Connecting a laptop to a TV via HDMI. How to connect a computer to a TV? Wired and wireless methods Which hdmi connector is best to connect a PC to?

How to connect a TV via HDMI?

Since the advent of technology for transmitting high-definition video and audio data, it has entered our lives everywhere. Today, watching a high-definition movie on a TV via an HDMI cable connected to a computer or other digital media will not surprise anyone. However, not everyone uses this technology yet. There are people who do not know how to use it and what they can connect the TV to via an HDMI cable.

Therefore, below we will discuss in detail how to connect a TV via HDMI to other digital devices, but first we will understand the types of HDMI cables.

How to choose an HDMI cable for connection

Currently, HDMI cables can be divided into expensive and cheap. Although, in fact, the production of an expensive or cheap cable does not differ qualitatively in almost any way. Therefore, to connect an HDMI cable to your TV, you should not choose on this basis.

Let's look at five types of HDMI cables:

1. Standard HDMI is absolutely universal for all types of devices and is always tested to transmit HD quality data.
2. Standard HDMI Ethernet, in addition to transmitting high-quality video and audio content, also provides two-way data transmission over the Internet. This function only works if both connected devices support this cable feature.
3. Automotive HDMI is used primarily to transfer data between the vehicle's on-board computer and any other digital media. Such a cable is tested by the manufacturer under very harsh conditions, which makes it resistant to vibration, heat, cold and other unpleasant things during vehicle operation.
4. High HDMI speed was designed for 3d, 4k and Deep Color data transmission quality. Since the amount of data in this format is too large, a cable was needed that was capable of transmitting it as quickly as possible.
5. High Speed ​​HDMI with Ethernet is the fastest cable developed, transmitting video and audio in maximum quality. This cable is very expensive and allows you to transfer data over the Internet in both directions at high speed.

You can read more about the types of HDMI cables in our article

How to connect an HDMI cable from TV to computer

Connecting a computer to a TV via an HDMI cable is not difficult these days. It is enough to connect both devices with a cable via HDMI connectors and enjoy movies and games on the big screen in HD quality.

However, if your computer or TV does not have an HDMI cable input, you can purchase a hybrid cable that has an HDMI plug on one end and a DVI plug on the other.

Also, if your TV has an input for “tulips”, then you must also find a hybrid cable for connection.

All modern widescreen TVs do not require additional drivers to see the picture on the big screen. However, you will have to configure the connection on your computer. To do this, you need to have the latest drivers for your video card, with which you can switch the image from the monitor to the TV.

How to connect consoles to your TV using an HDMI cable

Many people play console games on the big screen TV because it's convenient. To connect a set-top box to your TV, you can use different cables, but the best quality will be provided by an HDMI cable.

To connect the set-top box, you need a TV that supports 1080p quality. The cable is simply connected to the appropriate inputs on the set-top box and TV. Usually after this the TV detects the set-top box automatically. As a last resort, you can look at the settings on the website of the TV or set-top box manufacturer.

You can read more about connecting a PS3 console in our article.

Connecting other devices using an HDMI cable to your TV

You can connect a huge number of devices and devices to your TV via an HDMI cable. To do this, you just need the correct HDMI input on the device or a hybrid cable.

Using this method you can connect to your TV:

• Mobile phone with the required input or using a hybrid cable.
• Modem or router for Internet and television.
• A portable hard drive that contains movies.
• Players and other similar devices.
• A set-top box from the Internet or from a provider.
• Android OS devices.
• Laptops, ultrabooks, Chromebooks, netbooks and other types of computers.

You can also use various HDMI converters, which are easy to find in a hardware store. They usually have an HDMI input on one side and a USB input on the other. Some devices may require drivers.

If you need to connect a second monitor to your computer, but you don’t have one, then there is the option of using your laptop as a display for your PC. This process is carried out using only one cable and a little configuration of the operating system, but there is one very important note. Let's look at this in more detail.

