Short & Simple
If your computer and your HDTV have HDMI connectors, that single cable will connect both video and sound. Add a Loop pointer and you are ready to go.
There are three main areas to consider when connecting a PC or Mac to a TV:
1) Video 2) Audio 3) Remote Control
This guide focuses on good quality connections to wide-screen, flat panel high-definition TVs. For years this has been the standard for new TVs, and newer HDTVs are well suited for computers. This guide does not offer details for connecting older TVs with 4:3 screen formats and standard definition images. These displays are not suitable for reading text and other fine images common on your computer and can be a frustrating experience.
Video
HDMI
For best quality and easiest connection use HDMI cables if your computer and HDTV both have the HDMI connectors. Nearly all recent HDTVs have multiple HDMI inputs. Many new desktop and laptop PCs now come with HDMI outputs. Macs do not at this time. You can also find video cards for PCs and Macs with HDMI outputs. HDMI connections give you a digital signal from the computer to the HDTV and importantly also includes the sound signals, so no other cabling required in most cases. (Some TVs don't support sound over HDMI, so check the TV manual or try adding an audio cable if you have a picture without sound.)
Component
Component cables provide the best quality analog signals between your computer and HDTV. Component cabling can support HD resolutions if your computer supports them. These are three cables color coded with red, green and blue markings. Component cabling does not carry audio signals so you need separate audio cabling. It is uncommon for computers to carry component outputs, but they are common inputs on HDTVs. Note: There are adapters and cables to connect DVI to component connectors. However, computer DVI systems typically output RGB signals instead of the Y/Pb/Pr format used in TVs. For this reason we do not recommend any DVI to component solutions unless you are certain your video card supports the right format.
VGA
VGA cables provide analog video signals from your computer to your HDTV. VGA is a very common output on PCs and is found on a variety of HDTVs as well. You may find that the VGA support on your TV does not extend to HD resolutions when using VGA input. VGA cables do not carry audio, so you need separate cables for audio. There is a wide variety of adaptor cables and converter boxes available for VGA.
S-video
S-video is an analog video signal that is lower quality than HDMI, component or VGA cabling. It uses a single connector with multiple internal pins. S-video cannot support HD resolutions. S-video does not carry audio. This is not a recommended solution. Note that some video cards use a S-video connector for a breakout cable. Check the documentation regarding your specific video card.
Composite
Composite video is the lowest quality analog cabling and uses a single connector colored yellow. Composite video does not support HD resolutions and does not carry audio, but composite cables are often connected with with stereo audio cables (red and white). This is not a recommended solution.
Audio
Connecting sound from your computer to your HDTV is typically straightforward if your sound is played through speakers in the TV. If you have a different sound system, such as a multi-speaker home theater sound system, you may need to connect your computer audio out to an open audio-in connector on your sound amplifier. Note too that when you change the video input on your HDTV to the computer, you may need to change the audio source on your amplifier as well. Some HDTVs provide audio passthrough so your audio will switch when you change your video input.
HDMI
HDMI cables include digital audio signals with the video signals in a single cable. Often a one cable solution works. Some TVs don't support sound over HDMI, so check the TV manual or try adding an audio cable if you have a picture without sound.
Optical
Optical audio cables (also known as TOSLINK) provide a digital signal from your computer to your HDTV. The audio signal is known as the S/PDIF standard. Optical connections carry the highest level audio standard that PCs and Macs typically support, including 5.1 Digital when available. These cables transmit a red laser light from along a fiber optical cable. Many Macintosh laptops and desktops have an optical output embedded in the headphone connector. In this case you will need a mini-TOSLINK cable or adapter.
Coax
A digital coax audio connection also provides a digital signal from your computer and can carry the highest levels of audio that your computer supports. The color coding for these connectors is orange. The audio signal is also the S/PDIF standard.
Stereo
Stereo audio cables connect an analog sound signal for left and right channels from your computer to your TV. Connectors are often RCA style coax colored red (right channel) and white (left channel or mono). Most computers use a 3.5mm mini stereo connector that carries both channels.
