How to Connect a Laptop (or Desktop) to a TV

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With the growing popularity of laptops and TV on the internet, a common function in many family living rooms is to connect the video source of a laptop to a TV. There are various ways to do this, depending on the connections available on both the laptop and the television in question. This article will attempt to cover the major connection possibilities. There are various cables that can be used to connect a computer and a television. Depending on what connections your devices have, you may have several options or no options at all.

Using an HDMI Cable (Newer Laptop/HDTV)

If your laptop was manufactured in the last couple years, it might have an HDMI output. HDMI is a cable that is used to transfer high-definition video and audio in one compact cable. Almost all HDTV's have an HDMI input, and it is the most convenient way to connect a computer because it also inputs sound from your computer. Look for an input that resembles the one below on both your laptop and your television:

If you do have this port on both your laptop and television, you can buy an HDMI cable from most online retailers for fairly cheap. Here is one listing on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/HDMI-6-foot-cable/dp/B0002L5R78/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1279586522&sr=8-1

Using an DVI or VGA Cable (Older Laptop/HDTV)

If you have an older computer, you may very well be in luck if you have an HDTV. Many HDTV's have a DVI or VGA input specifically to allow for PC connections, and luckily most laptops have a DVI or VGA connection as well. Look for one of these inputs on your TV and laptop. Note that these cables do NOT also transfer sound -- you will have to find another way to route the sound from your computer to your sound system, or use your computer's built-in speakers (if it has any).

VGA	DVI

If you have one of these connections, you can buy a VGA or DVI cable for cheap from most online retailers (about $10 - $15).

Using a DVI to HDMI Cable (Older Laptop/HDTV)

If your HDTV does not have a DVI or VGA input, you might still be in luck. If your laptop has a DVI output (see above), and your HDTV has a HDMI input, you can buy a DVI to HDMI cable. Note that sound from your laptop will still not go to your television, and you will need to find an alternate way to route sound. DVI to HDMI cables can be found at most electronic retailers for about $5. Here is an example from Amazon.

Using an S-Video Cable (Older Laptop)

If you are using an older television, just about your only option is to use an S-Video cable. Not all televisions have an S-Video input - most higher-end CRT televisions, however, will likely have them. Look for a connection such as this on both your laptop and television:

If you have this connection on both, you can buy an S-video cable for about 2 dollars. Here is an example from Amazon.

If you do not have any of the above connections, odds are you will not be able to hook up your laptop to your computer. Thankfully, most modern laptops and televisions are actually built with this connectivity in mind, and soon almost all laptops will be able to connect all televisions.

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Last Updated on Monday, 19 July 2010 19:44

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