Nowadays, most laptops are equipped with an HDMI-out connector, and it only allows you to output images, not receive them. Therefore, only models with HDMI-in are suitable for connection, of which there are very few on the market. To determine this information, refer to the laptop's instructions or the manufacturer's official website. If information about HDMI-in is not indicated anywhere, then the model is equipped with the first connector option, which is not suitable for our purpose.

To complete this process, you will need a working system unit, an HDMI cable and a laptop with an HDMI-in connector. All settings will be made on the PC. The user only needs to perform a few simple steps:

1. Take the HDMI cable and insert one side of it into the corresponding HDM-in connector on the laptop.
2. Connect the other side to a free HDMI connector on your computer.
3. If your computer does not have the required connector, you can use a special converter from VGA, DVI or Display Port to HDMI. They are described in detail in our article at the link below.



4. Now you should start the laptop. If the image is not transferred automatically, click on Fn+F4(on some laptop models, the button for switching between monitors may be changed). If there is no image, adjust the screens on your computer.



5. To do this, open "Start" and go to "Control Panel".



6. Select an option "Screen".



7. Go to section "Customizing Screen Settings".



8. If the screen was not detected, press "Find".



9. In the popup menu "Multiple Screens" select item "Expand these screens".

Now you can use your laptop as a second monitor for your computer.

Alternative connection option

There are special programs that allow you to control your computer remotely. Using them, you can connect your laptop to your computer via the Internet without using additional cables. One of the most popular programs is TeamViewer. After installation, you only need to create an account and connect. Read more about this in our article at the link below.

In addition, there are many more programs for remote access on the Internet. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the full list of representatives of this software in the articles at the links below.

Watching movies or YouTube videos, playing video games, and editing documents on a large display is much more enjoyable. Especially considering that in our era, liquid crystal TVs are gaining more and more popularity. Connecting a computer to such a screen will not require too much effort. Next, we will look at how to connect hdmi to a TV from a computer. To do this, you only need to make sure that the necessary outputs are present on the devices and use the most convenient method for this.

Benefits of connection

The larger the space and size of the workspace on the screen, the more convenient it is to view video files and the better the picture quality in gaming applications, as well as the more comfortable it is to work with office and graphics programs. A movie broadcast from a computer to a large screen will give you the opportunity to see the smallest details. Well, fans of active computer games will experience all the realism of the action taking place on a large TV matrix.

In fact, there are many positive aspects of using such a combination of devices. And most often they relate to creating comfortable working conditions or entertaining the owner.

Connecting the TV to a personal computer or laptop, it becomes possible to:

Nowadays, most users are interested in the ability to watch IPTV. After all, why spend money on cable TV or watch uncertain reception of an over-the-air signal, if you can watch your favorite TV channels for free from the official page of the television company? For this reason, the question increasingly arises: “how to connect a TV to a computer via an HDMI cable?”

Requirements, in which it is possible to connect a personal computer to a television screen:

The HDMI cable must be long enough. The assortment here is huge, it is even possible to find cables up to 20 meters in size. Often an LCD TV is placed on the wall. And therefore, for most users, when connecting an HDMI cable to a TV, this creates problems. Although there is a simple and convenient solution.

Look for a 90-degree HDMI adapter on sale, designed specifically for this purpose. The direction and shape of its bend can be different. For this reason, before purchasing this adapter, consider which side it will have an inlet and outlet on.

It may also be that the PC video adapter does not have an HDMI output. Look for it higher up on the panel coming from the motherboard, as the video card may be built into it. When such a port is not available anywhere, you will have to connect the PC to the TV in a different way. To do this, you need to find a DVI video output on your computer.

In this case, you will have to purchase an additional HDMI - DVI adapter. When connecting other types of devices, such as a camera, to the TV, they must have a mini-HDMI port. This also applies to tablets and other compact devices.

Naturally, a different cord is needed. For example, if the TV has only one HDMI port, but you need to connect many devices, such as a system unit, laptop, camera or other gadget. Then you need to buy an additional HDMI-switch. And using the included remote control, you can very conveniently change video sources.

