Computer technology is constantly developing, new devices are being developed that improve the quality of information processing. It is not surprising that modern laptops are equipped with a huge number of different connectors. Let's look at all the ways to connect a laptop to a TV.
Why is a laptop connected to TV? Main motives:
- displaying images on a large screen;
- organization of presentations;
- communication via Skype and other similar services.
Let us dwell in detail on the first point. By connecting the laptop to the TV, the user will be able to watch videos online and run files stored on the laptop’s hard drive. By and large, this is an imitation of the functionality of Smart TV. At the same time, the cable is much cheaper than an Android set-top box or a smart TV.
There are several ways to connect a laptop to a TV. This is very easy to do, but first you need to familiarize yourself with the available interfaces. After connecting the connectors, additional configuration is carried out.
Connection via HDMI cable
This is the easiest way to connect a laptop to TV. The only catch is the presence of an HDMI cable; it is not included in the basic package, so you will have to buy an additional cable. However, it is inexpensive (from 150 rubles or more), and it is also universal, that is, it is suitable for both Samsung and Sony devices.
Mostly users prefer this type of connection not only because of its simplicity. The fact is that this method allows you to use the maximum resolution.
Advantages:
- All TVs and laptops are equipped with a connector;
- easy connection;
- low cable cost;
- one cord is responsible for transmitting sound and image;
- Full HD resolution.
There are no disadvantages.
HDMI connectors are found on absolutely all laptops that have been released over the past few years. The exception is the cheapest models.
Now you should find a similar interface on the back of the TV. If there is no outlet for this cable, then you will have to purchase additional adapters or use an alternative connection method.
There are no special instructions. Simply insert the cable into the connector of your laptop and TV. However, not every user knows how to properly configure the connection. We've sorted out the hardware aspects, so it's time to move on to the software component.
To go to the screen management section on the laptop, you need to right-click on the desktop, and then select “Screen resolution” from the context menu. As a result, a window will open in which you can select how to use the additional monitor. The system offers the following options:
- 2 screens as a single space, that is, the desktop will expand;
- TV serves as a second monitor, you can work and watch a movie at the same time;
- image cloning - the same image on the laptop and TV;
- additional options - functionality directly depends on the power of the video card.
In the same section, you set the video resolution for display on a TV monitor. The maximum value for HDMI connection is 1920x1080 pixels. This means that you will be able to watch movies in Full HD.
As for setting up TV equipment itself, everything is much simpler here. To begin, open the software menu and select a signal source. We choose among the proposed HDMI options with the number to which the cable is connected. This completes the connection setup.
DVI cable
Not much different from HDMI. The DVI interface is a modern digital connector. The problem is that this output is available on many computers, but is extremely rare on laptops. In such cases, you can connect the laptop to the TV using a DVI cable using an adapter.
Advantages:
- easy connection;
- Full HD resolution.
Flaws:
- Rarely found on laptops.
When connecting a laptop to a TV via a DVI cable, the user will be able to watch video content with Full HD resolution - 1920x1080 pixels, in fact, as is the case with HDMI. Connection specifics do not change depending on the equipment manufacturer. That is, you can easily synchronize an Asus laptop and a Sony TV.
Some modern devices are equipped with an updated Dual Link DVI-I digital interface, which differs from the standard connector in increased screen resolution - 2560x1600 pixels.
Despite the fact that this is a digital signal, the audio will still have to be connected separately.
How to connect a TV to a laptop if the laptop does not have an HDMI connector
In general, it is difficult to imagine a situation where a laptop does not have a single video interface connector that would allow connecting HDMI in an alternative way. But perhaps the HDMI output on the laptop simply does not work. Since all modern TVs have a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, and PCs have USB, which is universal, there are always other connection methods.
One of the adapter options. You can solve the problem by connecting the laptop to the TV wirelessly, either via DLNA or using various WiDi or Wi-Fi Direct. For DLNA you need to be on the same network, and for the other two, both devices need to support these technologies. The second interesting way is to connect a special USB-HDMI adapter. This is nothing more than an external video card with an HDMI connector. It’s quite a rare thing on the Russian market, but you can find the device on foreign online store sites. If you know interesting ways to connect a PC to a TV, you can share them in the comments.
Scart
The main advantage of this digital interface is its versatility. The connector is found on both older models and new ones. The Scart output provides high-quality audio and video transmission, however, to use this type of connection you need an adapter cable, because laptops are not equipped with such a connector.
Advantages:
- versatility;
- audio cord included in the basic package;
Flaws:
- An adapter is required since laptops are not equipped with such a connector.
You can connect your laptop to your TV using VGA and Scart. It should be noted that the audio cord for transmitting sound to the TV is included in the basic package. Scart is mainly used to connect older TV models. Therefore, if you have a new model, then it is more advisable to give preference to an HDMI connection.
