You can stream media from your mobile using a range of supported apps , and you'll be pleased to learn that both Emby and Plex are supported.

Determine what's shown on your TV screen using Windows' Display Settings Mac users can configure the display via System Preferences: select Displays followed by the Arrangement tab click Detect Displays if it's not present. What do I need to physically connect my laptop to my flat-screen TV? MacBooks from the last few years should work, as will Microsoft Surface laptops and many others. Wireless keyboard. Like the HDMI cable, your devices should automatically recognize each other. Once selected, you can choose to display a selected application window or your entire desktop on your TV. Only content on the browser will be visible, and certain websites won't work. There are a few options to skip the wires completely. You can also use a VPN, or virtual private network, to encrypt your connection and stream content from literally anywhere in the world. E-mail: info ibik.

A wireless keyboard or mouse can go a long way toward making your PC-on-TV experience easier. You also won't likely get HDR or 4K resolution, for example, so if you want the best image quality for videos, you should use a different method to get the videos to your TV, like a Roku or Blu-ray player. Amazon Fire Stick is for streaming Subscription-based Amazon Prime Video content, which includes its own original shows and movies plus content it obtains from other premium networks too. Now playing: Watch this: Zoom responds to privacy concerns, Amazon and Apple get You can stream media from your mobile using a range of supported apps , and you'll be pleased to learn that both Emby and Plex are supported. No need to toss up your hands in frustration and settle for the radio. Place the correct connection of the adapter into the cable that feeds into your laptop, and plug the other end into your TV. Put your laptop someplace to charge, and just keep a small, light keyboard on your lap.

Firstly, if you're exclusively wedded to the Apple ecosystem, then the Apple TV 4K allows you to stream media as well as mirror your MacBook or iOS mobile's display on the big screen. Once installed, click the Cast button to the right of the address bar or choose Cast from the menu to pick what to cast and where to cast it. Keep that big TV working by feeding it directly from your laptop. Mini PCs Get all the power without the tower. Maybe you want to show your friends the funny video that had you howling last night, or maybe you want to stream the Super Bowl on February 3 — but why sit there hunched around your laptop or smartphone when you can easily connect it to your TV wirelessly or with cables? It's easy to do on both Windows and Mac. How do I connect my laptop to my TV? HDMI is just about the best solution at the moment, as it supports both audio and video HD and beyond.

This is the simplest and easiest way to connect your laptop to a TV. Here are the best laptops you can buy today. Step 2. Geoffrey Morrison. All you need, therefore, is an HDMI cable to connect the two. The solution? You also need to switch your TV to the correct input, plus configure your laptop or MacBook to re-route its display through the TV. Tick Mirror Displays to put your TV perfectly in sync with your MacBook's display, as opposed to acting as an extension of it. May 1, a.

Once installed, click the Cast button to the right of the address bar or choose Cast from the menu to pick what to cast and where to cast it. Install the desktop server component to stream content from your laptop, or purchase the appropriate mobile app if you want to use it with your phone or tablet. Still have a question? Place the correct connection of the adapter into the cable that feeds into your laptop, and plug the other end into your TV. Step 1. A TV's sharpness control usually just increases artificial edge enhancement, masking fine details and adding noise. Get both a powerful touch screen laptop and an ultra-thin, detachable tablet you can transform to fit the way you work and play in Intel-powered 2 in 1 PCs. Then click Playback devices. Just go on with the following 4 steps , you can do it at once. Chromecast works on laptops via the Chrome web browser and Google Cast add-in.

Also, in some cases the quality might be diminished. Here's the rundown. You will also have the option of using different resolutions. Of course, your computer and TV might not have the same type of connection. If you're not sure, check the manual or Google the model to determine its specs. Note the "halo" around the objects in the version on the right. If all you want to do is check out your vacation photos or a movie on the big screen every now and then, you could just use a USB flash drive — no need for cables or dedicated media streamers. What wireless device can I plug into my TV to stream media and mirror my display? In theory this won't be an issue, but if you're finding text hard to read, or overall the image looks poor, make sure the laptop's output matches your TV's resolution.

