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How to Connect a PC to an HDMI TV
There’s a good chance that some day you’ll want to connect your computer to your big-screen TV to make it easier to share either photos you’ve taken or Internet video with guests. HDMI has become the standard type of high-definition connector found on modern TV sets, and many new computers include an HDMI output. The problem is that older computers don’t feature HDMI.
We’ll approach this problem with two assumptions: one, that you have a desktop computer; and two, that you have a notebook computer.
If you have a desktop computer that does not have an HDMI output, you can install a new graphics card that has an HDMI output. But things will get complicated if the new graphics card doesn’t have an output that matches your monitor (presumably VGA), in which case you’ll simply be swapping one problem for another. To avoid the problem, you’ll have to find a graphics card that has both HDMI and VGA outputs, and preferably an inexpensive one. Because if you set your sights on an expensive graphics card, and if you have to pay someone to install it, you might be better off just buying a new desktop system that already has an HDMI output.
Another way to connect an older desktop computer to the HDMI input of a TV is with an adapter. If your computer has just a VGA output you’ll need a VGA-to-HDM
I converter. This type of converter combines a VGA input and a stereo audio input into a single HDMI output that’s compatible with your HDTV set. To use this converter, you’ll need a male VGA to male VGA cable and an audio cable; either a male stereo mini to male RCA or a male RCA to male RCA, depending on the output of your sound card. Of course, you’ll also need an HDMI cable to connect the adapter to your HDTV. If your computer has a DVI output you’ll need a DVI-to-HDMI cable; either that or a DVI-to-HDMI adapter and a standard HDMI cable.
Your options are more limited if you have a notebook computer that doesn’t have an HDMI output because you can’t change the graphics card, and even if you could, you wouldn’t be able to add the HDMI output to the notebook’s chassis. So, your only options are to use a converter as discussed above, or to simply buy a new notebook computer.
Comments
You say "If your desktop has a dvi port you can get a dvi to hdmi cable".
Will that cable to visual and audio or only viual?
Haven't bought my desktop yet but across budget desktops I can't find many with HDMI port graphics so was wondering if I could use dvi to transfer HD content to my tv.
Hello Dave -
DVI carries the video signal only - so you would need to send the audio separately depending upon the audio inputs/outputs on your TV and PC (male stereo mini to male RCA or a male RCA to male RCA).
A DVI to HDMI cable should do the trick for you. Please feel free to e-mail us at: AskBH@BandH.com if you have additional questions.
The best guide i read so far. It makes the work much easier and good to understand. The problem of my pc is that I only have one VGA port and my LCD TV has a Dvi , a Hdmi , an audio input port and a 9 holes of IoIoI port( maybe it called VGA serial port) only at the back. May I know if I still can connect them both together and make a good picture and audio effect?
Thank you
Hello -
It sounds like your TV has a DB9 serial port input (RS-232C) which is used for control and calibration purposes. It is not a VGA input for video signals. You will need a VGA to HDMI converter (includes the 1/8" mini to mini audio cable) and an HDMI cable to make the connection.
A good overview of PC to TV cables here, thanks.
There are lot of ways you can enjoy your movies and television shows, and connecting you home PC to a large screen is one of the ways you can enjoy it while sitting in the confines of your own home or office. The HD technology has revolutionized entertainment, and connect your PC to an HDMI TV makes everything eye candy. There a few steps to follow to enjoy the unlimited potential of the HDMI TV’s.