Post by Dil Bert on Nov 27, 2013 11:50:08 GMT
There are two basic ways to connect your computer to your TV: wired and wireless.
Wireless
TV with built-in wireless
If you have a 'smart TV' with built-in wireless, and you have connected it to your home network, you should then be able to search for the TV model and search terms such as 'play video from computer' to find what software you need to run on your computer to play video on the TV over wifi.
TV connected to device with wireless
If your TV is connected to a device connected to your home network, such as an Apple TV or PlayStation 3 or 4, you can search for the device and 'play video from computer' to find out how to get video to appear on the TV. An Apple TV is the best wireless way to get video from an iPhone or iPad to your TV.
TV connected to wireless dongle
There are some devices, such as the Chromecast, which exist to connect the HDMI port on a TV to a wireless network. Don't purchase a Chromecast without reading reviews first, it has some limitations and may not meet your needs. Chromecast may be the best wireless way to get video from an Android device to your TV.
Wired
The biggest challenge in setting up a wired connection is determining which ports your computer and TV have. It is OK if they don't have a port in common (i.e., both having HDMI ports). The important thing is knowing which device has which ports, so you can find the right cable and any adapters needed.
Some guides with pictures:
hookpctotv.com/ (looks very helpful in general; hasn't been updated for the new iOS devices with Lightning connectors)
www.bestbuy.com/site/Electronics-Promotions/Connect-Laptop-To-TV/pcmcat212600050003.c?id=pcmcat212600050003
windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/connect-your-computer-to-a-tv
Wireless
TV with built-in wireless
If you have a 'smart TV' with built-in wireless, and you have connected it to your home network, you should then be able to search for the TV model and search terms such as 'play video from computer' to find what software you need to run on your computer to play video on the TV over wifi.
TV connected to device with wireless
If your TV is connected to a device connected to your home network, such as an Apple TV or PlayStation 3 or 4, you can search for the device and 'play video from computer' to find out how to get video to appear on the TV. An Apple TV is the best wireless way to get video from an iPhone or iPad to your TV.
TV connected to wireless dongle
There are some devices, such as the Chromecast, which exist to connect the HDMI port on a TV to a wireless network. Don't purchase a Chromecast without reading reviews first, it has some limitations and may not meet your needs. Chromecast may be the best wireless way to get video from an Android device to your TV.
Wired
The biggest challenge in setting up a wired connection is determining which ports your computer and TV have. It is OK if they don't have a port in common (i.e., both having HDMI ports). The important thing is knowing which device has which ports, so you can find the right cable and any adapters needed.
Some guides with pictures:
hookpctotv.com/ (looks very helpful in general; hasn't been updated for the new iOS devices with Lightning connectors)
www.bestbuy.com/site/Electronics-Promotions/Connect-Laptop-To-TV/pcmcat212600050003.c?id=pcmcat212600050003
windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/connect-your-computer-to-a-tv