What to do if your laptop cannot connect to your TV via HDMI
Yes, connection problems may arise, but they can and should be dealt with. Let's look at the two most common cases.
The laptop does not see the HDMI cable from the TV
This situation can arise in only two cases: a physical malfunction of the cable or connector and a problem with the video card drivers.
The cable also has its own strength limit, so it can be damaged. To figure out whether the wire from the laptop to the TV is really damaged, you can try connecting another one. You also need to make sure that the versions match and select the cable of the appropriate version. With the connector, everything is more complicated; it is quite difficult to determine whether it is really the problem at home. If only you try to switch the cable to another available connector. With a video card, everything is simpler - you just need to update the drivers or, conversely, roll them back to an older version.
TV can't see laptop via HDMI
There may be few reasons why the TV does not see the laptop via HDMI either. The first thing that comes to mind is an incorrectly installed signal source. On some models, with 2 or more connectors, you can get confused and choose the wrong one. It's worth checking that your choice is correct. There is also a possibility that HDMI may not work properly due to Smart TV. The situation is rare, but it does happen. It's worth trying to update the software. In all other cases, suspicion can only fall on a malfunction of the cable or the connector itself.
VGA output
This interface is found on many laptops, but is much less common on TVs. If there is still a VGA input on the back panel of the TV, then you can use the most common cable to the screen from a PC to connect.
If there is no connector, then to connect the laptop to the TV you will have to use adapters: VGA-HDMI, VGA-Scart or any other of your choice.
Another feature of this connection is that the VGA connector transmits exclusively video signals. To transfer sound from your laptop to your TV speakers, you will have to purchase an additional cable.
Mostly the VGA connection is used to view photos on a large LCD screen. As for resolution, the maximum parameter is 1600x1200.
This type of screen switching is also suitable for video games. After all, you can play with headphones, so there is no need to use an additional cable.
Sometimes this interface is found on netbooks, for example, on Asus Eee PC, Acer and others. Therefore, in order not to watch movies on a tiny display, netbook owners connect the device to the TV using VGA. It is also advisable to transfer the sound to TV speakers, since they are more powerful.
Advantages:
- a high resolution;
- ease of connection;
- The interface is available on many laptops.
Flaws:
- a separate cord is required for sound transmission;
- Not all TVs are equipped with a VGA interface.
Overall, HDMI is a more practical solution.
How to connect a laptop's HDMI output to an old TV
Since the standard is young, older TVs are not equipped with these connectors. Therefore, you will have to figure out what inputs the TV has, and, based on this, look for an adapter or adapter for HDMI. In fact, there are not so many connectors, and they all differ in the number of contacts and shape. But there are adapters for all of them. This is what the TV inputs might look like:
| Name | Photo | Description |
| SCART | SCART connector | A universal and old standard that can be found even on new TVs. Transmits both sound and video. |
| S-Video | S-Video connector | The standard divides the video into two parts and transmits it separately. Does not transmit sound and is becoming increasingly rare. |
| Component | Component connector | Divides video into three gradations, and audio into two channels. It still occurs today. |
| Composite | Composite connector | It transmits video over one cable, and the sound is divided into right and left channels. Used less and less. |
| VGA | VGA connector | Well-established interface for transmitting video to a PC. Doesn't transmit sound. By the way, if the laptop has an additional VGA, which is not uncommon, then an adapter will not be required. |
| DVI | DVI connector | Gradually becoming obsolete standard. Only transmits video. |
Now you can determine which type of connector is installed on your old TV and select the appropriate adapter or adapter.
RCA and S-Video
As a rule, these connection types are equated to the same group due to the fact that they are used extremely rarely. RCA and S-Video interfaces are a relic of the past, so they are often found on older equipment.
Laptops with such outputs have been out of circulation for quite some time. Therefore, connecting a laptop via RCA or S-Video is a last resort, in case there is simply no other option. To connect a TV to a laptop using these interfaces, special adapters and converters are used.
Advantages:
- found on older models.
Flaws:
- the technology is noticeably outdated;
- image quality leaves much to be desired;
- There are no laptops with such interfaces.
The RCA connector is the well-known tulips with which the first game consoles and the first video cassette players were connected to the TV. If you don't know how to watch a movie from a laptop on a TV that's over 10 years old, then use an adapter. The tulips are inserted into the TV panel, and the converter into the laptop connector.
Naturally, an RCA cable is not capable of transmitting high-quality images. In this regard, this option is used exclusively in desperate situations.
Connection via Wi-Fi or Ethernet
How to connect a laptop to a TV without HDMI? Of course, the most convenient and practical option is a wired or wireless Internet connection. Firstly, with Wi-Fi there is no need to purchase additional cords. Secondly, you can work with media files stored on the laptop directly from the TV (DLNA technology).