After connecting your computer's audio output to your HDTV or home theatre amplifier, you should check your computer's audio settings. Be sure the sound is not set to mute and set the volume level to a level high enough for your TV system, typically around 80%. Setting it to 100% could cause distortion and is typically unnecessary.
Remote Control
Often the goal of connecting your computer to your HDTV is to enjoy Internet content in a traditional TV situation like a family room. While computers, mice and web pages are designed for a user only 2 or 3 feet away, viewing on TV is more likely to be from 6 feet, 10 feet or more. The Loop pointer is the only in-air remote designed for this purpose while preserving the 4 button simplicity of a traditional desktop mouse. With the patented Freespace® technology from Hillcrest Labs, the Loop pointer is built for casual use from across the room. With Freespace, you do not need to point directly at the screen, or even hold the pointer carefully right side up - when you gesture to the left, the cursor moves to the left. You don't need to learn precise pointing skills because the software compensates for natural hand tremor and keeps the cursor steady on the screen. There are no issues regarding placement or infrared pick up sensors because the Loop pointer and antenna connect via radio frequency. You can put your computer quietly behind a closed cabinet door and still control your system from as far away as 30 feet.
Alternatively people use traditional mouse accessories for computers. While some people find cables a workable situation in their setting, often a wireless solution is more appropriate. Many computers have Bluetooth wireless connectivity built-in and there are a wide variety of mouse controllers for Bluetooth. This connection does not necessarily have the range necessary for bigger rooms, depending on the computer and mouse design specifics. Also, you will generally want a flat surface at your chair or couch to use the mouse. A hybrid approach for this application is the Logitech MX-Air Mouse which works both as a traditional desktop mouse and as a pointer remote. It also uses Freespace technology for advanced control.
In both cases you may want to complement your remote pointer with a keyboard. We recommend trying the on-screen keyboards available in Windows and Mac OS for occasional text entry, which avoids the need for a physical keyboard entirely. When using a PC or Mac to watch TV programs and other video, text entry is normally limited to search terms and other short entries. If you decide to add a keyboard, wireless models are convenient. Again there are many to choose between, although we do like the small Logitech diNovo Mini. Note that you will need 2 free USB ports to handle both a wireless keyboard and the Loop pointer unless your keyboard is Bluetooth based and your computer has Bluetooth built-in.
Further Details & Troubleshooting
Setting the Resolution
Your computer can output a variety of resolutions, and you generally should select the one closest to the TV's native resolution. Many TVs are capable of several different resolutions (780p, 1080i, see below). Try a few combinations until you find the TV and computer resolutions that combine for the best picture.
- To set resolution for a Windows PC, open the Control Panel and select Display, or right-click on the desktop and select Properties. Advanced video cards may come with their own setup applications. Consult the manual for your video card in that case.
- To set resolution for Mac OS X, open System Preferences and select the Displays pane. Select among the resolutions available, or use Advanced and select Detect Displays.
Common TV standards
Typically you want your computer resolution set to the pixel count highlighted below for 720p or 1080p standards.
| Name | Resolution Pixels | Display Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 480i or 480p | 720 x 480 | 4:3 | Traditional TV, Standard Definition, NTSC Not sharp for fine text and small items |
| 720p | 1280 x 720 | 16:9 | High Definition TV, HDTV, WXGA More typical on projection HDTVs |
| 720p | 1366 x 768 | Approx 16:9 | High Definition TV, HDTV, WXGA This variation is typical on LCD HDTVs |
| 1080i | 1920 x 1080 | 16:9 | High Definition TV standard, HDTV Used in some HDTVs |
| 1080p | 1920 x 1080 | 16:9 | Best High Definition TV standard, HDTV Common on newest and high-end HDTVs |
Interlaced vs. progressive
The small "i" or "p" used in TV standards like 720i and 720p represent "interlaced" scan or "progressive" scan. A HDTV display updates the image line by line, horizontally, working down the screen, and this is known as progressive scan. Computer monitors work this way as well. Traditional TV (standard definition) updated every other horizontal line and then updated the skipped lines on the next pass, and this is know as interlaced scan. Interlaced scanning was important for the slower analog technologies used in traditional TV and resulted in better images. However today's digital technologies use progressive scanning to give the sharpest images including readable small text and pictures.