Or maybe you just want a bigger view for video chat while you're stuck at home. Forum Video Articles Affiliates. Maybe you don't have a problem with cables — if so, all flat-screen TVs offer at least one HDMI port, as do practically all non-Apple laptops that have been manufactured in the last eight years. PC laptop users should be able to cycle through the available display options using a special function key in conjunction with the [Fn] button. The setup is easy. There are a few options to skip the wires completely. As soon as you plug the dongle into your TV, it should recognize your laptop and walk you through the setup process. It's also a good idea to lower the sharpness control. If your intention is to play games, the lag from a wireless connection is probably going to prohibit any fun with games that require fast and accurate clicking, like with first-person shooters and racing games. This is trite advice for a reason: it solves so many issues.

Best smart TV: every smart platform ranked Stock running low? Read our guide to discover everything you need to know about connecting your portable computer, phone or tablet to your TV. Here's a couple inexpensive options. You may even be able to view HD content this way. You can stream media from your mobile using a range of supported apps , and you'll be pleased to learn that both Emby and Plex are supported. Here's everything you need. This is trite advice for a reason: it solves so many issues. Step 1. The connection between the two devices should be established automatically.

It works with any of the devices from the Chromebook list above. If this is the case, you'll need to use the laptop's VGA port instead. This is a practical solution if your flat-screen TV has a VGA port included — a standard VGA cable coupled with an audio cable see above will be sufficient. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. If all you want to do is check out your vacation photos or a movie on the big screen every now and then, you could just use a USB flash drive — no need for cables or dedicated media streamers. Forum Video. We delete comments that violate our policy , which we encourage you to read. What wireless device can I plug into my TV to stream media and mirror my display? You can also adjust the resolution to match the one of your television.

CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. Once selected, you can choose to display a selected application window or your entire desktop on your TV. The right method for you will depend on a couple of different things including the ports that are available on your TV and laptop. If you hate the look and hassle of trailing cables, it's easier and cheaper than ever to connect to your TV wirelessly. On the TV side, devices that support Miracast include:. The solution? Forum Video. Wireless mouse. Also, in some cases the quality might be diminished. Any content you can watch on your laptop you can view, in one of four ways, on your television.

The connection between the two devices should be established automatically. Speaking of text, if you're trying to work from your couch it's likely that despite the extra screen size, text is still too small. And even if you keep cable or satellite, there may be times you want to stream content directly from your laptop to your TV anyway—such as to show photos and videos of your vacation. If you're not worried about streaming in HD — when connecting up to an older CRT television, for example — then the best option is to use the S-Video port. Safari Chrome Edge Firefox. Keep pressing this to cycle between laptop display only, TV only, and laptop and TV together. Please consider upgrading to the latest version of your browser by clicking one of the following links. But going PC-to-TV works well in many situations, and the best part is that it's cheap or free depending on what gear you already have. Got a question for Geoff? Roku Streaming Stick is aimed at people who want to view a large collection of TV apps.

Your TV and your laptop's screen are probably different resolutions. This is trite advice for a reason: it solves so many issues. Wireless mouse. Back To Top. Install the desktop server component to stream content from your laptop, or purchase the appropriate mobile app if you want to use it with your phone or tablet. Maybe you want to show your friends the funny video that had you howling last night, or maybe you want to stream the Super Bowl on February 3 — but why sit there hunched around your laptop or smartphone when you can easily connect it to your TV wirelessly or with cables? Speaking of text, if you're trying to work from your couch it's likely that despite the extra screen size, text is still too small. On the TV side, make sure you disable your TV's overscan. You will also have the option of using different resolutions.

Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. Text might be too small to see, input lag might ruin your gaming scores, and while the couch may seem comfy, it may turn into a neck ache when put into service as an office chair. Instead, your mobile device smart phone or tablet running Android or iOS or your computer running the Windows or Mac OS X operating systems acts as a remote control. If your laptop has a USB-C port, you have a couple of options. Alternatively, if you already have a regular HDMI cable, you can just buy an adapter to save some money. This is trite advice for a reason: it solves so many issues. And also set your HDMI audio output device as default device. Turn on both devices and connect them using an HDMI cable. And then there's the mouse, trackpad and keyboard to worry about.

You will also have the option of using different resolutions. Then click Playback devices. Don't show this again. If you're not sure, check the manual or Google the model to determine its specs. Forum Video. You simply need to buy an adapter, an inexpensive device that has a DisplayPort connection on one end, and an HDMI connection on the other end. It directs the dongle plugged into the TV to the Internet content you want to stream. Best smart TV: every smart platform ranked Stock running low? Let us know in the comments!

Here's a couple inexpensive options. Then click Playback devices. E-mail: info ibik. Back to School PC laptop users should be able to cycle through the available display options using a special function key in conjunction with the [Fn] button. If not, follow the steps below to do some other settings. This may happen automatically, but if it doesn't — or you want to configure the display differently — read on. Get all the power without the tower. Mirroring means putting the same content on both your laptop's screen and the TV. Call Call.

Got a question for Geoff? Let us know in the comments! If you're not getting an image on screen at all, try unplugging the HDMI and plugging it back in with the TV on , and if that doesn't work, leave it all plugged in but turn the TV off then on. Purchase Our dealers. Just go on with the following 4 steps , you can do it at once. Articles Affiliates. Logitech M Multi-device Silent. Get the Chromecast. No need to toss up your hands in frustration and settle for the radio.

To get started, plug the Chromecast into your TV and set it up. Wireless keyboard. While Kodi bolts on basic server features to its fancy looking front end, these put the media server front and center. Amazon Fire Stick is for streaming Subscription-based Amazon Prime Video content, which includes its own original shows and movies plus content it obtains from other premium networks too. Text might be too small to see, input lag might ruin your gaming scores, and while the couch may seem comfy, it may turn into a neck ache when put into service as an office chair. If this is the case, you'll need to use the laptop's VGA port instead. This approach requires a little doohickey called a Miracast dongle. You can stream media from your mobile using a range of supported apps , and you'll be pleased to learn that both Emby and Plex are supported.

A TV's sharpness control usually just increases artificial edge enhancement, masking fine details and adding noise. There are lots of media streamer choices with different versions that have features such as voice navigation that allows you to search through content using voice commands. You can also adjust the resolution to match the one of your TV. It's also a good idea to lower the sharpness control. Determine what's shown on your TV screen using Windows' Display Settings Mac users can configure the display via System Preferences: select Displays followed by the Arrangement tab click Detect Displays if it's not present. You can also use the zoom controls in certain apps, like Chrome browsers. Geoffrey Morrison. Forum Video Articles Affiliates. Any media you subsequently play back on this tab will then appear on your TV.

On the TV side, devices that support Miracast include:. A wireless keyboard or mouse can go a long way toward making your PC-on-TV experience easier. If you're not sure, check the manual or Google the model to determine its specs. This approach requires a little doohickey called a Miracast dongle. Apple TV is ideal for people who access a lot of material on iTunes or play phone and tablet games on their TVs. Back to School In their search for entertainment, many people have cut the cable or satellite , preferring to get their programming off YouTube and other Internet sites for little or no cost. Which method did you use? If this is the case, you'll need to use the laptop's VGA port instead.

