• Watching movies and videos.
• Communication via Skype.
• Launch various slide shows, etc.

On the hard drive of a modern computer, thanks to unlimited Internet tariffs, a huge amount of various content accumulates - games, films, music videos, videos, photographs, etc. And sometimes you really want to try it all in a “new format” - display it on the big screen . And to do this, you need to understand how to connect a computer to a TV.

Features of connecting various equipment

In general, the possibility of “combining” different technologies has appeared a long time ago. Even old TV models and not very modern PCs can be connected to each other. However, this will require a special video card and cables. It should be noted that the quality of the resulting picture will not be very high, so not many people previously tried to connect a TV to a computer via VGA.

Modern audio and video equipment is much more technologically advanced and sophisticated, which is why the need to set up a connection arises much more often.

At the moment, three main ports are used to carry out this procedure:

• HDMI.

In some cases, difficulties arise with the VGA port, because it is often completely absent on modern video cards. Many laptop models, as well as plasma TVs, are produced without it. Therefore, it is better to use the other two options or purchase the appropriate VGA-DVI adapter.

Connection via VGA interface

Despite the fact that these types of connectors are losing their position, many users continue to use them for work. Most still have old equipment in good condition. And quite a few people are now digitizing videotapes, viewing recordings from old hard drives, etc.

The VGA interface is considered obsolete. It provides image transmission using analog signals at low speed (by today's standards).

If you have the appropriate equipment that supports these ports and special cables, you can both connect the TV to your computer and perform further setup.

The procedure is carried out in several stages:

• The power to both devices (TV and computer) is turned off.
• The cable is connected to the appropriate connectors.
• Devices turn on.
• Settings are being made in Windows.

It’s easy to guess that connecting a TV to a computer itself does not cause any particular difficulties. Much more questions arise when it comes to setting up Windows directly. Without this, it is impossible to achieve a high-quality connection.

If the image is not transmitted to the TV or any problems or interference are observed, then, most likely, errors were made in the settings. Particular attention should be paid to the display modes - “only on TV” or “display and TV at the same time”.

If you need to connect the TV to a VGA computer, you should make the following settings in the operating system:

• On the desktop, in the context menu (right mouse button), select "Screen resolution".
• Open the Screen panel.
• Select the required display mode.
• Apply and save.

In some cases, you will additionally need to do a little adjustment of the TV - select the VGA signal source in the appropriate menu.

Advantage of DVI and HDMI ports

Nowadays, when the question arises of how to connect a computer to a TV, many experts advise using HDMI and DVI ports. They look different, so it is almost impossible to confuse them. Also, if necessary, you should use various adapters. You can find the necessary interfaces on the back panel of the system unit, as well as on the back and sides of the TV and laptop.

Why is it better to connect your TV to your computer via HDMI?

The advanced technology has gained enormous popularity among both specialists and ordinary users. Currently, modern LED TV models have up to 2-3 HDMI connectors, so there are no connection problems. You just need to purchase the appropriate cable.

The DVI port is in many ways similar to HDMI - it also allows you to transmit signals in digital quality. Corresponding adapters are commercially available, so these ports are almost identical in their capabilities to perform the task.

What should you pay attention to when connecting your computer to an HDMI TV?

• Display and TV resolution.
• Correct connection.
• Settings in the operating system.

Usually, no special problems arise during the connection process, but you still need to pay attention to every detail. This is especially true for matching screen resolutions.

If you use HDMI from a computer to a TV, the latter will take over the functions of the primary display. If at this moment both the main monitor and the LCD TV are connected, then it is necessary to configure the display modes.

Some modern TVs have an actual resolution of 1400 x 1900 pixels, while the video cards of personal computers and laptops are set to the “standard” 1280 x 720 or 1920 x 1080 pixels. With such a discrepancy, the TV often produces just a black screen. To correct the situation, it is necessary to set the exact parameters in accordance with the characteristics of the equipment.

If you are trying to figure out how to connect a TV to a computer for the first time, experts recommend also connecting the main monitor (for example, via DVI or VGA) or using a laptop. Then it becomes possible to change the settings of the operating system or video card drivers.

HDMI connection process

To complete this task, you must purchase an HDMI cable. In specialized stores you can find products of any length (from 1 to 20 meters). Next, you should find the corresponding ports on the TV and PC.

Thus, the main connection steps are:

• Direct connection of devices (when switched off).
• Turning on the computer and TV (waiting for full loading).
• Switch on the TV to the corresponding HDMI port (source - port).
• Setting up a connection in Windows OS.

As a rule, the default is to display only on the second display, i.e. the TV becomes the main one. Due to a resolution mismatch, the image may not be transmitted. To understand how to connect a computer to a TV, you need to dig into the settings.

It is best to select “Multiple monitors” in the “Screen” menu, and also select the “Duplicate screens” option. After that, everything should work, and the Windows desktop will be displayed on the TV.

To obtain the highest quality image, it is necessary to accurately determine its resolution. Usually in this question the main attention is paid to it (otherwise why did the TV need to be connected at all?). By properly connecting your TV to your computer via HDMI, you can freely work with your new screen.

