HDMI - This is the current standard for connecting HD devices, and most modern computers will have an HDMI port on the back. HDMI carries both picture and audio. The HDMI port looks like a longer USB port. DVI - This is a digital connection that uses pins. DVI connectors are rectangular and have three rows of eight pins each. DVI only transfers the image signal. VGA - This is the old standard for connecting display devices. It is a trapezoidal connection with 15 pins arranged in three rows, and is typically blue. Avoid using this connection if you have access to DVI or HDMI, as VGA is the lowest-quality. VGA only transfers the image signal, and cannot display HD images.

Most modern HDTVs have one or more HDMI ports. This is the quickest and most pain-free way to connect, and also provides the best quality. HDMI is the only connection method that transfers both audio and video through one cable. DVI is not as common anymore, but can still be found on many HDTVs and standard definition TVs. VGA is typically not available on HDTVs, but can be found on standard definition TVs.

If you don’t have a matching connector on both your computer and your TV, you’ll need an adapter. For example, if you have a DVI connector on your computer but only have an HDMI port on your TV, you can get a DVI-to-HDMI adapter or cable. In this case, the HDMI wouldn’t transfer any audio since DVI doesn’t support audio. For windows, a wireless display adapter would be the best option.

To connect an audio cable from a laptop, use a 3. 5mm audio cable and connect it to the Headphone jack on your laptop. On a desktop, use the green audio jack on the back of the computer. When connecting the audio cable to the TV, you may be able to use a single 3. 5mm audio plug or the stereo (RCA) 2-plug cable. If you’re connecting via VGA, turn your computer and TV off first. For DVI and HDMI, you don’t need to worry about turning your equipment off.

Many laptops have a “Display” key that will switch between connected displays. You may need to press the Fn key to access it, and it may just have a symbol instead of the word “Display”. In Windows 7 and later, you can press the Windows key + P to open the Project menu. You can then select which display mode you want to use (computer, TV, extended desktop, or duplicate displays). In any version of Windows, you can right-click on the desktop and select “Screen Resolution” or “Properties”. The “Multiple displays” menu will allow you to select between the different display modes (computer, TV, extended desktop, or duplicate displays).

Most HDTVs have a native resolution of 1920x1080. Select the “Recommended” resolution if possible.

HDMI - The HDMI port looks like a longer, slimmer USB port, with small indents on each side. The port will have “HDMI” printed above it. This is the current standard for connecting HD devices, and most Macs and MacBooks made after 2012 have this port. HDMI does not require any special adapters. Thunderbolt - This is a port slightly smaller than a USB port. It will have a small lightning bolt icon printed above it. You will need a Thunderbolt-to-HDMI adapter to connect to most HDTVs. [4] X Research source Mini DisplayPort - This port looks identical to the Thunderbolt port. The logo is a small box with a line on each side. Micro-DVI - This is one of the older ports that you may encounter. The icon is the same as the Mini DisplayPort, but the port looks like a smaller USB port.

Make note of the input label so that you can easily switch the TV to it later.

If your Mac has an HDMI port and your TV has an HDMI port, all you need is a standard HDMI cable. If your TV supports HDMI but your Mac has a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort, you’ll need a Thunderbolt/Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter.

If you aren’t using HDMI to connect to the TV, you’ll need an audio cable to get the sound from your Mac to your TV or home theater system. Use a 3. 5mm audio cable to connect the Headphone jack on your Mac to the Audio In port on your TV or receiver.

In most cases, your desktop will be automatically extended to your TV’s display.