How To Connect a Computer To Your TV

by Matt Whitlock December 14, 2004 09:13 AM

Posted in: Televisions and Projectors

-Updated 7/19/2007

Overview

Many people already know that you can connect a computer to a plasma TV, but it is not as well known that you can also hook up a computer to almost any TV. The process may not be as easy and the picture not as sharp as a plasma TV or other newer kind of TV, but you may be surprised at the results that can be achieved with your existing television.

There are numerous benefits and reasons why you would want to connect your computer to your TV. You can check a players' statistics online while watching a sporting event, use your favorite music program to play your favorite tunes, show all of your digital photos or videos to your family, and even show a PowerPoint presentation to coworkers. Combining the computer with your home theater allows possibilities for the easy chair, that were once limited to the office chair.

Making the Connection

Setting up a computer in your home theater is not generally as hard as some think. To get started, you need to be able to make a compatible connection from your computer to your TV. In the simplest case, your connection from the computer should match the connection on your TV. For example, if your TV has a VGA input and your computer has a VGA output, you need just a cable to connect both together. If there isn't a match of video inputs to outputs, it might still be possible to make a connection, but more about that later.

Let's start with the computer connection first. Examine the back of your computer for available monitor connections. Depending on your computer's graphic capabilities, you should be able to identify one or more of the following: a 15-pin VGA output, a DVI connection, or an S-Video output. Your computer could support one, two, or all of the connections listed. If you are unsure, refer to the video section of your computer's user manual.

Next, you will need to identify the type of television you have. It will be either an analog or digital TV. If you own an analog television, look for an S-Video input. If you own a digital television, look for an S-Video, 15-pin VGA, component video, or DVI input. Many of the newer televisions, such as Plasma, DLP, or LCD, should have a PC compatible 15-pin VGA input.

Finally, we need to find a matching connection between the two. If you have a VGA or DVI match, use that for the best image quality and performance. If you have a component connection on your TV and a VGA output on your computer, choose those connections. Use S-Video as a last resort if you have no other choice, or are not as concerned about the video quality of your connection.

Before you begin, download and install the latest drivers for your computers video card. The newest software has options for making this project easier than it used to be. The most common graphics cards are the following:

Cards based on the nVIDIA platform. Drivers are available at nVIDIA.com
Cards based on the ATI platform. Drivers available at ATI.com
Cards based on the Intel Extreme Graphics platform. Drivers available at Intel.com

Always refer to your computer or video card manufacturer's website or before installing any software. Sometimes, drivers are available there. Do not download drivers for a graphics chip different from what your computer uses.

Page 2: Connecting With S-Video >>

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Connecting With S-Video

To make this connection, you will need the following:

A computer with a S-Video output, or a VGA to S-Video adaptor
A TV with a S-Video input
A S-video cable
A 1/8" to Left/Right RCA cable (for sound)
A computer monitor (for setup purposes if needed)

If you do not have what's listed above, this kind of connection will not work. Some computers require a separate adapter to use the S-Video capability of your graphics card. In many cases, the adapter will need to be plugged in prior to making adjustments to the output settings of your graphics card.

If your comptuer only has a VGA output, you can still connect with S-video by purchasing a VGA to S-video adaptor, like the Kworld PC to TV adaptor. Using one of these greatly simplifies the setup process, and is virtually plug and play.

Kworld PC to TV adaptor

Connecting with S-Video is the easiest connection to make from your computer. Though it is the only, and best, choice for analog TVs, S-video will yield the least desirable image quality on digital or high definition capable displays. The S-video connection will not yield computer quality image results.

If you cannot bring a computer monitor near your TV, and are not using a VGA to S-Video adaptor, you will need to perform step 4 & 5 from a remote location before you attempt to hook up the computer to your TV.

Connecting With Your Computer's S-Video Jack:

Connect the S-Video cable from the back of the computer to an S-Video input on the back of your television. Hookup the computer to the computer monitor at the same time. Connect the 1/8" to L/R RCA cable from the audio output on your computer to the corresponding audio jacks on your TV.