Watching international broadcasts using proxy servers
You can find video feeds from around the globe with your computer connected to your TV. You may find situations where the video is blocked because the overseas server detects that your Internet address is not local to them. In some cases you can configure your web browser to use a proxy server that resolves the problem. A proxy server is a machine that acts as an intermediary between your computer and the web server that is hosting the pages you are accessing. There are both paid and free proxy servers on the Internet. It remains your responsibility to check the terms and conditions of the specific website you intend to use.
Close the lid of your Mac
Some Mac laptops enable external video output mirroring only when the lid is closed. In this mode you can use a Mac remote, a Loop pointer, or an external keyboard to control the computer.
Picture but no sound?
Technically, HDMI carries both audio and video, but sound might need separate cabling anyway. If you connect DVI output on your PC to an HDMI input on the TV, you need to find another way to output audio. Often the TV includes an extra audio input, but you may need to connect your computer's audio output to a set of speakers.
Turn on the TV first
This enables the PC to detect the display and adjust output to match. You may have to wait a few moments before the computer display appears on the TV screen.
Large screen TVs may require dual link DVI connectors
DVI cables and connectors come in several styles, most of which are interchangeable for the purposes of connecting PCs and TVs. Very large screens may require a dual link DVI cable. If you connect via DVI and see no picture, check your manuals to see whether dual link is necessary.
HDCP issues may prevent content playback
Certain PCs and operating system setups may check for HDCP compliance when the user attempts to play back DVDs, music, and other content over DVI and HDMI. HDCP stands for High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection, a copy protection scheme to eliminate the possibility of intercepting digital data midstream between the source and the display. If playback fails, ensure that your TV is HDCP compliant.
Graphic cards with breakout cables
Some computer video cards have a custom connector to a specialty cable set that ships with the card. These custom cable adapters are sometimes called breakout cables and typically support many of the standards listed in the video section above.
Update graphics drivers or reload the drivers
Updating the drivers for your graphics card may add capabilities needed to connect successfully to your TV. Check the manufacturer website for driver updates. Even if there is no update, reloading the drivers may clear up problems.
Update your TV firmware
Some TV manufacturers update the TV firmware periodically to correct problems, improve performance, or add features. Check with the manufacturer, and follow instructions carefully.
Enable 1 to 1 pixel mapping
Some TVs have a mode where all video postprocessing is eliminated, and every pixel of the image output is placed on the screen. This is called 1 to 1 pixel mapping or dot for dot mode. The AVS Forum maintains a master list of TVs that can be set to this mode. Consult your TV manual to find out how to set this mode, and which connectors enable it.
More on 1 to 1 pixel mapping
Minimize video postprocessing
Many HDTVs have special features that modify video signals automatically. These may reduce the quality of computer video output. Try turning off features such as:
- Noise reduction (DNS or digital noise reduction)
- Sharpness
- Auto color sensing
- Contrast enhancement or correction
- Black level and white level enhancement or correction
Minimize overscan
Overscan may result in menubars or other information at the edges of the computer screen being invisible. These steps may help:
- Disable or reduce overscanning using the TV overscan setting.
- If the menubar or window title bar is not visible, use the TV controls to size the computer image and place it at the center of the TV screen
Adjust computer settings for color, contrast, and brightness
The color profile for your TV screen may be very different from the color profile for your computer monitor. Try setting up a color profile on your computer for the TV, or making manual adjustments.
- For Windows, advanced color profiles are available depending on your video card. Open Displays under Control Panel or right-click on the Desktop and select Properties > Settings > Advanced. Options available depend on the video card.
- For Mac OS X, use the Displays pane in System Preferences to check whether there is a profile designed for your TV. If not, create a new profile using Calibrate.
Note: Due to the vast variety of PCs, Macs and TVs we cannot provide individual support for connecting systems. Our support system is only available to customers of the Loop pointer. This guide is offered as help and represents our recommendations only. This guide is presented as-is and we disclaim any responsibility for your specific results. This guide is aimed towards the U.S. consumer market and does not discuss many of the extended standards and needs of professional systems.
