Computer technologies are constantly developing; new devices are being developed that improve the quality of information processing. Consider all the ways how to connect a laptop to a TV.
Why is the laptop connected to the TV? Main motives:
- displaying an image on a large screen;
- organization of presentations;
- communication via Skype and other similar services.
Let us dwell on the first point in detail. By connecting the laptop to the TV, the user will view video materials online and run files stored on the laptop’s hard drive. By and large, this is an imitation of the Smart TV functionality. At the same time, the cable is much cheaper than an Android set-top box or a “smart” TV.
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There are several ways to connect your laptop to your TV. It’s easy to do, but first, you need to familiarize yourself with the available interfaces.
HDMI cable connection
This is the easiest way to connect your laptop to your TV. However, it is inexpensive (from 150 rubles or more). Moreover, it is universal. That is, it is suitable for both Samsung equipment and devices from Sony.
Most 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.
Benefits:
- simple connection;
- low cost of the cable;
- one cord is responsible for the transmission of sound and image;
- Full HD resolution.
There are no disadvantages.
The cheapest models are an exception.
Now you should find a similar interface on the back of the TV. If there is no outlet for this cable, you will have to purchase adapters or use an alternative connection method.
There is no specific instruction. It is enough to plug the cable into the connector of the laptop and TV. However, not every user knows how to configure a connection properly. We figured out the hardware issues, so it’s time to move on to the software component.
To go to the section for managing screens on a 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 the method of using 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;
- cloning a picture – the same image on a laptop and TV;
- additional options – the functionality directly depends on the power of the video card.
The maximum indicator for the HDMI connection is 1920 x 1080 pixels. This means you can watch movies in Full HD.
As for setting up TV equipment directly, everything is much simpler here. First, open the software menu and select a signal source. This completes the connection setup.
DVI cable
Not much different from HDMI. DVI is a modern digital connector. The problem is that many computers have this output, but it is scarce on laptops. In such cases, you can connect the laptop to the TV using a DVI cable using an adapter.
Benefits:
- simple connection;
- Full HD resolution.
Disadvantages:
- rarely seen on laptops.
When a laptop is connected to a TV via a DVI cable, the user will be able to watch video content with a Full HD resolution – 1920 x 1080 pixels, in fact, as is the case with HDMI. The connection specifics do not change depending on the equipment manufacturer. That is, you can safely synchronize the Asus laptop and Sony TV.
Some modern devices are equipped with the updated digital interface Dual-Link DVI-I, which differs from the standard connector with an increased screen resolution – 2560×1600 pixels.
Scart
The main advantage of this digital interface is its versatility. The connector is found on both older models and newer ones. The scart output provides high-quality audio and video transmission, but this type of connection requires an adapter cable since laptops are not equipped with such a connector.
Benefits:
- versatility;
- the audio cord is included in the basic package;
Disadvantages:
- an adapter is required as laptops do not have this connector.
You can connect your laptop to your TV using VGA and Scart. Scart is mainly used to connect to older TVs. Therefore, if you have a new model, it is more advisable to prefer the HDMI connection.
VGA out
This interface is found on many laptops, but it is much less common on TVs. If there is still a VGA input on the back of the TV, then you can use the most ordinary 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 only transfers video signals. To transfer sound from a laptop to TV speakers, you will have to acquire an additional cable.
As for the resolution, the maximum parameter is 1600×1200.
Also, this type of screen switching is suitable for video games. After all, you can play with headphones, so there is no need to use an additional cable.
Therefore, to avoid watching movies on the tiny display, netbook owners connect the TV device using VGA. It is also desirable to transfer the sound to TV speakers since they are more powerful.
Benefits:
- a high resolution;
- ease of connection;
- the interface is on many laptops.
Disadvantages:
- a separate cord is required for sound transmission;
- not all TVs are equipped with a VGA interface.
Overall, HDMI is a more practical solution.
RCA and S-Video
Typically, these types of connections are equated to the same group because they are used extremely rarely.
Laptops with such outputs have been out of circulation for a long time. Therefore, connecting a laptop via RCA or S-Video is an extreme measure if there is simply no other option.
Benefits:
- found on older models.
Disadvantages:
- the technology is noticeably outdated;
- image quality is poor;
- there are no laptops with such interfaces.
The RCA connector is the well-known tulip used to connect the first game consoles and the first cassette video players to the TV. If you do not know how to watch a movie from a laptop on a TV that is more than 10 years old, then use an adapter.