Change the input on your television to the S-Video input you plugged the computer in to.

Turn on the computer. You should get an image on your computer monitor. If you get an image on your TV, skip to step 6. If you do not get an image on your TV, don't panic. Go to step 4.
Using your computer monitor. Access the graphics card setup menu. You can usually access these menus by right clicking on the desktop, click on properties, select the settings tab, and then click on advanced. The software for every graphics card will be different.
Locate the menu tab for engaging or disengaging the S-Video output. Once you turn it on, an image will appear on the TV screen. If there is a selection to make it your primary monitor, do so. On many notebook computers, there is often a keyboard shortcut to do this, such as Fn+F8.
The image on the screen has a relationship with your resolution settings. Although all S-Video outputs use a fixed low resolution to maintain compatibility with your TV, it scales according to what the resolution of your computer is set to. Adjust your resolution in the settings tab of your display properties. Use a selection no higher than 800 x 600 with 16-bit color. A setting of 640 x 480 will be much clearer, but icons and windows will appear very large.

Once complete, you can disconnect your computer monitor. When you boot-up your computer, the S-video connection should be enabled. In some cases, the S-video output needs to be enabled on a per session basis. If your software reflects this, leave the computer in a stand-by or hibernation mode when not in use. Your current settings will remain intact until the next time your computer is shut down.

Connecting With a VGA to S-Video Adaptor:

Before connecting your PC to the VGA adaptor, check to make sure that your display resolution output settings are within the capable range of the adaptor. Most VGA to S-Video adaptors are not capable of scaling resolutions beyond 1280 X 1024. Connect the 1/8" to L/R RCA cable from the audio output on your computer to the corresponding audio jacks on your TV.

Connect the VGA cable to the back of the PC, and the other end to the VGA input on the adaptor.

Connect the S-Video Cable to the S-Video jack on the adaptor, and the other end to the television's S-Video input.

Change the input on your television to the S-Video input you plugged the S-Video cable in to.

Turn on the computer. You should get an image on your TV. If you do not get an image on your TV, double check your wiring, input selection, and resolution settings using a PC monitor. Also, double check to make sure your adaptor is plugged in, and receiving power.
The image on the screen has a relationship with your resolution settings. Although all S-Video outputs use a fixed low resolution to maintain compatibility with your TV, it scales according to what the resolution of your computer is set to. Adjust your resolution in the settings tab of your display properties. Use a selection no higher than 800 x 600 with 16-bit color. A setting of 640 x 480 will be much clearer, but icons and windows will appear very large. Your adaptor may also offer additional adjustments and features. Refer to your adaptor's user manual.

<< Page 1: Overview | Page 3: Connecting With VGA/DVI >>

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Connecting with VGA/DVI

You can make a connection with DVI by following the same basic steps below. Substitute a DVI cable in place of the 15-pin VGA cable. If you are attempting to connect your computer's VGA output to an S-video connection, refer to Page 2 - Connecting with S-Video.

To make a connection with a 15-pin VGA cable, you will need the following:

A 15-pin VGA output on your computer (All PC's should have this)
A 15-pin VGA input on your television
A 15-pin VGA cable
A 1/8" to Left/Right RCA cable
A computer monitor (for setup, if needed)

Some televisions may include a 5 wire RGB input (R, G, B, H, V). You can use this input to make a connection. However, you will need to obtain a 15-pin VGA to 5-wire RGB cable.

If you've identified a 15-pin VGA input on your television, you will need to do a little hunting in your manual for compatible display formats. Compatible formats might be listed on the back of the TV, or in the owner's manual for the television. If it's listed in letters, a chart is below to explain them. If your input is PC compatible, it will say one or more of the following:

VGA = 640x480
SVGA = 800x600
XGA = 1024x768
SXGA = 1280x1024

Your 15-pin input might not be directly PC compatible. If this is the case it will say one or a few of the following television formats. The compatible PC resolution is listed next to it.