Advantages:
- in the case of Wi-Fi – no cords;
- high image quality;
- simultaneous broadcast of video and audio content;
- practicality.
Flaws:
- Not all TVs are equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter and an Ethernet input.
Even if the computer is located in another room, this will not be a problem. The main thing is that it is turned on. You must also first configure access to the folders that contain files to be viewed. As a result, you will be able to view photos, videos and even listen to audio tracks. This connection is especially important if you previously purchased a speaker system.
To transform a regular TV into a Smart TV, you need to use a Wi-Fi router, which will actually act as an intermediary. Connect your TV and laptop to the router, after which you can control the device with a regular remote control. Moreover, the TV can be connected to the router via a network cable, and the laptop via Wi-Fi and vice versa.
Some manufacturers have developed special software for these purposes. For example, LG has Smart Share utility pre-installed. Connection to Samsung Smart TV is carried out through the AllShare program. Sony devices also have proprietary software - VAIO Media Server.
Using this principle, you can connect a netbook to a TV and even a smartphone. The main thing is that the device has a built-in wireless network module.
Not all TV models are equipped with Wi-Fi. However, if it is not there, you can use a network cable. If there is no Ethernet input, you can buy an external Wi-Fi adapter. When choosing a module, do not forget that components from different manufacturers are not interchangeable. Accordingly, buy an adapter according to the brand of television equipment.
The TV is connected to the router according to the same principle as any other devices. Just find the “Network” or “Network Settings” section in the main menu. Select your network, enter your password and you're done.
Connection methods
Methods for connecting a laptop to a TV are divided into two categories: wired and wireless. In each of these categories, there are several types of connection, differing from each other in the type of multimedia interface used.
In order to choose the appropriate method, inspect your devices. Each of them has slots for connecting peripheral devices. Next to each connector there are abbreviations indicating the type of input interface. Depending on what slots your device has: HDMI, DVI, SCART, VGA or RCA, the type of connection is determined.
Before connecting your laptop to your TV via wired methods, it is recommended that you turn off both devices and unplug them.
Via HDMI cable
This method involves transmitting video in high resolution, including FullHD. At the same time, the transmission of not only visuals, but also audio is supported. This means that the sounds will be played through the speakers of the TV, not the laptop.
To connect a laptop to a TV via HDMI you need to:
- Connect the cable to the HDMI port on the laptop (there is an HDMI mark next to the connector you need).
- Connect the other end of the wire to the corresponding connector on the TV (this port is also marked with the HDMI icon).
- Connect the devices to the power source.
- Make signal settings.
The laptop can be connected to the TV via an HDMI cable
DVI
DVI is a digital interface that provides high quality image transmission. However, sound transmission is possible forever. This parameter is determined by the capabilities of the video card. If it supports the transmission of audio signals, then a “DVI-D – HDMI” cord will be sufficient for connection (this type of wire can connect both devices, since modern TVs do not use DVI connectors, which means an HDMI interface is required for connection).
If not, then you will need an additional analog cable “RCA - Jack” to transmit audio to the TV. However, you can skip this step and listen to audio tracks through the laptop speakers.
In order to connect devices in this way you need:
- Insert the DVI plug into the corresponding connector on the laptop.
- Insert the HDMI plug into the corresponding slot on the TV.
- Connect devices to the network and turn them on.
- Configure signal transmission on both devices.
Scart
Connecting via the Scart interface is a universal option, since this connector is present on most TV models, regardless of generation. Please note that laptops do not have the same connector, so you will need a VGA to SCART adapter cord.
A universal option for connecting a laptop via the Scart interface
To connect a laptop to a TV via Scart you need to:
- Connect the VGA plug to the corresponding connector on the laptop.
- Insert the SCART plug into a similar slot on the TV panel.
- Connect devices to the network.
- Set up image transfer.
VGA output
This is an analog interface. It is not capable of providing a clear picture, therefore, unlike HDMI, it is not suitable for watching HD video, and also does not transmit sound.
To connect devices, connect them together with a VGA cable, placing the plug in the appropriate connectors.
RCA and S-Video
RCA is one of the earliest interfaces. It does not have high quality of the transmitted image. In addition, it is no longer found in modern models of equipment, so to establish a connection using this method, you will need an adapter. In contrast, the S-Video interface has better signal quality. It is found in electronics of any generation and serves both to connect to cable television and to transfer data between devices.
RCA and S-Video are found in electronics of any generation
To establish a connection this way you will need:
- Connect one end of the S-Video to S-Video cable to the laptop.
- Connect the other end of the cord to the TV.
- Connect devices to the network.
- Perform connection settings.
Wi-Fi or Ethernet
One of the most convenient methods, as it allows you to connect your laptop to your TV wirelessly. But it is important to note that to implement this type of connection, the TV must have a Wi-Fi module. In this case, both devices must be connected to the same network (router).
