How to Connect a Computer to a TV

One way to show digital pictures and video to friends and family is for all to huddle around the home computer screen. Alternatively, you can connect the computer to a television and send the images to the TV. Technology also exists to network a TV and a computer in the other direction, so that you can watch television programs on your laptop or PC. Each method involves pros and cons including some setup challenges.

Now that you’re armed with all of the information you need for your TV-computer hook-up. Here comes the fun part. If you have a relatively new flat screen TV, just plug in the cable to each respective spot, and then change the input to reflect what spot it is on your TV. For example, if you were changing the input from live TV to a DVD, you’d have to select another option on your screen. Well, when you connect your computer to your TV, another input option will appear. The names of these options are different for almost every TV, but your TV’s manual will help, as will a quick Google search!

Earlier I mentioned that you can hook up an old computer to your TV and use it as a home theatre. This is easy to set up and even some of the oldest computers can handle playing a video no problem. If you’re interested in this sort of thing, check out XBMC. They make free software that looks and works incredible!