You can save on such a device by purchasing an inexpensive model made in China. This option can cost up to 10 US dollars. It is possible to place an order directly from China. Although you will need to wait several weeks for delivery. Such devices work quite well and stably. But more expensive HDMI switches are suitable in situations where you need a high-quality Full HD or 3D video signal.

Connecting a TV as a monitor

Be careful! When connecting a PC, all devices must be de-energized, otherwise the HDMI interfaces may be damaged. And with this outcome, it will no longer be possible to view the video signal on TV, and in the worst case scenario, the video adapter or TV board will burn out.

As an example, consider the Samsung UE55F6500 TV model. Quite a popular example. Basically, the connection procedure is the same for both expensive and inexpensive products.

We connect the HDMI cable to a suitable socket on the computer. In this case, the monitor is connected to the video card using the DVI output.

Samsung UE55F6500 has 4 HDMI ports. We connect to one of them with a cable from the computer. We carefully control that the connections are quite tight. We launch the TV and PC and see what is happening on both screens.

Most likely, the following message will appear on the TV matrix:

• “Cable not connected”;
• “Weak signal or no signal”;
• Check the computer's video signal and cable connections.

This problem needs to be fixed. First, use the TV remote control to switch the signal source using the “Source” button, it should be located at the top of the remote control. A menu will appear in which you need to select an item called “External”, and then select HDMI and press the OK button located in the center.

If you have connected and configured everything correctly, the wallpaper on the Windows desktop will be displayed on the TV screen. If this does not happen, then the screen expansion parameters are probably set incorrectly.

In this case, you must use the “screen mirroring” mode. To find and use it, you need:

For television matrices operating at a resolution of 1920 by 1080, it is possible to set the resolution to 1280 by 720. However, in this state, the scale of icons, folders and files on the TV screen will become larger and it will not be so convenient to work. But if there is no way out, then click “OK” and use this option. In a similar way, you can fix the connection problem that has arisen.

If everything is done correctly, this procedure will take you about 10 minutes.

Possible difficulties

When connecting a PC to a TV, the following problems may occur:

1. When connecting a high-resolution screen, for example, “1920×1080”, the image on the monitor is distorted.
2. There is a picture on the monitor, but only the message “Cable not connected” is displayed on the TV.
3. There is an image on two screens, but the TV has no sound.

Incorrect permission problem

This problem may occur due to a mismatch between the TV video signal resolution settings and the parameters set on the monitor or laptop.

For example, there is an LG monitor operating with a resolution of 1366 by 768, and also a connected TV with a matrix that supports screen characteristics of 1920 by 1080. In this case, it will not be possible to get an ideal image on two devices at once. Here you need to decide what is more important at the moment. And set screen parameters that will correctly display the picture on the device of your choice.

Or purchase a monitor with the best characteristics that can support Full HD resolution. In this combination, an ideal image without distortion will appear on all screens at once.

There is no sound on the connected device

First reason

There are often cases when no sound appears after connecting a computer to an additional screen. It must be remembered that using an HDMI cable, not only video, but also an audio signal is output to the TV. And to watch 3D videos you need a 1.4 standard cord. However, most often this is a non-technical problem. Here the cause is incorrect configuration of the operating system. To eliminate it you need to do the following:

After such actions, an audio signal will appear.

The second reason

Another reason for audio unavailability is the lack of support for high-definition audio. To find out whether such a function is available on your computer, and whether it is currently enabled, you need to go to “Device Manager”. To do this, you need:

Third reason

When a TV has many HDMI ports, by default the first one designated must support digital audio transmission. Other HDMI jacks may need to be configured. It all depends on the TV model.

