[Hidden-tech] laptop/tv connection

[Robert Heller]

At Thu, 19 Feb 2015 10:21:23 -0500 Christine Polaczak <chris at cpdesignworks.com> wrote:

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> Good morning, Hidden-Tech.
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> How can I connect a laptop to a television for video viewing on that larger
> screen? What hardware/software is involved?

It depends on the laptop ("PC" or Mac) and the TV.  

Most current vintage TVs have a VGA input. Almost all "PC" laptops have a VGA
output. So in this case, you need a standard VGA cable (you can get this at 
Best Buy).  The VGA connection is a dense 15 pin connector with a shell that 
is wider on one side.

Mac laptops *never* have VGA output, but instead have one of *several*
Apple-specific connectors (varies by vintage and model). You will need an
adapter -- take your laptop to an Apple store (or maybe Best Buy) and get an
adapter (usually to VGA).

Note: in some cases it might be possible to get a computer to HDMI
adapter/cable, depending on what your laptop has for an output video
connection (maybe newer PC laptops have HDMI or DVI connectors and I believe
some Macs have HDMI or DVI connectors).

So much for the video.  For the audio, you need a double ended 3.5mm (1/8") 
stereo audio cable (Macs and PCs are the same here).  TV's with VGA connectors 
will also have a 3.5mm (1/8") audio input jack next to the VGA connector.  The 
laptop end just goes into the laptop's headphone jack.

As for software, whatever software will stream the video on your laptop's
screen. 

Mac's can be tricky about external monitor usage: some Mac laptops consider
the external monitor as a separate screen and some finagling is needed to get
the streaming video on the desired screen. PC laptops usually have a (blue) FN
(or Function) key and use some of the top row Fn keys to diddle with some
hardware settings, including where the video goes (internal screen, external
monitor, or both).


> 
> Thanks in advance for your help.
> 
> Chris
> 
> Christine Polaczak
> chris at cpdesignworks.com
> 413 539-3582
> 
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