Problems with sound transmission

Displaying a picture on the TV screen is only half the battle. Sound settings raise a lot of questions. As a rule, with such an approach, you want to use all the available capabilities, including the correct output of an audio signal. Modern plasma TVs are often equipped with good, powerful speakers, and third-party audio systems are also connected to them, so using them is much more reasonable than standard laptop speakers. In the case of a desktop computer, difficulties often arise due to the lack of any systems for sound output.

In some cases, getting the right sound through your TV speakers can be quite difficult. Common problems when connecting the mentioned device are:

• Complete absence of sound.
• Various interferences.
• Sound delay.
• Low volume.

As you can see, there are several options, so first of all you need to deal with the root cause of the problem.

Sound settings features

When the TV is connected to a computer, sound is also transmitted through the HDMI cable used. As with image adjustments, in some cases you will have to try different options.

The HDMI interface is a universal high-definition multimedia cable, and this is its main advantage. That is, having only a standard adapter for this connector, you can solve the problem of making a full connection. And for this you will not need to purchase additional cords, etc. Since HDMI, along with USB, is considered a widespread global standard, this leads to the fact that many types of equipment support it.

Thus, when making a connection, the HDMI cable performs two main tasks:

• High definition image transmission.
• Transmission of surround stereo sound.

Versatility is also evident in the settings. With some models of computers and televisions there is no such need at all. In other situations, you will need to change something in the operating system settings. There is almost never any need to install additional software, except perhaps to simplify management.

Primary connection of two devices

When we work with this or that technology, we try to take advantage of all the inherent possibilities. When connecting a TV to a computer via HDMI, we encounter various difficulties. First we set up the image, and then everything else. But sometimes we find that with a full connection, the sound is still transmitted through the small laptop speakers or PC speakers. What to do in such situations?

It is necessary to configure the sound signal transmission. Let's start with the "Taskbar":

• The "Hardware and Sound" menu in the "Control Panel".
• Opening tab "Manage audio resources".
• AMD HDMI Output item.

Finding all this will not be difficult, because all the settings are literally on the surface, so the whole procedure will only take a couple of minutes.

There are several aspects that you should pay special attention to. If the video card of your computer or laptop supports audio transmission, then you can set the “Digital Audio S/PDIF” item in the AMD HDMI Output parameters. Otherwise, the audio signal will be transmitted through the motherboard, which must also be connected to the video card with an S/PDIF cable.

Additional Settings Options

It is necessary to understand that specific equipment, despite uniform standards, still has its own characteristics. That is why sometimes difficulties arise even if all the rules and recommendations are followed. What should you do if you still experience connection problems?

• Check the serviceability of the equipment.
• Update drivers (primarily sound drivers).
• Try other settings options.

Not all users know about all the basic parameters of a PC or laptop and the TV itself. And in order, for example, to connect an LG TV to a computer, you have to study the technical specifications.

What problems are most common?

To transmit audio via HDMI, you must have the appropriate driver. We are talking about support for High Definition Audio - a high-definition audio signal.

To check the presence of this driver, go to the "Device Manager" menu, which is located in the taskbar of the operating system. And already there you need to select the “Sound, video and gaming devices” tab. Next, you should carefully study the proposed list and find there “Device supporting High Definition Audio,” which was already mentioned above. If such an item is present, then the computer is capable of transmitting an audio signal via an HDMI cable.

What should you do if you don't have the appropriate driver?

In this case, you will need to download and install it. There should be distribution kits for installation on the laptop or specific sound card manufacturer's website. In addition, in some cases, the OS is independently capable of identifying the missing drivers for correct operation.

Another option for configuring the system is to check the available playback devices. Finding them is not difficult - in the system tray (lower right corner of the computer screen) you need to find the sound playback icon. If you right-click on it, a context menu will open, one of the items labeled “Playback devices”.

This is where the connected TV should appear, along with other options (speakers and headphones). All that remains is to select it and click “OK”.

Setting up a wireless connection via Wi-Fi

Today, modern models of laptops and TV devices allow you to use a variety of options, including connecting a TV to a computer via wireless networks.

What will it take to create such a connection? First of all, of course, you need to pay attention to the characteristics of the TV. Unfortunately, at the moment only advanced models support data transfer technology via Wi-Fi. In addition, if you wish, you can try a special TV adapter that connects via a USB port.

The advantages of such a connection are obvious:

• Simple connection without using wires.
• Free arrangement of devices (no need to move the computer).
• Ability to view files directly from your hard drive.
• Internet access.

In this case, however, you will need additional software - a special utility that comes with the TV. It would be a good idea to look at the official website of the device manufacturer.

As a rule, the main task of the mentioned utility is to quickly connect a computer via WiFi to a TV, so the interface is quite simple and understandable. Most often, a special folder is created on the PC hard drive into which files for TV are sent.

Many users use a router (router) to solve such problems. A single Wi-Fi network covers various devices, including a plasma TV. As a result, you can freely view various files.

General conclusion

If there is a need to combine two devices, you need to select the appropriate solution to the problem. The most popular is to connect the TV to a computer via HDMI or via Wi-Fi wireless networks.

When connecting, first of all, you should set up the correct image transmission, and then check the quality of the supplied sound (in this case, you need to make sure that the drivers are available and select the items related to the signal source in the menu).

To set up a Wi-Fi connection, most often it is enough to use special software that will solve the problem on its own.