To establish sound reception on other ports, you should look for the necessary settings in the TV menu and set the required mode.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we should note the fact that connecting a computer to a TV is not difficult. To do this, you just need to purchase an HDMI cable of the required length and find HDMI sockets on the paired devices. However, technical difficulties generally occur quite rarely. In most cases, you just need to understand how to correctly configure the Windows 7 OS, as well as set the correct parameters in the TV menu.

But in that article we examined all possible connection methods, from the most ancient interfaces (VGA, tulips) to the most modern HDMI. But times are changing and today HDMI is the most advanced interface that is present in all modern TVs and which is used most often. Therefore, today we will dwell on this in more detail. Let's figure out the connection, as well as possible problems.

So, how to connect your TV to your computer via HDMI?

The first thing we need is to make sure that this interface exists on both devices - TV and computer (or laptop), it looks like this:

Prices for them vary greatly, both from the length of the cable itself and from the quality of workmanship (the material from which it is made, etc.). I took the cheapest 3.3 meter cable (price about $4) and it shows everything perfectly, even high-resolution files - it shows 1080p without any jambs. Now decide for yourself which cable to take. And of course, don’t forget about the length so that it’s not too short.

We connect this cable to the computer (laptop) and to the TV. As a rule, LCD TVs have several HDMI inputs - connect to any, there is not much difference. And on the TV we select the HDMI source. On Samsungs there is a separate HDMI button for this, or press SOURCE (other manufacturers should have something similar):

and select the desired source depending on which socket number you inserted into, and select that one:

Next, we'll look at setting up the computer.

If you connect your TV to your computer as the main monitor, then it should be automatically detected. If you connect your TV as an additional monitor, then most likely you will have to configure something. As a rule, there are no problems, everything is quite simple and quick to set up, the system is still more modern, but it doesn’t always work out so smoothly. But now let's try to figure it out for different versions of operating systems.

So, setup for Windows 7

Right-click on the desktop and select “Screen Resolution”:

The following window will appear:

And here, in the “Multiple Screens” field, select the mode you need. You can either duplicate the image on both the main and additional monitors (TV) or Expand, that is, in other words, enlarge the screen on the right side, or leave only one of the screens active. Here, select all the modes one by one and see what’s what. And after selecting the desired mode, click “Apply” for the changes to take effect, and then confirm your action again by clicking “Save Changes” in the pop-up window:

For laptops running Windows 7 it's even easier. To select the appropriate display mode, you just need to press the key combination Fn+F4 (perhaps in some models it will not be F4, but another button, the main thing is to make sure that something like a monitor is shown, as in the screenshot below, there may also be other symbols or slightly different picture):

After pressing these key combinations you will see the following window:

And alternately pressing F4, while holding Fn, select the desired mode.

This seems to have been sorted out. Here, in principle, no problems should arise, but with Windows XP, as I already said, everything is not so simple. Firstly, in the case of a laptop, XP simply does not understand the Fn+F4 key combination, I don’t know why, but I couldn’t make friends with these “hot” keys in Windows. Secondly, in the case of a computer, it is also not always possible to configure an additional screen (in our case, a TV) through the screen settings, so you have to get into even greater depths. But there are no hopeless situations, so now we’ll look at how to solve the problem of connecting a TV to a computer running Windows XP.

Setting up a connection for Windows XP

First, we try to configure the connection through the screen settings. Right-click on the desktop and select “Properties”, and then go to the “Options” tab:

And in this window, you can select your TV as the main screen by selecting screen 2 and checking the box next to “Use this device as the main” or you can Extend the desktop by selecting the appropriate option below. Then click “Apply”. And close this window. But, unfortunately, it is not always possible to configure the connection between the TV and the computer this way. And if nothing works out for you, move on.

If all of the above methods do not suit you, then the only option left is to configure the connection through the utility of your video card. And here, unfortunately, I won’t tell you a single recipe, since everyone has their own hardware, some have Intel, some have Nvidia, some have Radeon, some have a newer video card, some have an older one, Accordingly, these utilities will be different, but the principle is very similar, only the exact name will differ, but the general meaning will naturally be the same. I will show using Nvidia as an example, but I will repeat for others - all the steps are similar.

