Steps

1. Review the computer's display settings to see if it is capable with using a TV as a monitor. If connecting an HD monitor or HDTV, skip ahead to Check the available connections at the computer for a monitor. The SD (Standard Definition) TV connection procedure continues below:
   1. Right click on your desktop and go to properties.
   2. Go to the settings tab, and click on advanced.
   3. Look through the tabs in the new window select options that pertain to using a TV display.
2. Check the available connections at the computer for a monitor. Most modern computers have a VGA connector but many newer types have HDMI or DVI connectors as well.
3. Check the available connections at the TV. Look for: 1) HDMI, 2) DVI, 3) VGA, or 4) S-VIDEO connectors.
4. Determine which connector types are present on both the computer and the TV. If more than one type is available, use those in the order presented below for ease of connection and to provide the best quality video.
   • If both have an HDMI port, buy an HDMI cable.
   • If both have a DVI port, buy a DVI cable.
   • If both have a VGA port, buy a VGA cable.
   • If both have an S-VIDEO port, buy an S-VIDEO cable.
5. Connect the TV to the computer. To view the images on the TV, one of these cables is all that is needed to carry the video from the computer to the TV. A separate cable will be needed to send the audio to the TV unless using an HDMI cable. Otherwise, the audio will play from the computer speakers as usual. Note the "name" of the input of the connector on the TV if labeled. Typical choices are AUX, GAME, INPUT 1, INPUT 2, etc.
6. Turn on the TV and select the appropriate input on the TV. Choose the input name assigned to the connector used in the previous step.
7. Go back to the display properties (on the computer) and adjust the image on the screen (center, height, width, etc. as needed.) If the the monitor wasn't disconnected to connect the TV, it will be necessary to select the new output source (likely MON 1 or MON 2) in the step below.
8. Enable the television option in the computer's display properties for a SDTV. The screen will go blank for a few seconds, and then the TV will show the computer desktop. If an HD monitor or HDTV is connected, it may already be displayed - if not, choose a different output device (monitor) until displaying on the TV.

Video

Tips

• It is not required to spend a great deal of money on cables for digital signals. "Monster Cables" are generally over kill. A 6' (2m) HDMI or DVI cables can be had for no more than $5 to $10 on the internet - anything more than that is a waste of money. The cheaper VGA cables however, can be problematic. VGA signals are analog, and the slightest degradation of signal begins to be visible on the display (the longer VGA cables and larger displays will show "ghosting" with the cheapest cables so be prepared to exchange the cable for a better quality type). Choose the cheapest thicker VGA cable for best results on short runs (6' or less) into 20+/- inch displays.
• If unsure about cable types, look up pictures on Google.
• HDMI cables will pass audio only if both the TV and computer have HDMI jacks, if the computer / video card sends audio information over the HDMI jack (some video cards do not) and no adapters are used. If a VGA or DVI cable or connector or adapter is used, the audio signals are stopped at that cable or connector. An HDMI cable connected directly to the devices with HDMI connectors must be used.
• It is possible to find adapters and cables to connect different types of connectors. Here are a few:

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