480i - not compatible with PC's
480p - 720x480
720p - 1280x720
1080i - 1920x1080 (interlaced)
1080p - 1920x1080

If your input does not list any computer formats, only television formats, it's okay! We can still get this to work.

If you're hooking up a Plasma, DLP, or LCD television, you should be able to plug it in and turn it on. However, if you do this and get no picture, use the computer monitor to adjust settings before plugging the cable into the TV.

Change the TV input to the appropriate selection to engage the 15-pin VGA input.

Connect the VGA cable from the back of the computer to the computer monitor.

Turn on the computer. An image should appear on your PC screen.

Right click on the desktop and select properties. Click on the tab that says settings. If your television is PC compatible, go to step 5. If your TV is not compatible go to step 6.

If your TV is PC compatible, move the resolution slider to a compatible selection. 1024x768 is the most common choice. Hit apply. Go to step 7. Some TV's are only compatible to 640x480. If so, it may not be listed on the slider. Hit advanced, and select the adapter tab. Press "list all modes" and select 640x480, High Color (16 bit), 60 Hertz from the list of valid modes. Click "yes" when it asks you to keep this setting.

If your TV is not PC compatible, you will need to select a format that is compatible with your TV. Within the settings tab, click on advanced. Go to the adapter tab and select "list all modes." Select 720x480, High Color (16 bit), 60 Hertz from the list. Click "yes" if it asks you to keep this setting. Go to step 7.

Unplug the cable from the back of the monitor and plug it in to the TV. If you made the proper selections, you should have an image on your TV screen. If your TV was PC compatible, you do not need to take any additional steps. Connect the 1/8" to L/R RCA cable from the audio output on your computer to the corresponding audio jacks on your TV.

If your TV was not PC compatible, you should have an image on the screen. It's likely that the icons are very big. Using the chart above and the "list all modes" selection, you can try to find different resolutions that are compatible with your TV. When selecting resolution, the screen will blank out. If the image does not return, you found an incompatible display format. Do nothing and it should switch back to the last setting after 15 seconds. TIP: you can make more choices appear under "list all modes" by going to the monitor tab and deselecting the box that says "Hide modes that this monitor can't display."

Once complete, you can remove the computer monitor. You will be able to shut down the computer when not in use, or use the stand by and hibernation modes. The computer will keep your current settings unless you physically change them, or install new drivers for your graphics card.

<< Page 2: Connecting With S-Video | Page 4: Connecting With Component Video >>

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Connecting With Component Video

To make this connection possible, you must have the following:

A digital TV with a component video input
A 15-pin VGA output on your computer
A high resolution capable VGA to component video transcoder or bundled component video accessory cable (A transcoder is a device that transforms RGB signals into component video signals)
A 15-pin VGA cable
A component video cable
A 1/8" to L/R RCA cable
A computer monitor (for setup)

NOTE: If you have a computer with a component video capable ATI Radeon or nVidia graphics card, you may have received a component video cable in the box, then you do not need a VGA transcoder (skip to Section 2). If you didn't receive a cable in the box, your card maker may sell a compatible cable or kit to hook up your computer to an HDTV set, which will be significantly less expensive than buying a transcoder. Look for an alternate (typically round) odd connector next to the standard VGA or DVI output. If you see one, refer to your owners guide or card maker's website for details on what it is capable of outputting.

If your card is not component video capable, you will need to purchase a high resolution capable VGA to component video transcoder.