So, right-click on the desktop and select “NVIDIA Control Panel”:

And in the window that opens, click on the plus next to the “Display” item to expand the entire contents of the section and go to the “Installing multiple displays” item:

and in the right part of the window, select the desired mode and click “Apply”. If one of them does not work, choose another. As a rule, the "Clone" mode works without problems.

Well, that's all. I told everything I could. If you still can’t connect your TV to your computer via HDMI, then ask in the comments, I’ll try to give you some practical advice.

And that's all. I say goodbye to you. Good luck to all. And see you soon on the blog.

With respect, Roman

The topic of the conversation should rather have been called “How to connect a TV to a computer via HDMI.” Most beginners do the procedure incorrectly, asking questions that are difficult for a professional to answer. Let us remind you: HDMI is recognized as a high-performance digital interface for transmitting media content. Images, music, other entertainment content. It will be possible to listen to music from a TV or home theater. The HDMI port was invented as a high-performance means of transmitting information. Let's find out why the TV doesn't see HDMI and how to fix it.

Connecting a TV to a Computer HDMI

Correctly connecting the TV using HDMI

Home theater owners should know the truth - a digital media device has a playback source menu. The easiest way to illustrate the fact is with old stereo systems. Traditionally, devices had three blocks:

1. Cassette decks: recording, playback.
2. Radio broadcast reception.
3. Laser discs.

Moreover, the blocks refused to play melodies simultaneously. It was necessary to switch sections using a special lever. Even a modern telephone is often equipped with an FM button... Can you guess why the TV doesn’t see HDMI? Go ahead. The back of a TV typically contains half a dozen output jacks. Among the troops we will find a “tulip” formed by three petals, sometimes VGA puffs up, and certainly HDMI. Traditionally, the list is not limited to a meager list; see the instructions for more details. From the remote control, with the elusive press of a button (with only one HDMI port), you can select a source from the menu. The selection tool can be the Source key. You need to find a menu listing sources, select the cable connection port. There can be more than two HDMI connectors; it is important to track the correct number.

The computer usually avoids such tricks. There is no direct option to select the direction of signal transmission. However:

• On laptops, the function keys Fn+F3 (F4) will open a pop-up system menu listing interesting options:

1. Computer only. The image will not be sent to the external monitor (TV). Most people choose the named option. Don't be surprised that the TV can't see the laptop.
2. Duplicate. The laptop screen will be duplicated by the TV. This is what most people need.
3. Expand. Some people like to drag player and browser windows onto the TV, making it more convenient to watch movies. Let's be afraid to judge (tastes are individual), select the Expand option, lengthening the desktop.
4. Projector only. The laptop screen turns off. The image will be displayed individually on the TV.

• Desktop personal computers detect TV independently. Otherwise, take the trouble to visit the driver menu and select the required broadcast port.

It is easier to control a connected TV using the desktop context menu. First, right-click on the free space, select the Screen Resolution option. Successful TV detection makes the “Multiple Monitors” button available. You will see four options that are exactly the same as the laptop options. Read the values ​​above. It happens that the computer does not see the TV via HDMI: it makes sense to look here and look at the context menu. The monitors will be numbered; you can swap ports by simply clicking and selecting the object for changing system parameters.

There is no “Multiple Monitors” button in case of inconsistency: the system does not see the TV. Both devices must be turned on (230 volt power supply).

We connect the TV and computer with a cable

Pros say: it is possible to hot-connect a TV and computer via HDMI. Avoid risking expensive equipment; perform procedures in the absence of power. The first thing you need to do is turn on the TV. In normal mode, devices see each other. Problems mean there is a breakdown. Is hot plugging possible or not?

Here is the Wikipedia page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI, in the characteristics of the standard there is the phrase Hot Pluggable: Yes. Translating into Russian, we see the docking of the connectors with the power on. Want to play it safe? Russia is a place where dealers and manufacturers implement regulations selectively. It's a pity for the equipment - play it safe.