HDMI is just about the best solution at the moment, as it supports both audio and video HD and beyond. People debate about which is the best dedicated media streamer, but a common breakdown is: Chromecast is designed for people who primarily want to watch video from their computer on their TV or stream content that is available through a browser. No need to toss up your hands in frustration and settle for the radio. Logitech K By default, the contents of the current tab will be sent to your TV, so if you're looking to stream media you can do so by accessing your server's web-based UI through this tab — it's Again, you'll need an adapter or cable with this type of connection on one end and HDMI on the other. Articles Affiliates. We delete comments that violate our policy , which we encourage you to read. IBIK Ltd. Select this video to view the easy connection and setup process.

Articles Affiliates. Just go on with the following 4 steps , you can do it at once. CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. The setup is easy. To use it you'll need:. If not, go into the control panel and adjust the settings just as you would with an HDMI cable. What do I need to physically connect my laptop to my flat-screen TV? Once selected, you can choose to display a selected application window or your entire desktop on your TV. It might be disabled automatically, but if the edges of your desktop are cutoff, dig deep into your TV's menus for something like "size" or "zoom.

Like the HDMI cable, your devices should automatically recognize each other. Let us know in the comments! Any content you can watch on your laptop you can view, in one of four ways, on your television. I mean, in general this is a good idea, but here specifically it should help you make out fine details better, like text. Forum Video Articles Affiliates. If you want to up your game a bit, consider a few optional accessories. You simply need to buy an adapter, an inexpensive device that has a DisplayPort connection on one end, and an HDMI connection on the other end. Mirroring means putting the same content on both your laptop's screen and the TV.

Apple TV is ideal for people who access a lot of material on iTunes or play phone and tablet games on their TVs. This is trite advice for a reason: it solves so many issues. Do you prefer to stream your content wirelessly? Also, in some cases the quality might be diminished. A TV's sharpness control usually just increases artificial edge enhancement, masking fine details and adding noise. Here are the best laptops you can buy today. Again, it depends on what computer you have, as well as the capabilities of your TV or the streaming device connected to your TV. Safari Chrome Edge Firefox. Like the HDMI cable, your devices should automatically recognize each other. Your TV and your laptop's screen are probably different resolutions.

Find out where to buy a laptop now How do I connect my mobile or laptop to a TV wirelessly? When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. It doesn't provide High Definition HD quality, and only carries the video signal, so you'll also need to hook up a separate audio cable typically from your laptop's 3. Put your laptop someplace to charge, and just keep a small, light keyboard on your lap. Safari Chrome Edge Firefox. There are a few options to skip the wires completely. On the TV side, make sure you disable your TV's overscan. Instead, your mobile device smart phone or tablet running Android or iOS or your computer running the Windows or Mac OS X operating systems acts as a remote control. May 1, a.

If not, follow the steps below to do some other settings. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. This is a practical solution if your flat-screen TV has a VGA port included — a standard VGA cable coupled with an audio cable see above will be sufficient. Then click Playback devices. Roku Streaming Stick is aimed at people who want to view a large collection of TV apps. Logitech K Alternatively, right-click the desktop in Windows to select screen resolution; from here you'll be able to manually detect and select your TV's display. People debate about which is the best dedicated media streamer, but a common breakdown is: Chromecast is designed for people who primarily want to watch video from their computer on their TV or stream content that is available through a browser. What wireless device can I plug into my TV to stream media and mirror my display? And also set your HDMI audio output device as default device.

No need to toss up your hands in frustration and settle for the radio. The setup is easy. In theory this won't be an issue, but if you're finding text hard to read, or overall the image looks poor, make sure the laptop's output matches your TV's resolution. Alternatively, take a look at either Plex or Emby. As soon as you plug the dongle into your TV, it should recognize your laptop and walk you through the setup process. You will also have the option of using different resolutions. You can also adjust the resolution to match the one of your television. Laptops and PCs have a bunch of different connections, so which wire or adapter you'll need to run depends on what computer you have. Again, you'll need an adapter or cable with this type of connection on one end and HDMI on the other. If your intention is to play games, the lag from a wireless connection is probably going to prohibit any fun with games that require fast and accurate clicking, like with first-person shooters and racing games.