Section 1: Connecting with a Component Video Transcoder

Change the TV input to the appropriate selection to engage the component video input.
Hookup the VGA cable from the back of the computer to the computer monitor.
Turn on the computer. An image should appear on your PC screen.
Right click on the desktop and select properties. Click on the 'Settings' tab.
Identify the compatible scan formats for your component video input. The possible formats are usually 480p, 720p, and 1080i. It is common to find that many CRT based TVs, such as direct-view tubes and CRT rear-projection displays, don't support 720p.
Since the component video input on your TV is not PC compatible, you will need to select a format that is compatible with your TV. Within the settings tab, click on advanced. Go to the adapter tab and select "list all modes." Select 720x480, 1280x720, or 1920 x 1080 (interlaced), High Color (16 bit), 60 Hertz from the list. Click "yes" if it asks you to keep this setting. NOTE: 1920x1080 (interlaced) is a very high resolution, which will make desktop items and text difficult to see.
Unplug the computer from the back of the monitor and plug it in to the transcoder. Hook up the component video cables from the transcoder to the component video input on the back of your TV. If you chose a compatible selection, you should have an image on your TV screen. Connect the 1/8" to L/R RCA cable from the audio output on your computer to the corresponding audio jacks on your TV.
Depending on the display format chosen, you might want to try different choices to maximize image quality. In the "list all modes" selection, you can try to find different resolutions that are compatible with your TV. When selecting resolution, the screen will blank out. If the image does not return, you found an incompatible display format. Do nothing and it should switch back to the last setting after 15 seconds. TIP: you can make more choices appear under "list all modes" by going to the monitor tab and deselecting the box that says "Hide modes that this monitor can't display."

Section 2: Connecting with a bundled component video accessory cable

If you have an accessory cable, your card maker will have simpler methods of making an HDTV connection (compared to the Windows Display Manager) in their latest software driver packages. Before you begin, I highly recommend locating and installing the latest drivers for your graphics card.

Change the TV input to the appropriate selection to engage the component video input.
Hookup the accessory cable to the back of the computer, and the other end to the TV. Connect a regular computer monitor to the VGA or DVI output temporarily.
Turn on the computer. An image should appear on your PC screen.
Right click on the desktop and select properties. Click on the 'Settings' tab.
Locate the graphics card managment software provided by your card maker. Sometimes it's an icon in the task tray, sometimes it's a tab in the 'advanced' area of the display manager.
Identify the compatible scan formats for your component video input. The possible formats are usually 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. It is common to find that many CRT based TVs, such as direct-view tubes and CRT rear-projection displays, don't support 720p.
Since the component video input on your TV is not PC compatible, you will need to select a format that is compatible with your TV. In the graphics card manager, locate the area for managing displays, and look for an option to "connect to TV" or "Connect to HDTV". You should see a checkbox for enabling the component video output, and should also find a variety of options to select the type and/or resolution of the display. Choose the best format compatible with your television. If you're not sure, try the different modes until you find one that looks best.
Unplug the computer from the back of the regular monitor. Connect the 1/8" to L/R RCA cable from the audio output on your computer to the corresponding audio jacks on your TV.

Once your component video connection is complete and working, you should not need the regular computer monitor. You should be able to shut down the computer when not in use, or use the stand by and hibernation modes. The computer will keep your current settings unless you physically change them or install new drivers for your graphics card.

<< Page 3: Connecting With VGA/DVI | Comment on this article

Discussion:

Ross Johnson on January 31, 2005 2:19 PM

Good info. Speaking as someone who has had an HTPC hooked up via VGA -> Transcoder -> Component video for a few years now, I think it's imporant to note that many video cards do not support non 4:3 ratio resolutions, and it takes a special program to allow them to display any widescreen ratios. Luckily there is a program called Powerstrip which is invaluable for this task (and many others - it's a very impressive tool). You can find more info about it here: http://entechtaiwan.net/util/ps.shtm Also, for those looking to go the VGA-component transcoder route, I recommend this one: http://www.digitalconnection.com/products/video/9a60.asp It's served me well for about four years now.

Eric Daugherty on March 7, 2005 9:27 AM

What about this VGA->Component transcoder? Where can I find one and how much will it cost me? Are they pretty much all the same or is there some features I need to keep an eye out for?