Which end should you start connecting the cable to? No difference.

Sound. Connecting a TV to a Computer HDMI

Since its creation by the committee (2002), the HDMI interface has been conceived as a combined solution for transmitting image and sound. See the available audio formats individually (Wikipedia page), we only note that in Windows you need to select the sound source. Now the TV is considered a system device, so these responsibilities can be assigned to it. To do this, it’s easier to right-click the lower right corner of the desktop (speaker icon) and select Playback devices in the context menu. If there is no icon in the lower right corner, you need to click the arrow to the right of the language selection symbol RU (EN), to the left of the clock. There will be a symbol there.

After clicking, a window will open: playback devices will be listed. You will need to turn off everything except the TV, and, on the contrary, turn on the TV. In 90% of cases, after a couple of seconds the native speakers of the plasma panel will sound. Do we want Sound Around? A similar speaker system comes with a home theater. Look through the device description. There are a number of ways to transfer sound from a TV to a home theater; any will do, taking into account the need to purchase the required cable. Similarly, using the Source button on the home theater control panel, select the desired sound source.

On the TV side, the procedure is often transparent, and the device’s own speakers are turned off. Then don't worry if the movie soundtrack is recorded in mono. Every self-respecting home theater has a splitter inside that easily splits the sound into channels of the Sound Around format.

FAQ: Connecting a TV to a Computer HDMI

• The TV does not see the HDMI cable. What to do?

We would venture a guess: the TV playback source is incorrectly specified. Check that the computer's Target signal is correct. For TV, use the remote control. Using the menu or the Source or Hdmi keys, ensure that the source exactly matches the socket where the wire is inserted. For example, if this is HDMI 3, then you need to put HDMI 3 in the menu. On the laptop side, use the function key Fn+F3 or F4 (it varies on different models) to select the Duplicate mode.

PC connection

Get comfortable first, then change as you see fit. A similar action is performed on a desktop computer, through the desktop context menu (the “Change resolution” column), both devices must be turned on.

• There is no sound on the TV through the HDMI cable, but there is an image, what should I do?

The audio stream output device of the personal computer is set incorrectly. Click the speaker icon (bottom right of the screen). Fix the problem by clicking Playback Devices. In the window that opens, turn off playback devices, excluding TV speakers. If necessary, also make the instance active (the line will turn green).

• The TV stopped seeing HDMI.

We would venture to guess that the breakdown was preceded by a change of equipment. A new video card has been installed. Seeing this outcome, the TV could reset its settings. Start over. The guidelines are provided above. Check the signal source and destination. Any parameters related to sound, image.

• The laptop does not see the TV via HDMI.

You need to choose the right TV signal output source. Switched on devices must see each other. There is information that cables of different versions of standards are incompatible with equipment. If v1.3 was present, the equipment worked; replacing v1.4 caused the picture to disappear. Sometimes setting up a video card requires adding a second monitor manually. Relevant for desktop computers.

You see: there are few reasons (the TV does not see HDMI). Mainly setting up equipment. Experts recommend installing new TV firmware, then turning off the device, pause for 5 minutes. It is permissible to reboot the product manually (the menu will help), for each model the exact sequence of actions is different: LG, Sony, Samsung - the device demonstrates its features. Proceed according to the instructions. Farewell advice. Be sure to try the TV ports one by one, changing the image source through the menu. There were cases where out of four HDMI sockets, the only one that worked, for example, the fourth one. If we watch films, it makes no difference, number 1, 2, 3...

Readers should understand that the Windows operating system is not perfect. To make the equipment work, you have to reboot the devices several times. It happens that pros ask why digital technology failed? The master shrugs his shoulders, says Windows - Must Die, Linux - well done. It’s difficult to say what the phrase means, but for some reason the difficulties on the forums relate specifically to a paid operating system, and not a freely distributed one. We see no point in discussing further.