No need to toss up your hands in frustration and settle for the radio. If you're not sure, check the manual or Google the model to determine its specs. You can also adjust the resolution to match the one of your TV. Alternatively, take a look at either Plex or Emby. Note the "halo" around the objects in the version on the right. This is a practical solution if your flat-screen TV has a VGA port included — a standard VGA cable coupled with an audio cable see above will be sufficient. Text might be too small to see, input lag might ruin your gaming scores, and while the couch may seem comfy, it may turn into a neck ache when put into service as an office chair. What wireless device can I plug into my TV to stream media and mirror my display? Amazon Fire Stick is for streaming Subscription-based Amazon Prime Video content, which includes its own original shows and movies plus content it obtains from other premium networks too. You don't need a smart TV model to mirror your device's display on your TV — you just need to purchase a smart box.

Geoffrey Morrison. Step 2. Your TV and your laptop's screen are probably different resolutions. Select this video to view the easy connection and setup process. You can check out what a VGA cable looks like and buy one here. If you're not getting an image on screen at all, try unplugging the HDMI and plugging it back in with the TV on , and if that doesn't work, leave it all plugged in but turn the TV off then on. You can also adjust the resolution to match the one of your television. Now you may see your TV with blue screen showing No signal message. Wireless mouse. Connecting your laptop to your TV with the right cable is often only half the battle.

Determine what's shown on your TV screen using Windows' Display Settings Mac users can configure the display via System Preferences: select Displays followed by the Arrangement tab click Detect Displays if it's not present. There are a few options to skip the wires completely. In their search for entertainment, many people have cut the cable or satellite , preferring to get their programming off YouTube and other Internet sites for little or no cost. This isn't screen mirroring, but if you're just looking to get some content from your phone to a bigger screen, this is an easy way to do it. If all you want to do is check out your vacation photos or a movie on the big screen every now and then, you could just use a USB flash drive — no need for cables or dedicated media streamers. Again, you'll need an adapter or cable with this type of connection on one end and HDMI on the other. Some TVs only support image files, while others can play videos as well. Apple TV is ideal for people who access a lot of material on iTunes or play phone and tablet games on their TVs.

You don't need a smart TV model to mirror your device's display on your TV — you just need to purchase a smart box. There are a few options to skip the wires completely. It's easy to do on both Windows and Mac. If you're not worried about streaming in HD — when connecting up to an older CRT television, for example — then the best option is to use the S-Video port. What's the alternative to S-Video? You can stream media from your mobile using a range of supported apps , and you'll be pleased to learn that both Emby and Plex are supported. Find out where to buy a laptop now How do I connect my mobile or laptop to a TV wirelessly? Chromecast is capable of mirroring all or part of your laptop's display Alternatively, Google's Chromecast is cheaper, and works across a wider range of devices — Windows, Linux and Android, as well as Mac and iOS. You can check out what a VGA cable looks like and buy one here. Also, in some cases the quality might be diminished.

This may happen automatically, but if it doesn't — or you want to configure the display differently — read on. Tick Mirror Displays to put your TV perfectly in sync with your MacBook's display, as opposed to acting as an extension of it. For example, if your flat-screen TV is a smart model with support for DLNA media streaming, then you can send movies, photos and other media files directly to it without the need for any additional hardware — just locate the right app on your TV to receive the content. Step 2. Select this video to view the easy connection and setup process. On the TV side, make sure you disable your TV's overscan. Get the converter. Back to School What do I need to physically connect my laptop to my flat-screen TV? What's the alternative to S-Video?

Step 2. You also need to switch your TV to the correct input, plus configure your laptop or MacBook to re-route its display through the TV. If all you want to do is check out your vacation photos or a movie on the big screen every now and then, you could just use a USB flash drive — no need for cables or dedicated media streamers. Any media you subsequently play back on this tab will then appear on your TV. Buy the cable or streaming device of your choice, and let the laptop help you configure everything. The solution? On the TV side, make sure you disable your TV's overscan. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. If not, follow the steps below to do some other settings. In their search for entertainment, many people have cut the cable or satellite , preferring to get their programming off YouTube and other Internet sites for little or no cost.

