If you have a recent MacBook Pro, you can use Apple AirPlay to wirelessly stream whatever is on your screen to your TV. However, this feature is not available for Windows computers yet. This is one area where it’s advantageous to buy a Mac over a PC because of the wireless streaming feature. ..
Connect Laptop to TV via Cable
S-Video
If you have a laptop with an s-video port, you can connect it to your TV using a S-Video cable. However, if your TV only has a 4-pin S-Video port, then you’ll need to get an adapter.
The S-Video picture quality is moderate and does not support high-definition video. Additionally, S-Video ports do not support audio, so you’ll have to buy a separate cable for that purpose. DVI and HDMI are best suited for HD signals.
VGA
VGA is a common port found on all laptops and TVs/computer screens back in the day. Most desktops still support VGA and have VGA ports on the back. In terms of picture quality, VGA is better than S-Video. Also, as with the S-Video cable, VGA cables are much cheaper.
DVI
Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a digital signal that provides a higher quality picture than either S-Video or VGA. To use DVI, your computer will need a DVI connection and your TV will need to be an HDTV. DVI cables used to be expensive, but now you can get them for $5 to $10 online. Additionally, DVI cables do not support audio, so you will still need a separate cable for that. ..
DVI cables are a type of cable that allow you to connect two devices, such as a computer and a TV, using a single cable. This is useful if you want to use two different types of video connections on your device, such as VGA and DVI.
HDMI
HDMI is a popular video interface that provides high-quality picture on HDTVs. Many laptops do not come with HDMI ports, but HDMI is compatible with DVI, so you can connect it to your HDTV using a DVI to HDMI cable. Unfortunately, HDMI cables are expensive these days, and you may not get the same quality picture as a more expensive cable. ..
HDMI cables are available in different types and versions (A-E) to support different features. The best part about HDMI cables is that they provide high-definition video and audio, which makes it convenient when connecting a laptop or PC to an HDTV. ..
DisplayPort
DisplayPort is a new standard that was created to complement HDMI. It can support up to 4 video and audio streams across one cable, which makes it better than HDMI because it can handle more data.
HDMI is still the most popular video output technology, but you’ll find DisplayPort ports on Apple computers, the Microsoft Surface tablets, and even some Windows PCs. DisplayPort is also backwards compatible with VGA and DVI, which is nice. ..
Connect Laptop to TV Wirelessly
Wireless streaming of laptop and desktop displays to TVs has not become ubiquitous because of the extra cost of the hardware needed.
Apple TV
If you have an Apple laptop or desktop that is from 2011 or later, you can use AirPlay Mirroring to stream your Apple laptop or desktop display to your TV. The AirPlay Mirroring feature is only available on a few of the most recent Mac computers.
Intel Wireless Display
This technology is supported by a number of Macs and Windows computers, but it has not been supported on the Windows side for a long time. Intel has come out with a new technology called Intel Wireless Display (WiDi), which lets you stream your laptop screen to an HDTV wirelessly. This technology is supported by a number of Macs and Windows computers, but it has not been supported on the Windows side for a long time.
The main downside to using WiDi as a way to stream your laptop or PC screen to your HDTV is that it’s relatively new and not supported by many PCs. If you’re planning on buying a new PC soon, you should look into whether the feature is supported or not as it can make streaming your laptop or PC screen to your HDTV relatively easy.
There are only a few HDTVs that support WiDi right now, but you can buy an adapter for any HDTV that will let you stream content to that TV from a WiDi enabled device. ..
Wireless Kits
If you want to use your computer wirelessly with your HDTV, you can buy a wireless computer to HDTV kit. There are many of these kits available, and I have listed some of the most popular ones below. ..
The Imation Link Wireless HD Audio/Video Extender is a device that supports up to 720p for video and can transmit audio also. It requires DisplayLink software, which is available for Mac and PC.
This kit supports 1080p wireless HD video and digital audio. It is easy to set up and use, perfect for capturing high-quality footage of your events. ..
Netgear Push2TV is a new device that works with the new Intel Wireless Display technology. It needs a PC that supports WiDi to work. However, it doesn’t support the Mac OS at all as of right now.
Your options for connecting your laptop or PC to your TV via wired or wireless connection or wirelessly. The fastest and most reliable way is still via cable, but if your computer supports the latest AirPlay or WiDi technology, you’ll be good to go. The wireless kits use sub-par technology and won’t give you as good results as the other technologies mentioned. Enjoy!