Matt Whitlock on March 7, 2005 2:08 PM

There are really two options for transcoders. One is a converter from Key Digital that transforms RGB into component. It's called the ClearColor3, and has an MSRP of $299.95. This one requires you to set your graphics card properly to get a picture on your disply. I've used this in the past and it works. Another option would be something like the Hi-Wire, which accepts common PC resolutions like 1024x768 and does the transformation for you. It also allows for easy adjustment of size and position, which could be helpful in compensating for the overscan on most TVs. I've never used it, so I can't tell you if it really works as claimed. Amazon has it listed for $148.99.

bumsf3 on October 1, 2005 11:14 AM

The article says that ati video cards support ati hdtv adaptor. 1) Is this true for all ati cards? I have a laptop with mobility radeon 9700. Ati website says the adaptor works with radeon 9700, but doesn't explicitly say about mobility. Does anyone know the answer? 2) What is special about ati hdtv adaptor? Would a generic vga->component adaptor work too?

Matt Whitlock on October 3, 2005 12:35 PM

I was specifically referring to most of their newer desktop cards, but the Radeon Mobility 9700 is compatible, though it would appear your notebook must have a DVI output (which yours should have). If not, ATI mentions a VGA to component adapter, but I do not see it for sale anywhere on their site. It may be worth a phone call to ATI. Post back what you find. You can use a third party VGA to component transcoder, like the ones mentioned in the posts above. If one of ATI's solutions will work for you, it will be significantly less expensive.

Silmara on October 8, 2005 11:41 AM

You mentionned that it is possible to connect if a TV has a 5 BCN or R/G/B/H/V input. What about a 3 BCN or Y/Pb/Pr input? Is it still possible in that case (PC display mode set to 720x480, High Color (16 bit), 60 Hertz)? If not, would you have a suggestion for a decent quality converter (by descent, my reference is my video card (ATI Radeon 9800 pro) S-Video output - in my opinion quite acceptable)?

bumsf3 on October 8, 2005 5:36 PM

I will definitely post the results once I manage to connect this. My laptop only has a VGA output, however ATI has both a DVI and VGA adapter through its online store for the US, both for 29. You can also find an oem version for about 5 cheaper. The problem is that officially, the VGA to component adapter is compatible with 8500 and 9600 cards. For other radeon cards they tell you to use DVI to component. This doesn't make sense that it wouldn't be compatible, does anyone know for sure whether it works with all Radeon cards before I order it? Thank you

Matt Whitlock on October 11, 2005 10:12 AM

Silmara, Page 4 of the article is all about connecting to a TV with a component video (Y/Pb/Pr) input. A 3 BNC connection could either be component or RGB with syncs on green. Which one will make a difference in what you need to make the connection.

Akil on November 8, 2005 10:10 AM

can someone help me with configuration for ibm T30 laptop to Panasonic TV

Matt Whitlock on November 8, 2005 10:59 AM

Akil, what kind of Panasonic TV is it? Model #?

burnn1 on December 10, 2005 12:43 PM

I am stuck - trying to connect Nvidia 6800 to SONY Wega 36XBR via s-video. I get only B7W on TV for any combination of resolution and other settings I've tried. Can someone point me to the likely problem? appreciate it

Johnny Mac on December 12, 2005 11:43 PM

Also... If you don't have component or S-video inputs on your TV, it can still be done using your composite video input.These guys make a VGA to composite (or S-VHS) converter. It doesn't require any software or settings changes and works good. I think it was around $80.00. http://www.StarTech.com

EAR5574 on December 20, 2005 9:16 AM

Can someone tell how to change out a transformer in a Phillips TV model 32PT563S537G ?

sonyman on December 28, 2005 7:40 PM

, i have got hdmi-dvi cable .. and i have ATI PCI 9200 128mb from my pc - dvi to hdmi sony lcd 32" (build in hdmi) tv and i press "HDMI" .. and show black screen , any idea , should i buy different graphic card ? hellppp !

