It seems like as computer screens keep on getting smaller, television screens just keep on getting bigger and bigger.  By connecting your laptop to your television you would be able to watch your favorite shows by using Hulu, Boxee, and YouTube.  I bet you probably think that it’s the hardest thing to do.  Wrong.  We can show you how to connect your laptop to your television in five simple steps. 

STEP 1

Check your laptop and television to determine what type of video connections they allow.  Depending on the age of your laptop and television will depend on the connection you use.  Older models of laptops and televisions will only support S-video while newer models will support VGA, DVI, or DVI-to-HDMI allowing a better picture quality.

STEP 2

S-Video
For users with older laptops and televisions only have the option of using a S-video hookup.  This option is okay to use, but will only give you a 480i resolution (4 or 7 pins).

VGA
Older HDTVs will support a connection using a VGA hookup which is a better picture quality than S-video connection.  Find the trapezoid shape connection slots on both devices and connect the cable to both (15 pins usually blue).  For audio support use a VGA with 3.5MM cable.

 
 
 
 
DVI-to-HDMI
If your television is not DVI friendly use a DVI-to-HDMI cable to connect the two devices for the best picture quality (Can support 1080p depending on the video card in your laptop). For audio support use a HDMI to DVI with 3.5MM cable.

 
 
 
 

HDMI
If your laptop is hot off the factory line you have the capability of having an HDMI connection.  This connection will allow a crisp image display and will support audio transmission all in one cable. 

STEP 3

If the cable connection you are using does not come with a built-in audio support connection, then you will need to use a seperate audio cable.  The best one to use is a 3.5MM stereo plug to 2 RCA cable, by placing the 3.5MM plug into the speaker (headphones) port on your laptop and the 2 RCA plugs in the corresponding audio ports on the television.

STEP 4

Now turn on your television and your laptop.  Use your remote to change your television video options to find your laptop.

STEP 5

If your laptop does not auto-detect your television then you will need to press two keys on your laptop keyboard to receive a picture image.  Press and hold the Fn key (Function Key) and press the F8 (the key should read “CRT/LCD”).  Your laptop should appear on your television.  If this option doesn’t work you need to change some settings on your laptop (See Step 5a).

STEP 5a

To change your computer’s settings you will need to click on the “Control Panel” folder on your laptop.  Then click on “Personalize” and then click on “Display Settings”.  Click on the 2^nd monitor to check the attached command.  Make sure there is a check mark beside of the option “Extend the desktop onto this monitor.”

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If you prefer a HDMI connection for that crisp image, but your laptop does not support HDMI or DVI then you can purchase a converter to obtain the HDMI feel.  Having your laptop connected to your television just adds another device to have connected, not to mention the cable box and DVD player.  You might want to consider setting up a switch or a splitter to connect all your devices together to one television or display on multiple televisions.  Read more about the differences of a switch and splitter in a future article.