You also won't likely get HDR or 4K resolution, for example, so if you want the best image quality for videos, you should use a different method to get the videos to your TV, like a Roku or Blu-ray player. HDMI is just about the best solution at the moment, as it supports both audio and video HD and beyond. Again, it depends on what computer you have, as well as the capabilities of your TV or the streaming device connected to your TV. Place the correct connection of the adapter into the cable that feeds into your laptop, and plug the other end into your TV. Logitech M Multi-device Silent. A TV's sharpness control usually just increases artificial edge enhancement, masking fine details and adding noise. We delete comments that violate our policy , which we encourage you to read. You'll then need to purchase an S-Video cable of suitable length, along with a separate audio cable.

This is a practical solution if your flat-screen TV has a VGA port included — a standard VGA cable coupled with an audio cable see above will be sufficient. Back to School Let us know in the comments! If not, follow the steps below to do some other settings. Only content on the browser will be visible, and certain websites won't work. If you hate the look and hassle of trailing cables, it's easier and cheaper than ever to connect to your TV wirelessly. Safari Chrome Edge Firefox. Chromecast is capable of mirroring all or part of your laptop's display Alternatively, Google's Chromecast is cheaper, and works across a wider range of devices — Windows, Linux and Android, as well as Mac and iOS.

You can also use the zoom controls in certain apps, like Chrome browsers. Once you have the converter, the process is very straightforward. Now you may see your TV with blue screen showing No signal message. Just go on with the following 4 steps , you can do it at once. Back To Top. Step 2. Here's everything you need. Maybe you want to show your friends the funny video that had you howling last night, or maybe you want to stream the Super Bowl on February 3 — but why sit there hunched around your laptop or smartphone when you can easily connect it to your TV wirelessly or with cables? The right method for you will depend on a couple of different things including the ports that are available on your TV and laptop. PC laptop users should be able to cycle through the available display options using a special function key in conjunction with the [Fn] button.

If you want to up your game a bit, consider a few optional accessories. Which method did you use? Your TV and your laptop's screen are probably different resolutions. Logitech M Multi-device Silent. Laptops and PCs have a bunch of different connections, so which wire or adapter you'll need to run depends on what computer you have. Keep pressing this to cycle between laptop display only, TV only, and laptop and TV together. Text might be too small to see, input lag might ruin your gaming scores, and while the couch may seem comfy, it may turn into a neck ache when put into service as an office chair. All you need, therefore, is an HDMI cable to connect the two.

Put your laptop someplace to charge, and just keep a small, light keyboard on your lap. Then click Playback devices. Get both a powerful touch screen laptop and an ultra-thin, detachable tablet you can transform to fit the way you work and play in Intel-powered 2 in 1 PCs. On the TV side, make sure you disable your TV's overscan. Only content on the browser will be visible, and certain websites won't work. Once you have the converter, the process is very straightforward. All you need, therefore, is an HDMI cable to connect the two. Select the TV in the drop down box that appears. Laptops and PCs have a bunch of different connections, so which wire or adapter you'll need to run depends on what computer you have. To use it you'll need:.

Then plug the other end of the HDMI cable into the adapter to connect the two devices together. IBIK Ltd. While Kodi bolts on basic server features to its fancy looking front end, these put the media server front and center. But going PC-to-TV works well in many situations, and the best part is that it's cheap or free depending on what gear you already have. Any content you can watch on your laptop you can view, in one of four ways, on your television. You'll then need a suitable app for your laptop or mobile that allows you to send or stream content using DLNA. Place the correct connection of the adapter into the cable that feeds into your laptop, and plug the other end into your TV. Got a question for Geoff?