Matt Whitlock on December 29, 2005 11:41 AM

Sonyman, Do you know if your Sony TV's HDMI input is PC compliant? In not, you'll need to adjust the graphic card's resolution to conform to a DTV standard. Start at 720x480 True-color at 60Hz. You should at least get a picture. You can mess with the resolution from there to see what else works.

spikey84 on January 5, 2006 11:31 PM

is it possible to connect wirelessly from pc to tv?

day2day on January 18, 2006 11:32 PM

I have a Toshiba Satellite hooked up to my Toshiba TV via s-video all is working fine except when I play a DVD on my notebook it won't play on the TV. The Media Player or Intervideo player is open on both but is black on the TV, but playing on the notebook. Any ideas??

Matt Whitlock on January 19, 2006 8:41 AM

day2day,

Welcome to the TechLore Community. There was a discussion about this very problem in the forums a while back. Here's a link:

http://www.techlore.com/forum/thread/...

There's a solution there that has always worked for me.

zed on February 24, 2006 6:41 AM

PLEASE HELP SOMEONE NOT TECHNICAL:

I NEED TO CONNECT MY LAPTOP TO TELEVISION:

I have a DVI connection on my laptop and on my TV I have S-Video. Is there anyway to connect them so I can watch programs from my laptop on my TV?

RobR on March 11, 2006 6:52 AM

Can anyone help me get rid of flicker on my LCD TV, when I connect it to my laptop?

I can also see a faint repeated image about 3mm to the right of the original.

According to the Samsung UK helpline the optimum resolution for the lcd tv is 1366 x 768, which is not a setting I have on my laptop. Do I need a new laptop, or is there another solution?

Details:
TV: Samsung LE26R41BD
Laptop: Dell Latitude C600

Matt Whitlock on March 13, 2006 10:57 AM

1366x768 is not a common output for computer graphics cards. I would try 1280x720 or 1280x800, and see how those work on your display.

Rays on September 6, 2006 11:14 PM

Hi,

This info is very much helpful. I was searching the net for this but I couldnt get the right one. This I came across thr' Cnet. This is not only telling the different possibilities but also each one in detail steps. I appreciate your work. IF you add the pictures, it would help the one who dont know. Like, I dont know what is "transcoder" , how it'll look like, how the pin/port look like.

Thanks!

Matt Whitlock on September 7, 2006 12:06 AM

Hi Rays,

Thank you for the feedback. I really appreciate it.

I agree that adding pictures would help bolster the information provided, and help folks visualize the steps more clearly. As they say, pictures speak 1000 words!

Also, the landscape of graphics adapters has changed quite a bit from when this article was authored. I'm planning to update a few of the sections to discuss the newer ATI and nVIDIA cards that have made connecting to HDTVs much easier, and new drivers that has made setting them up simpler.

Don't forget to take a look around the site and learn more ways to get more out of your gear.

baichi on September 16, 2006 1:25 PM

Thanks a lot for posting this awesome article! Is there any other transcoder that you would recommend other than the Audio Authority 9A60? It's a bit pricey..

I really appreciate your help!

Matt Whitlock on September 18, 2006 2:17 PM

baichi said: Thanks a lot for posting this awesome article! Is there any other transcoder that you would recommend other than the Audio Authority 9A60? It's a bit pricey.. I really appreciate your help!

Are you trying to connect a desktop PC or a notebook?

Sara Wright on October 2, 2006 7:33 AM

Okay, I'm no genius when it comes to tech stuff, so I hope someone might be able to help! I found this article very helpful, and I should be in the category of those most fortunate: my laptop (Dell Inspiron 8600) and my TV (Magnavox plasma something) both have VGA hook-ups. I got a cable to connect them, and when I tested the system everything worked fine. Then when I went to use it again, I couldn't get it going! My TV said that I needed to switch the input to 1280 x 768 at 60 Hz, which I did to no effect. I have no idea what might have changed. I have tried changing the resolution, the refresh rates, and so forth, and this doesn't help. I also made sure all my video card drivers were current, to no avail. Is it possible that a recent Windows update may have had an effect? I also considered that, because I am using an American laptop in Germany, the cycle (50 vs. 60 Hz) could be an issue. (The TV is American as well.) Anyway, I'm at a loss. If anyone has any advice for this amateur, I'd sure appreciate it!

reetpeteet on October 10, 2006 1:44 PM

I read your article with great interest but am extemely new at all this so I'm still struggling. I have aborted all atempts at using the Gadmei TV box Combo. All I'm trying to do do now is connect my Toshiba Equium L10 to my Bush TV via a TV Card.

