[Hidden-tech] laptop/tv connection

[Jeff Brand]

One video spec that Robert forgot was "DisplayPort". There are 
variations on that as well - one on the Mac (the variety he talked 
about) and the one used everywhere else.. There are different types of 
connectors in the non-Mac world as wel. For example, I bought this for 
my newer ThinkPad, while an older laptop used a different connector.

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10246&cs_id=1024603&p_id=9474&seq=1&format=2

It outputs to HDMI (pictured), which can be adapted to DVI. HDMI carries 
audio (depending on the laptop), while DVI will not. Practically any 
flatscreen sold since 2005 should support HDMI or VGA.

If you're using Windows, hit the <Windows Key>-P to access "Projector 
mode" which will give you the relevant display options. If your laptop 
has a good enough video chipset, you'll be able to extend the desktop to 
a second screen at full resolution and run the video at full screen. The 
display control panel will give you additional options if needed.


On 2/19/2015 1:15 PM, Robert Heller wrote:
>
>
> At Thu, 19 Feb 2015 10:21:23 -0500 Christine Polaczak <chris at cpdesignworks.com> wrote:
>
>> MIME-Version: 1.0
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Good morning, Hidden-Tech.
>>
>> 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
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> MIME-Version: 1.0
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Hidden-discuss mailing list - home page: http://www.hidden-tech.net
>> Hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net
>>
>> You are receiving this because you are on the Hidden-Tech Discussion list.
>> If you would like to change your list preferences, Go to the Members
>> page on the Hidden Tech Web site.
>> http://www.hidden-tech.net/members
>>
>>