Most modern television sets have a variety of connectivity options for hooking up the set to different types of audio-video equipment, including a personal computer or laptop. This means you can use your TV as a monitor for your computer. Follow these strategies, and you'll be set up for using your TV as a monitor in just a few minutes.
The widescreen experience with a computer
If you have a large, high-definition television, you can enjoy multimedia presentations, web surfing and online gaming, all of which can also be channeled through a sourround-sound system powered by a separate amplifier for a truly immersive entertainment experience. Before heading to the electornics store, you'll want to check the connections on the back of your TV and computer or laptop so you can buy the right cable and connectors. You might also need an adapter for a TV to computer hookup, depending on the age of your set.
The easiest connection to make is with an HDMI cable and plugs. This looks a lot like the cable you would use to attach a printer to a computer -- it's a multiwire plug with two screw bolts on either side to attach the plug firmly to your computer. HDMI jacks are standard on new hi-def TV sets. If you have an S-video jack on your computer, use this type of cable for the connection to your TV. If you have only RCA jacks on your computer, you'll need an adapter cable to convert from RCA plugs to S-video or HDMI. Your electronics retailer should stock what you need.
Getting it together
You might find it easier to connect a laptop to your TV than to move a personal computer to the TV or vice versa. Wireless adapters are available if you want to spend the money. A portable folding table to hold the laptop is also useful, plus a chair so you can work without being hunched over.
After you've made all the connections, make sure you set the TV to the correct video input. Press the input button on your TV or remote until you see your computer's signal.
Don't expect hi-def monitor quality unless you've got a hi-def set
Unless you have a high-definition television monitor, the image on the TV from your computer or laptop probavbly will not be as good as the image on your computer monitor. Older TVs, especially the tube-type ananlog models, produce a lower-resolution image and so the picture you will see will not be as detailed and vibrant as you are used to with a computer monitor.
Tags: your computer, computer laptop, computer monitor, high-definition television, need adapter, personal computer, sets have