In this article, we will try to talk about how to connect a computer to the TV through the “tulip”, we outline the main points and presetting of plasma panels and LCD devices. The synchronization procedure in some cases may differ, but mainly depends on the type of computer video card, installed operating system and TV model.
In addition, there are still quite a few important points that will affect the quality of synchronization and its speed.
Why does a TV need a computer?
Before telling how to connect a computer to the TV through the “tulip”, we answer this question. First, let's look at a regular monitor screen and take a look at the TV display. The latter, as a rule, wins significantly more with a larger diagonal and is not located somewhere in the corner on the desktop, but opposite to a comfortable sofa or armchair, where a friend or girlfriend can easily fit, if not a big company.
Watching videos, photos and gaming leisure - all this on the TV screen looks much nicer than on a modest monitor: there is no need to peer at the details, use speakers, and personal PCs have not gotten remotes yet.
The most common reason that motivates the owner to connect the TV to the computer via an RCA cable (“tulips”) is to watch videos. But in fact, the same picture can be displayed on the LCD screen as on the monitor. And it’s not at all necessary that this be a film. Therefore, do not forget about photos, the Internet and games.
All kinds of car and flight simulators, arcades, shooters, and even strategies feel great on the big screen, and the game pastime becomes really pleasant. Also, no one forbids you to surf the web without getting up from a comfortable sofa.
Synchronization
Before connecting the computer to the TV through the “tulip”, look at the connectors on the video card and which on the TV. The video accelerator is responsible for outputting the video signal from the PC, the connectors of which can be easily detected by the connected cable from the monitor. Communication interfaces of the TV can be found behind, on the side or even in front of the device, but in any case it does not hurt to look at the instructions.
There are not so many types and varieties of interfaces with connectors. Let's try to identify the main types that are most often used on video cards.
Video card connectors
D-Sub, or VGA-connector to which a standard monitor is connected. It is available on almost all video cards (especially from MSI), with the exception of the latest generation models, which use more modern switching outputs. The VGA interface is also called the analog output, from which the signal of the same name is transmitted.
DVI-I , and in some cases with the prefix D, is an advanced output that works with both analog and digital monitors. In models of previous years, this interface, as a rule, is adjacent to the analog VGA output, and some manufacturers complete their video cards with a special adapter-adapter of the DVI-D-Sub type, if the line was not equipped with this connector.
S-Video is an equally popular interface along with the previous connectors. It is widely used in many areas, which, incidentally, are sometimes not connected in any way with computer video equipment. Connecting a computer to the TV via RCA ("tulip") through this connector allows you to get a fairly high-quality video signal.
Modern ports
HDMI is the newest interface that is used to transmit high-definition pictures, providing maximum video and audio signal quality. A really clear and rich image can only be obtained thanks to this output, in other cases, working with a large diagonal is saturated with visible pixels, which are not entirely pleasing to the eye.
TV Connectors
RCA- interface, or a composite connector type "tulip" is an outdated output, but due to its wide popularity, it is very common in everyday life. Before connecting the TV to the computer (the best methods are D-Sub and S-Video), you need to find a special cable. The spread of the wiring is quite simple and varies in color: one for the image, and the other two for the sound (left and right channel).
S-video . If you use this interface when synchronizing with a similar output on the video card, then, of course, no adapters are needed, and the signal will go without interference and obstacles. In the event of a mismatch in switching, an adapter of the VGA-S-Video type can be found.
SCART is a relatively old interface that can simultaneously transmit both audio and video signals. Its main purpose remains to connect a video player or other similar player. To synchronize with a computer, you will need an adapter like SCART-D-Sub or SCART-S-Video.
Modern interfaces
HDMI is, as mentioned above, the highest quality option for displaying pictures on the screen, and if your video card and TV are equipped with this connector, you can safely use synchronization without any restrictions. For synergy, an inexpensive adapter such as HDMI-HDMI is enough.
General recommendations
Before connecting the computer to the TV via the “tulip”, make sure that the above connectors match, otherwise get a special adapter, since there are plenty of various adapters, including the most exotic ones, on the computer market. The only reason the adapter is bad is that it can degrade the picture on the TV screen due to a change in signature.
Switching cables can be bundled with both the video card and the TV itself, so carefully study the completeness of both devices before connecting the computer to the TV.
A review of cables and interfaces showed that the most acceptable adapters and, accordingly, the types of connections are as follows:
- D-Sub (VGA) - DVI-I.
- D-Sub (VGA) - SCART.
- S-Video - SCART.
- DVI-I - SCART.
In other alternative cases, the signal is greatly distorted, the picture suffers, so experts do not recommend using other switching methods.
No need to save on connecting cables. Cheap material and an unknown manufacturer guarantee low noise immunity, which will significantly reduce image quality.
If you are tormented by doubts about the choice of a particular communication method, then you can look through the official forums regarding your video card or TV model, there probably are questions / answers of technical support for synergies with popular device lines.
Audio signal
Most motherboards use standard connectors for audio output such as TRS 3.5 mm or, in other words, a “mini-jack". Before connecting the computer to the TV via RCA, make sure that the audio output on your devices is equipped with just such interfaces, otherwise you will have to additionally buy a special adapter.
The same goes for connections via SCART and S-Video interfaces. In the event that your TV is equipped with a separate audio system, then there should be no problems with connections at all. Such systems are always equipped with popular connectors that do not need an adapter or adapter.
And one more important tip: all operations on connecting / disconnecting any equipment to both the TV and the computer must be carried out with the power turned off completely. Only after all the wires and cables have found their place and are firmly seated in the connectors, you can turn on the equipment and go to the software settings.