Please note that many TV companies have developed special programs for Windows. For example, SmartShare for LG. Such applications allow you to create common (for several gadgets) folders, store files in them and configure access, thereby facilitating the synchronization process for the user.
To connect a laptop to a TV via wifi you need to:
- Enable Wi-Fi on both devices.
- Create a new folder and place in it the files that you are going to output to the TV (video, music, documents, etc.).
- Set up access to information located on the laptop (set up DLNA). To do this, right-click on the content folder. In the menu that opens, select the “Properties” line, then “Access”. Check the “Share” box.
Connecting a laptop to a TV via wifi
- Go to Windows Explorer and open the page called “Network”. If the message “File sharing is disabled” appears, click on it and remove the restrictions, following the prompts on the screen. If there is no such message, then there is no need to make additional settings.
- On the TV, open the folder intended for viewing files from connected devices (via the “Menu” or “Home” button).
- To play the movie, right-click on the video file and select “Play on ___(TV name).” Or open the desired file.
Using a wireless monitor
Wireless monitor technology, or Miracast, allows you to display on the TV screen not only those files that are stored in the computer’s memory, but also those that are played online through a web browser. Please note that the option is only available on devices that support WiDi/Miracast. For all other gadgets, you will need an appropriate adapter that connects to the HDMI connector of your TV.
How to connect a wireless monitor:
- Install the Intel Wireless Display program on your laptop.
- On your TV, go to the “Network” section and activate WiDi/Miracast.
- Open the desktop program and start broadcasting.
Connecting a wireless monitor
Using a wireless monitor
By connecting the cables to the appropriate connectors, you can use the TV for video games or online services without any problems.
With wireless technologies the situation is somewhat different. However, most Smart TV models released later than 2013 support the new Intel WiDi or Miracast technology. It’s still too early to use them for games. The essence of the above technologies is that you can transfer images from the screen of a laptop, smartphone or tablet to a TV using a Wi-Fi connection.
However, there are several significant drawbacks. The key disadvantage is that the device connects with a delay. According to technological fundamentals, the image is compressed and transmitted to the TV screen via a wireless connection.
The transfer of information is carried out quite quickly. For Internet surfing, viewing photos or videos, the speed is more than enough. However, if we talk specifically about active games, the delay is noticeable to the naked eye, as a result of which minor lags occur. Therefore, gamers should still abandon a wireless monitor in favor of an HDMI connection.
To use Miracast WiDi, the built-in technology support is not enough. It is important that the laptop runs on the latest generation Intel platform. There is no support for other platforms.
Setting up a TV and laptop
It is important not only to connect, but also to set the optimal parameters for the TV and laptop. The setup process may vary slightly depending on which model you are talking about.
TV software setup
When all devices are connected via cable, it is necessary to make the appropriate settings. To begin, open the main menu of the TV and select the input through which the laptop was connected.
For some models, immediately after connecting the cable, the name of the input to which the device was actually connected appears. Activate it, after which you will immediately see the laptop desktop on your TV screen.
Sometimes you have to adjust the connection manually, but there is nothing complicated about it. For example, to select the VGA interface, go to the menu and check the box next to PC. For maximum convenience, some manufacturers mark absolutely all inputs with a special icon, by which you can identify the port without unnecessary difficulties.
Many models are equipped with backlighting for active connectors; again, this makes it much easier to find the active synchronization method. Naturally, there are differences in the settings, since each TV has a special menu.
Laptop setup
Immediately after connecting, configure the laptop in such a way as to display the highest quality image on the screen. This is incredibly easy to do. There are two ways.
Quick option
Press the Win + P combination on your keyboard. A menu with active connections will open. Select the required option, after which the changes will take effect. There are 4 modes for software configuration of connected devices:
- Display 1 screen – TV or laptop.
- Screen duplication – identical information is displayed on both displays.
- Screen extension – both displays function as a single desktop.
- Show only the TV screen; on the laptop the display turns off.
The choice of method is carried out in accordance with the objectives. When connecting an additional monitor, the first option will be preferable for setup.
Method No. 2
Click on a free area of the desktop RMB, and then select the “Screen resolution” section from the context menu. If an additional screen is connected to the laptop, the “Multiple Screens” section will appear in the menu, as well as the “Connect to a Projector” command.
- The “Multiple Screens” command will offer the user 4 modes for using connected devices.
- The Connect to Projector command will open a new menu for additional settings.
These are the main ways to connect a laptop to TV. The options described above are ideal for owners of regular TVs without Smart functions. In principle, if you use HDMI or any other cable, the capabilities are automatically equal to Smart T. You will be able to watch online videos, over-the-air television and listen to music.
Software configuration is not a prerequisite, but it is still desirable.
