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How to connect your computer to the TV with an HDMI cable

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: January 16, 2017
How to connect your computer to the TV with an HDMI cable

There are many ways to enjoy your favourite movies and TV series with a broadband connection to the Internet on your computer which you can get for a small amount of money or even for free. But to enjoy entertainment on the big screen in your living room you can connect a computer to your TV using a HDMI cable. In this OneHowTo.com article we will explain in detail how to connect your computer to the TV with an HDMI cable.

Steps to follow:
1

Nowadays there isn't usually a problem to connect the TV to a computer with an HDMI cable as most computers and TVs usually have HDMI ports and therefore you'll only have to purchase the connector cable that will fit both ports.

If your computer has an HDMI port, just connect an HDMI Cable with the correct length between the computer and the TV. The cable will be connected to the output of the video card, it will be a 15-pin VGA port or a DVI 29-pin. If you are lucky, there will be a second port right next to it, of either the DVI or VGA variety. In newer screens you can even find an HDMI port.

Once you have connected the HDMI to the television and computer, you'll need to select the "input source" on your TV screen, that means, from where it's recieving its data. On your remote control, find a button called "source" or "input".

How to connect your computer to the TV with an HDMI cable - Step 1
2

In the same way, it may be necessary to set up your computer resolution so that the image adapts to the size of your TV. Connect your computer and configure the new screen, select 'Control Panel' from the 'Start' menu. Double click the 'Display' icon and click the 'Settings' tab.

The manual for your HDMI TV will state what screen resolutions it supports, along with renewal fees. Set the resolution in the 'Settings' tab and then click the 'Advanced' button to set the refresh rate. If using the HDMI TV as a second monitor, you also need to configure the way it is used by Windows, according to the instructions for the video card. Most cards offer a 'Clone' mode or 'mirror', where both screens show the same content. Alternatively, the 'extended desktop' mode allows each monitor to work independently.

3

If there is no HDMI connection it will be a bit more complicated, but do not worry as we will succeed. If your computer only has a single video output that you use for something else, you may need to buy a new video card. Buy one with a DVI or HDMI output and install it in an available slot, according to the instructions included in it. If you want to use the VGA output in a single display or use a dual output card to control the HDMI display, special equipment will be necessary to convert VGA to HDMI format.

The price of the converter is almost the same price as a video card. In that case, it may be a good idea to update the card to obtain a DVI or HDMI port. However, if your chosen output port is DVI, a cheap DVI to HDMI cable can turn the computer signal into the correct HDMI input on the TV.

4

Connect the HDMI cable on your TV to your computer. Install the adapter for your computer, if necessary. Unless your computer has a HDMI output cable it must also be connected to the output of the sound card for HDMI cable or adapter, because HDMI transmits video and audio.

5

Restart the computer for the changes to take effect and get ready to enjoy the best resolution movies and series via your TV.

If you want to read similar articles to How to connect your computer to the TV with an HDMI cable, we recommend you visit our Computers category.

Tips
  • Now that the PC is connected to the HDMI TV, a mouse and a wireless keyboard would be appropriate as additions to the installation so that the equipment can be controlled from the couch.

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