When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. If you hate the look and hassle of trailing cables, it's easier and cheaper than ever to connect to your TV wirelessly. On the TV side, make sure you disable your TV's overscan. PC laptop users should be able to cycle through the available display options using a special function key in conjunction with the [Fn] button. Using your TV as a monitor has downsides too. Once you have the converter, the process is very straightforward. Logitech K You also won't likely get HDR or 4K resolution, for example, so if you want the best image quality for videos, you should use a different method to get the videos to your TV, like a Roku or Blu-ray player. Here's a couple inexpensive options.

Don't show this again. Then just plug the other end of the VGA cable to the converter to connect the two devices together. Put your laptop someplace to charge, and just keep a small, light keyboard on your lap. Buy the cable or streaming device of your choice, and let the laptop help you configure everything. The solution? There are different ways to connect your laptop to TV. Get both a powerful touch screen laptop and an ultra-thin, detachable tablet you can transform to fit the way you work and play in Intel-powered 2 in 1 PCs. Once you have the converter, the process is very straightforward. If you're not sure, check the manual or Google the model to determine its specs.

What's the alternative to S-Video? You simply need to buy an adapter, an inexpensive device that has a DisplayPort connection on one end, and an HDMI connection on the other end. Here's the rundown. While Kodi bolts on basic server features to its fancy looking front end, these put the media server front and center. Put your laptop someplace to charge, and just keep a small, light keyboard on your lap. Find out where to buy a laptop now How do I connect my mobile or laptop to a TV wirelessly? Amazon Fire Stick is for streaming Subscription-based Amazon Prime Video content, which includes its own original shows and movies plus content it obtains from other premium networks too. In theory this won't be an issue, but if you're finding text hard to read, or overall the image looks poor, make sure the laptop's output matches your TV's resolution. It might be disabled automatically, but if the edges of your desktop are cutoff, dig deep into your TV's menus for something like "size" or "zoom. It's also a good idea to lower the sharpness control.

We delete comments that violate our policy , which we encourage you to read. If all you want to do is check out your vacation photos or a movie on the big screen every now and then, you could just use a USB flash drive — no need for cables or dedicated media streamers. Using your TV as a monitor has downsides too. Wireless keyboard. There are different ways to connect your laptop to TV. Which method did you use? Get all the power without the tower. Chromecast is capable of mirroring all or part of your laptop's display Alternatively, Google's Chromecast is cheaper, and works across a wider range of devices — Windows, Linux and Android, as well as Mac and iOS. You can also use a VPN, or virtual private network, to encrypt your connection and stream content from literally anywhere in the world. Connecting your laptop to your TV with the right cable is often only half the battle.

Once selected, you can choose to display a selected application window or your entire desktop on your TV. The setup is easy. If you're not sure, check the manual or Google the model to determine its specs. Mini PCs Get all the power without the tower. Step 1. Using your TV as a monitor has downsides too. This may happen automatically, but if it doesn't — or you want to configure the display differently — read on. People debate about which is the best dedicated media streamer, but a common breakdown is: Chromecast is designed for people who primarily want to watch video from their computer on their TV or stream content that is available through a browser.

You simply need to buy an adapter, an inexpensive device that has a DisplayPort connection on one end, and an HDMI connection on the other end. Again, it depends on what computer you have, as well as the capabilities of your TV or the streaming device connected to your TV. Purchase Our dealers. Do you prefer to stream your content wirelessly? On the TV side, devices that support Miracast include:. This is a practical solution if your flat-screen TV has a VGA port included — a standard VGA cable coupled with an audio cable see above will be sufficient. On the TV side, make sure you disable your TV's overscan. Any content you can watch on your laptop you can view, in one of four ways, on your television.