I can't see any VGA connection on the TV but instructions say I can use S-video via a scart. Can I get a scart that will connect to the TV card.

I have connected using only an ariel but limited to terrestrial channels.

Any help would be much appreciated.

tonto147 on May 16, 2007 2:32 PM

HI, I have a Samsung LE40R88BD HDTV & a Advent ERT2250 Laptop running Windows Vista.I am trying to connect bthe 2 together using a 5mtr VGA lead. The problem im having is when i change the TV source to PC it dispalys no signal and then goes into standby,just briefly before this happens i sometimes can see the windows page displayed.i have tried everything i can think of to resolve the issue but have drawn a blank.We have another laptop in the home it is a Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Pro running windows XP,it has no problems connecting to the same tv using the same VGA lead. Any Assistance will be greatly appreciated. Regards Paul. There are no comments. Use the box below to comment!

parag on June 12, 2007 12:12 PM

the article posted here is very helpful. I have been succesfully able to connect my laptop to TV but theres still a problem...the image is BLACK and WHITE! Theres nothing mentioned about such problems in this article...I have read other forums over nternet too and they talk about settings in the television to correct the picture i.e make it coloured. Switching bw PAL n NTSC? i havent been able to find any such settings in my TV...can somebody please help me out here... matt?

thanks

Matt Whitlock on July 19, 2007 10:07 AM

parag said: the article posted here is very helpful. I have been succesfully able to connect my laptop to TV but theres still a problem...the image is BLACK and WHITE! Theres nothing mentioned about such problems in this article...I have read other forums over nternet too and they talk about settings in the television to correct the picture i.e make it coloured. Switching bw PAL n NTSC? i havent been able to find any such settings in my TV...can somebody please help me out here... matt? thanks

Parang,

Are you connecting with S-video? A black and white picture is very common with faulty S-video cables.

peasant79 on July 22, 2007 10:35 AM

This is a terrific article! It was published as a link in a NYT-syndicated column I read in my local (Massachusetts) newspaper today, so you may be getting lots of hits. My question, just to confirm what I think the article says: to connect my VGA-output laptop to the RGB input on the LCD tv, I need the right cable to convert, but don't need the transcoder? Thanks so much for the very helpful article.

MoA on August 20, 2007 1:45 AM

This remains the best article by far related to connecting PCs/laptops with your TV. Gd job Matt! Even I am figuring out connecting my Samsung TV to my IBM ThinkPad T60. Will do some more research on the topic and come up with some questions if i face any problems in doin that.

Thanks!

Sammy86 on November 6, 2007 2:46 PM

I've done this many times - connecting my notebook to my Sony Trinitron but this time I can't get it to switch back. It's stuck in "TV ONLY" mode. Anyone know how to get it back to Notebook? I can't carry the TC around with me to school!!! :-)

naureen on January 11, 2008 4:09 PM

I tried connecting my Compaq nx9010 Laptop to my Samsung 42" plasma using VGA as well as S-Video cable & the TV just does not respond. Then I tried using the Compaq laptop & the same cables & tried connecting with Panasonic as well as Sharp Plasmas & they detected the PC connection Immediately. I went to see Samsung Support, even there my compaq would not respond. Although when Samsung Support connected their Acer Laptop using 'Intel Extreme Graphics2 for mobile', it worked. My Compaq nx9010 has Radeon IGP 345M as the Adapter Type, what equivalent driver / software can I use from ATI in order to have the same functionality as the 'Intel Extreme Graphics2 for mobile' software

Ashraf on February 5, 2008 1:19 AM

I am not being able to connect my fujitsu siemens lifebook S6120d to my sony trinitron CRT tv.I have only a VGA port on my laptop.The VGA to RCA cable gives an unclear black n white image only and I have not been able to rectify it at all by changing resolution or refresh rates.

