How to hook up a TV Set to your computer

Iwan Gabovitch, via flickr

Need a bigger monitor or wanna experience your computer in a new way? Hooking it up to a TV Set can be the way and become your new computer monitor.

You’ll need
Port of the follow: S-Video, RCA, VGA, DVI, and HDMI
Video Card
TV Set
RCA for Audio
Writing tool
Paper

Optional
Air duster
Adapter for Macs
Converter boxes
Static Wrist Guard
DVI to HDMI
Surge protector

WARNING: Be sure you shut down and disconnect your computer from your power source when cleaning.

Step 1
Check if your computer has an additional port for a monitor. This can be Video Graphics Array connector in many older models, which many newer TV model may have. Many computer video cards would have a connecter for High-Definition Multimedia Interface or one for Digital Visual Interface. If your computer don’t seem have this, look up the computer’s manufacturing website on what video card is needed. Don’t stress about the cost, even a budget one would be enough. You can hire a professional, or repair yourself.

TIP: When installing video card, shut down and disconnect the computer. Wear a static wrist guard to protect from shock, and use and air duster to clean the inside. Upon reconnection and power-up, you might have to hit the F8 to continue the installation. Follow the instruction given to you.

Step 2
Shut down both the TV set and computer.

Step 3
Hook up the video. You have many options depending on the computer and TV set. Some sets have a Separate-Video. Some may have a VGA (blue) that you can hook up, while others may have either a DVI, HDMI, or both. Mac users might need an adapter for HDMI and/or DVI. For older TV model that don’t have any of the ports, you would want to pick up a converter box for this. For example, if you video connection is RCA only and the computer has HDMI, pick up an HDMI to RCA converter found at many consumer electronic stores or online. Same goes with DVI.

TIP: For coaxial TV set only, look into a PC to TV converter box. Have some surge protectors to connect the plug, but don’t overload. Only use what you and use cover designed for plugs on those you don’t. You also can go wireless, make sure you follow the instructions and the software that is provided to transfer the signals to the TV.

Step 4
Write down where you plugged in your cable from the computer to the TV set with anything writing tool and any paper. You’ll need this in case you have to check the ports.

Step 5
With the exception of HDMI, hook up the audio. Obtain a mini-RCA to audio jack. Plug the jack into the audio, usually the green port, the Red and White plug into the TV set you wrote where the video hook up is.

Step 6
Turn everything back on. You’re computer should recognizes your TV Set. If not, go to the video settings to the resolution on your TV if you still have the manual. On your TV set, press the source button or video input on your remote or TV itself until your computer shows up. Macs usually do this automatic. Your Mac doesn’t, go to the display setting detect display.

TIP: You might have to use the F4 or F8 in order to see the displays.

Step 7
Enjoy your viewing experience in a new way. Watch online video or play games like never before.

Did you know? RCA stands for the now-defect New York based company Radio Corporation of America. The company introduced the yellow composite video cable and the red/white stereophonic sound ports, meant to replace the phone connector for the audio system in the late 1940s. All of them are still in use today.