How to Connect a PC to a TV Without a VGA Outlet
By Jacob Michael
Television screens are typically larger than computer monitors and connecting a PC to one gives the user more screen real estate. Many television sets have several types of video input ports that can be used, and some newer models feature a VGA input. A TV without a VGA input can be connected to a PC using an HDMI or S-Video interface. PCs that only have VGA outputs can be connected by attaching a converter to the VGA output cable.
Attach the VGA converter to the video cable, if applicable. Composite, HDMI, S-Video and component VGA converters are all available conversion interfaces.
Connect the video cable to the PC's rear panel port or video card.
Connect the other end of the cable to the TV.
Right-click on the desktop and click on "Screen Resolution" from the contextual menu to bring up the display window.
Click on the television set icon in the top panel. If the icon is missing, click on the "Detect" button to refresh the displays.
Click on the menu next to the "Multiple displays" entry and select "Extend these displays."
Turn on the television set and set the input channel to the interface port to which you have connected the PC. The television will now display video output from the PC.
References
Tips
- Selecting "Duplicate these displays" in Step 6 will mirror the PC monitor's display on the TV screen.
- USB to HDMI converter boxes are also available and connect to your PC's USB port to convert output for a TV's HDMI input port.
Writer Bio
Jacob Michael has been a freelance writer since 2010, with expertise in computers, cooking, travel and other topics. He holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and is pursuing a master's degree in American studies.