Comments on: How To Output Video From A PC Or A Laptop To A TV

By: Alex Perkins

Alex Perkins — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 16:28:19 +0000

What about WIDI? Would that be used? Some laptops have it so you can plug an adapter into the tv, then connect the laptop to the adapter much like WIFI. Wireless display.

By: MerVzter Balacuit

MerVzter Balacuit — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 12:07:15 +0000

thanks for this article i just hope time come i could try this,, but as of now its lack of resources :) but its all good.. atleast im updated

By: rama moorthy

rama moorthy — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 04:28:14 +0000

nice article ..!

By: Ron Skinner

Ron Skinner — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 01:21:56 +0000

My laptop has a blue VGA port. I have an HDMI TV. It has been suggested to me that I get a double-ended VGA cable and a USB adaptor, to create a faux-HDMI port on my laptop.

That would mean that I would really be using a USB to HDMI connection and your comment on USB bandwidth says to me that I would not be happy watching YouTube and Netflix on such a connection.

So I’m wondering if there is such a thing as a VGA – HDMI cable.and if that would be the way for me to go.

Trying to navigate all this with my 72 year-old brain is a challenge. I’m so grateful for makeuseof.com and all the other forums and sites where there is real community and generosity.

Many thanks.

By: Oron

Oron — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:13:22 +0000

Yes, not a problem. VGA essentially provides the same composite signals required by the RCA connectors (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composite_video if you’re interested in more detail). You can easily get adapters between VGA, composite and SCART (which is basically a single-socket version of composite). These adapters are simply a matter of rewiring and have no electronic components.

By: TwooshVidisha

TwooshVidisha — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:04:26 +0000

Great tips, but what if you do not have a stunning, eye-popping big screen TV? Well, you can still enjoy your movies if the intended media is stored on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. You can output the video on a screen that is as large as up to 120?. You will also hear high-volume sound with built-in speakers with Bass Reflex and DSP on this home theater setup. Take a look at it how it works – http://www.mizwhiz.com/gadgets/gadgets-to-make-your-movie-viewing-experiences-at-home-grand-and-memorable.html

By: Irshaad Abdool

Irshaad Abdool — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:47:44 +0000

you sometimes need to use a ‘scan converter’ to connect your pc (VGA port) to your TV (composite). they are sold under “PC-to-Video” kits on ebay or amazon.

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:06:25 +0000

I do the same. It is very rare for laptops to have s-video outputs now, I’m lucky that one of mine does.

By: Doug Q

Doug Q — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 18:55:02 +0000

VGA To RCA adapter including cables

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VGA-to-TV-RCA-Composite-S-video-Converter-Box-for-PC-Laptop-/300665864287?pt=US_Video_Cables_Adapters&hash=item460115005f

By: Matt Smith

Matt Smith — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:40:17 +0000

VGA does not do audio so you will need to route a cable from the audio output (headphone jack) on your laptop to the input on your TV or home theater equipment. You are probably going to need an adapter for this, such as: http://www.computercablestore.com/35mm_to_RCA_Composite_catID571.aspx

By: Matt Smith

Matt Smith — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:38:29 +0000

Well codecs shouldn’t have anything to do with your television or the connection. You have to install the proper codecs on your PC. Try using VLC – maybe it will play the files. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/vlc-media-player-play/

By: Matt Smith

Matt Smith — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:36:55 +0000

I’ve never used that port before but from what I know of it, it’s not. Apple sold an adapter for ADC to DVI and it was damn expensive, $149 original retail IIRC.

By: Matt Smith

Matt Smith — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:33:11 +0000

Yes, I meant to say 15 feet long or longer.

By: Matt Smith

Matt Smith — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:32:40 +0000

Mac usually offer video out but only over a single port. Lately it’s been DisplayPort. I might be able to help you with more information about your Mac, or you could ask this question on MakeUseOf Answers http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/

By: Matt Smith

Matt Smith — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:30:39 +0000

Yes, this is a good point. Often times a video card will support sound over HDMI but Windows will neglect to use that feature automatically when you plug in the HDMI capable.