Naturally, the RCA cable is not capable of high-quality images.
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Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection
How to connect the laptop to the TV without HDMI? By far, the most convenient and practical option is a wired or wireless internet connection. First, in the case of Wi-Fi, there is no need to purchase additional cords. You can also work with media files stored on your laptop directly from your TV (DLNA technology).
Benefits:
- in the case of Wi-Fi – no cords;
- high image quality;
- simultaneous broadcast of video and audio content;
Disadvantages:
- not all TVs are equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter and Ethernet input.
Even if the computer is located in another room, this will not be a problem. It is also necessary to pre-configure access to the folders that contain files for viewing. As a result, you can view photos, videos, and even listen to audio tracks.
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 the TV and laptop to the router. Then you can operate the device with a regular remote control.
Several manufacturers have developed special software for this purpose. For example, LG has the Smart Share utility pre-installed. Sony devices also have proprietary software – VAIO Media Server.
By 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.
However, if not, you can use a network cable. When choosing a module, do not forget that components from different manufacturers are not interchangeable. Accordingly, buy the adapter according to your TV equipment brand.
Just find the “Network” or “Network Settings” section in the main menu.
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How to connect the laptop to tv wirelessly: Using a wireless monitor
By connecting the cables to the appropriate connectors, you can use your TV for video games or online services without any problems.
The situation with wireless technologies is somewhat different. However, most Smart TVs released after 2013 support the new Intel WiDi or Miracast technology. It’s too early to use them for games anyway. The essence of the above technologies is that you can transfer an image from the screen of a laptop, smartphone, or tablet to a TV using a Wi-Fi connection.
However, there are several significant disadvantages. The key disadvantage is that the device connects with a delay.
For surfing the Internet, viewing photos or videos, the speed is more than enough. However, if we talk specifically about active games, then the delay is noticeable with the naked eye, resulting in minor lags. Therefore, gamers should still abandon a wireless monitor in favor of an HDMI connection.
The built-in technology support is not enough to use Miracast WiDi. The laptop must run on the latest generation Intel platform.
Setting up your TV and laptop
It is important not only to connect but also to set the optimal parameters for your TV and laptop. The setup process may differ slightly depending on which model you are talking about.
How to connect the laptop to tv: TV program setting
When all devices are connected with a cable, you need to make the appropriate settings. Activate it, after which you will immediately see the desktop of the laptop on the TV screen. Sometimes you have to adjust the connection manually, but there is nothing complicated about it. For example, select the VGA interface, go to the menu, and check the box next to the PC. For maximum convenience, some manufacturers mark all inputs with a special icon, by which you can easily identify the port.
Naturally, there are differences in setup since each TV has a special menu.
Laptop setup
Immediately after connecting, adjust the laptop to display the best possible image on the screen. This is extremely easy to do. There are two ways.
Fast option
Press the Win + P combination on the keyboard. A menu with active connections will open. Select the required option, and the changes will take effect. There are 4 modes for software configuration of connected devices:
- Display 1 screen – TV or laptop.
- Screen Expansion – Both displays function as a single desktop.
- Show only the TV screen On the laptop. The display turns off.
When connecting an additional monitor, the first option will be the preferred setting.
Method number
Right-click on a free area of the desktop, and then select the “Screen Resolution” section from the context menu. Suppose an additional screen is connected to the laptop. The “Multiple Displays” section and the “Connect to Projector” command will appear in the menu.
- The “Multiple Screens” command will offer the user 4 modes to use the connected devices.
- The Connect to Projector command will open a new menu for additional configuration.
These are the main ways to connect a laptop to a TV. The options described above are ideal for owners of regular TVs without Smart features. You can watch online video, terrestrial TV and listen to music.
Programmatic customization is optional but still desirable.
How to connect a laptop to a TV via Wi-Fi
You do not need to use HDMI or VGA cables to watch videos from your computer on Smart TV. It’s much easier to sync devices over a wireless network. Next, we will tell you how to connect a laptop to a TV via Wi-Fi.
We use the DNLA protocol.
DNLA is a networking standard that allows streaming media files over a single router. If, for example, you download a video and put it in a public folder, it will be available to devices on the network. To connect your TV to your laptop via Wi-Fi, you need the following:
- Router (model and characteristics do not matter).
- TV with a Wi-Fi module. You can verify its presence by going to the network settings (there should be a “wireless network” item).
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