Extending is useful for things like having a YouTube video running on the TV while you're working on a spreadsheet on your laptop. You'll then need a suitable app for your laptop or mobile that allows you to send or stream content using DLNA. You can check out what a VGA cable looks like and buy one here. You also won't likely get HDR or 4K resolution, for example, so if you want the best image quality for videos, you should use a different method to get the videos to your TV, like a Roku or Blu-ray player. Got a question for Geoff? If your intention is to play games, the lag from a wireless connection is probably going to prohibit any fun with games that require fast and accurate clicking, like with first-person shooters and racing games. This is a practical solution if your flat-screen TV has a VGA port included — a standard VGA cable coupled with an audio cable see above will be sufficient. Your Windows 10 laptop should have the tech built-in. Once everything is set up, you can mirror Chrome tabs, your videos and files stored locally on your laptop, and even your desktop to the TV.

It works with any of the devices from the Chromebook list above. What's the alternative to S-Video? There are different ways to connect your laptop to TV. Maybe you want to show your friends the funny video that had you howling last night, or maybe you want to stream the Super Bowl on February 3 — but why sit there hunched around your laptop or smartphone when you can easily connect it to your TV wirelessly or with cables? Install the desktop server component to stream content from your laptop, or purchase the appropriate mobile app if you want to use it with your phone or tablet. Just go on with the following 4 steps , you can do it at once. The setup is easy. If you're not worried about streaming in HD — when connecting up to an older CRT television, for example — then the best option is to use the S-Video port.

Your TV and your laptop's screen are probably different resolutions. Then just plug the other end of the VGA cable to the converter to connect the two devices together. Forum Video Articles Affiliates. HDMI is just about the best solution at the moment, as it supports both audio and video HD and beyond. Extending is useful for things like having a YouTube video running on the TV while you're working on a spreadsheet on your laptop. If you hate the look and hassle of trailing cables, it's easier and cheaper than ever to connect to your TV wirelessly. Amazon Fire Stick is for streaming Subscription-based Amazon Prime Video content, which includes its own original shows and movies plus content it obtains from other premium networks too. Laptops and PCs have a bunch of different connections, so which wire or adapter you'll need to run depends on what computer you have. MacBooks from the last few years should work, as will Microsoft Surface laptops and many others.

A wireless keyboard or mouse can go a long way toward making your PC-on-TV experience easier. Step 1. The right method for you will depend on a couple of different things including the ports that are available on your TV and laptop. Got a question for Geoff? Now you may see your TV with blue screen showing No signal message. Read our guide to discover everything you need to know about connecting your portable computer, phone or tablet to your TV. Any media you subsequently play back on this tab will then appear on your TV. Still have a question?

It might be disabled automatically, but if the edges of your desktop are cutoff, dig deep into your TV's menus for something like "size" or "zoom. Once selected, you can choose to display a selected application window or your entire desktop on your TV. Alternatively, if you already have a regular HDMI cable, you can just buy an adapter to save some money. You can also use a VPN, or virtual private network, to encrypt your connection and stream content from literally anywhere in the world. You'll then need a suitable app for your laptop or mobile that allows you to send or stream content using DLNA. Tick Mirror Displays to put your TV perfectly in sync with your MacBook's display, as opposed to acting as an extension of it. Get the Chromecast. While Kodi bolts on basic server features to its fancy looking front end, these put the media server front and center. Select this video to view the easy connection and setup process. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.

Extending is useful for things like having a YouTube video running on the TV while you're working on a spreadsheet on your laptop. Logitech K When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Chromecast is capable of mirroring all or part of your laptop's display Alternatively, Google's Chromecast is cheaper, and works across a wider range of devices — Windows, Linux and Android, as well as Mac and iOS. Still have a question? Logitech M Multi-device Silent. Amazon Fire Stick is for streaming Subscription-based Amazon Prime Video content, which includes its own original shows and movies plus content it obtains from other premium networks too. Get the converter. By default, the contents of the current tab will be sent to your TV, so if you're looking to stream media you can do so by accessing your server's web-based UI through this tab — it's