What Type of Cable Do I Need to Hook From a Computer to a TV?
- Most computers have a VGA output port. If you do not know what this port looks like, it is a socket with rounded edges, containing 15 small holes, in three rows of five. Usually this port is located at the back or side of your computer. If you have a high-definition television, it will have a VGA input port. A VGA cable is required to connect the two ports, and can be purchased at an office supply store.
- A high definition multi-media interface cable, or HDMI, can also be used, and is also common on most computers and high definition television monitors. These look somewhat similar to VGA ports, but are thinner, and feature one row of ports for the connection pins. You will find a matching input HDMI port on your high-definition monitor.
- It is much easier to connect a computer to a high-definition television than it is to connect to a standard definition television; however, there are a two ways to do it: through an S-video port or a composite video port. Composite video ports are round and yellow. S-video ports are round and have seven round holes for pins. Unfortunately, many computers don't feature these ports. You can buy S-video and composite cables at consumer electronics stores. However, the display on your television will not be as sharp as it were if you were using a high-definition television.
- When you have acquired the right cable, you will need to change your television's input settings to match the types of cables and ports that you are using. This differs depending on the type of television that you have. Once you have selected the appropriate setting, a display that looks like your computer desktop will appear on the television screen. You can use your mouse as you normally would, and watch online videos and streaming movies through this larger monitor.