Kindly help me out !!!

masamune29 on February 6, 2008 2:28 PM

Great, easy to read, and detailed article! Probably the best I've stumbled across online. However, I am still unfortunately having no luck connecting my pc to my tv . I am unsure if the connection method I'm using is a viable one. My graphics card is an Intel 82815 Graphics Controller with a VGA connection. My television is a Philips 32" HDTV Progressive Widescreen, about 2-3 years old. It is capable of displaying 480i,480p,720p, and 1080i. I was wanting to connect from my VGA port (as my card doesn't support DVI) to an HDMI port on my TV. The setup I tried was to connect a small VGA-DVI adapter to my computers VGA-out port, then run a DVI-HDMI cable into the adapter, then connect the HDMI plug on the other end of the cable to my HDMI-IN port on the TV. I did this, set the TV to HDMI and received no picture. I unplugged that setup and then plugged in my original PC monitor, and went back and forth trying every possible (I think anyways) resolution I could find under the Adapter menu to no avail. I do not have any resolutions available in the 700's range. It jumps straight from 640-480 to 800-600, and then to 1024-768. Hide modes is not check-marked. Is there any way for me to use this connection method without having to buy another graphics card or any other equipment? Any help at all on this subject would be endlessly appreciated!!

Specimen on February 16, 2008 3:19 PM

My computer has a geforce 8600gts video card with 2 dvi outputs and my tv is an lcd with a vga as well as hdmi inputs. My question is, would it be better to adapt from dvi to vga or dvi to hdmi, in order to drive my tv?

ronn88 on April 8, 2008 10:50 PM

i was wondering if i can get some help. my uncle he wants to connect his PC to his plasma screen tv. He has a Panasonic 50" 720P model No. TH-50PX80U. Here is a link of the tv which he has http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Televisions/VIERA-174;-Pl...

so I've been looking around and reading and came to this site. I have a question would i be able to connect his PC via VGA to RGB http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10235&cs... or this one

http://www.digitalconnection.com/Products/Cables/SCVM5R.asp

Thank you for taking you're time and reading this.

antoniomx2us on April 17, 2008 2:43 PM

i cant connect my pc to my hdtv i think i need a v chip code how can i fix it can you help me

deco on April 25, 2008 7:31 PM

Hi i ahve a problem know I have a samsung LCD TV & I conect it to my notebook but TV acreen is flashing ( on\off) evry 2-4 sec. can someone help me?

K Daddy on June 17, 2008 8:48 AM

Hi I read this article and followed the directions, using the VGA output on my computer to connect to my LG HD plasma, which has an RGB/DVI input. All I had to do was connect the two via a male-male VGA cable and put the TV in RGB mode and the computer desktop shows up.

It was working fine until I tried to record something on the TVs built in DVR, while the computer was on. The computer started "clicking" and then got hung up when I shut down and tried to reboot, saying there was boot disk error. When I unplugged the computer (both from the TV and electricity source), reconnected everything, and then rebooted about 10 minutes later, it worked fine.

However, the computer started clicking again and got hung up. I am concerned that I "did something" to my computer when the TV tried to record something. I think this may be the case because the PIP (picture in picture) window was showing up on the desktop screen when I put the TV in RGB mode and I couldnt get it to go away until I cancelled the recording attempt.

The other possiblity is that this is just a faulty computer as I bought it as a factory refurbished unit. I only bought the computer 20 days ago and should be able to return it. I really dont know what to do - it works fine most of the time but has done this clicking thing at least one other time since the first time. Like before, I had to shut everything down, disconnect the cables, and then reboot which is obviously a pain. I dont want to do any damage to my plasma.

Is it possible I did something to the computer by trying to send a signal through the RGB cable? Or is it more likely just a lemon computer????

thanks for any help,

K Daddy