Although setting up a basic PC to TV system can be simple to do whether to watch television channels on a computer or install PC Satellite TV software to a computer and use it to watch free Internet media on a home TV-set, two things are needed to make it all work: One is a video card, and the other is a video connector cable. Therefore, the basis of this article will focus primarily on identifying and using connectors.
Whichever one is the goal, watch home television on a PC or watch computer Internet TV (with PC Satellite TV software) on a home television set, keep in mind the picture quality on a digital high definition television will be higher than on a computer screen. This has a lot to do with the computer and screen capabilities/limitations that determine the video quality.
Setting up a PC to TV can be very cheap and simple enough that even a cave man can do it. For instance, while there are all kinds of computers today, many of them share common audio and video ports to make the transition easier. There are essentially four types of video connectors that will do the job, and only takes a little tech know-how. Here is a list of some of the most popular video connectors to consider:
Identifying Four Connector/Adapter Cables...
1. VGA, stands for Video Graphics Array, and are available to almost every Windows-based computer. Although this connection doesn't offer the highest quality that a HDMI or DVI connection offers, it's commonly used and works well with a SD (standard definition) or HD (high definition) TV that uses a VGA port. The price for a used VGA connector can be a few dollars and under $20.00 to buy it new.
2. HDMI stands for high-definition multimedia interface and DVI means digital visual interface. Both of them offer the best connection for HD TV. A few high-end video cards on computer already have HDMI ports on high definition (HD) television sets. Many times, MAC computers will have DVI ports that allows a connection to your television's HDMI port--using an HDMI-to-DVI cable or adapter. For a used HDMI connector, it could run under $10.00 and a new one can cost over $10.00.
3. S-Video means separate video an can be found on SD and HD TV-sets. This type of connection is more common when connecting a DVD player to a SD TV-set. And it works well when using either a desktop or laptop computer that has an S-video port. The cost can be as little as a couple of dollars for a used connector cable to over $5.00 for a new one.00 (new).
4. Composite/RCA often comes with many TV-sets. More than likely, you have seen these cables at one time or another. You may recall those white, yellow, and red connector head cables for video and audio outputs. You can also use them to connect your video camera and DVD player. Some computers have video cards with RCA connections and they can be used to convert a computer's video signal through the RCA cable going into a TV-set.
When making an audio connection, it depends on the computer's port which in turn will determine whether or not to use separate cables to get the video and audio working properly. More than likely, you will have to optimize the computer's audio output such as volume settings and surround sound. This requires going into the computer's Control Panel to make minor adjustments.
How to make the audio connection depends on whether or not a computer has a HDMI port, which in turn determines if a single cable or separate cables for the audio and video are required. Also, connecting a headphone jack and external speakers to a computer can be made as well. Optimizing the audio output may be required but very simple to do. It's just a matter of adjusting the volume settings by going into the computer's control panel.
After determining which television and computer connector is needed, the next step is picking the correct video/audio cable to make the PC to TV connection. You can find any one of these connectors/adapters in local computer stores or online easily. The cost is very low and can take minutes to setup a PC to television system.
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Philip Sumpter is a tester/user of PCTV and TV to PC products who has helped thousands of people Worldwide watch PCTV. Would you like to setup a PC to TV system? To learn more on which connector/adapter to use for your system, go to How To Connect Your PC To TV Using Connectors And Adapters
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