In this article we will try to talk about how to connect a computer to a TV through a "tulip", we will indicate the main points and preliminary settings for plasma panels and LCD devices. The synchronization procedure may differ in some cases, but mainly depends on the type of video card in the computer, the installed operating system and the model of the TV.
Besides, there are quite a few more 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 a TV through a "tulip", let's 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 with a larger diagonal and is not located somewhere in the corner on the desktop, but opposite a comfortable sofa or armchair, where it can easily fit, if not a largecompany, then a friend or girlfriend - for sure.
Watching videos, photos and gaming leisure - all this looks much more pleasant on a TV screen than on a modest monitor: there is no need to peer into the details, use speakers, and personal PCs have not yet acquired remote controls.
The most common reason that motivates the owner to connect a TV to a computer via an RCA cable (“tulips”) is watching videos. But in fact, the same picture can be displayed on the LCD screen as on the monitor. And it doesn't have to be a movie. Therefore, do not forget about photos, the Internet and games.
All sorts of car and flight simulators, arcades, shooters and even strategies feel great on the big screen, and gaming becomes really enjoyable. Also, no one forbids you to surf the web from the comfort of your sofa.
Sync
Before you connect the computer to the TV through the "tulip", look at what connectors are in the video card, and which ones are 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. The communication interfaces of the TV can be found on the back, side or even in front of the device, but in any case, it does not hurt to look into the instructions.
There are not so many types and varieties of interfaces along with connectors. Let's try to identify the main types thatmost commonly used on graphics 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 otherwise called the analog output, from which the signal of the same name is transmitted.
DVI-I, and in some cases prefixed with 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 bundle their video cards with a special DVI-D-Sub adapter if the line was not equipped with this connector.
S-Video is no less popular interface along with previous connectors. It is widely used in many areas, which, by the way, sometimes have nothing to do with computer video equipment. Connecting a computer to a TV via RCA ("tulip") using this connector allows you to get a fairly high-quality video signal.
Modern ports
HDMI is the latest interface that is used to transmit high-definition pictures for maximum video and audio 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 pleasant.for the eyes.
TV connectors
RCA-interface, or composite tulip-type connector 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 ways 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 a video card, then, of course, no adapters are needed, and the signal will go without interference and obstacles. In case of switching mismatch, you can find an adapter like VGA-S-Video.
SCART is a relatively old interface that can transmit both audio and video signals simultaneously. Its main purpose is to connect a video player or other similar player. To synchronize with a computer, you need an adapter like SCART-D-Sub or SCART-S-Video.
Modern interfaces
HDMI is, as mentioned above, the highest quality option for displaying images 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 HDMI-HDMI adapter is enough.
General recommendations
Before you connect the computer to the TV through the "tulip", make sure that you have the same connectors listed above, inotherwise, get a special adapter, since there are plenty of all kinds of adapters on the computer market, including the most exotic ones. The only bad thing about the adapter is that it can degrade the picture on the TV screen by changing the signature.
Switching cables can be bundled with both the video card and the TV itself, so carefully study the contents 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 variable cases, the signal is strongly distorted, the picture suffers, so experts do not recommend using other switching methods.
No need to skimp on connection 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 one or another method of communication, then you can look through the official forums regarding your video card or TV model, there are probably questions / answers from technical support for synergy with popular device lines.
Audio signal
Most motherboards use standard audio output connectors like TRS 3.5 mm or, in other words,"mini-jack". Before connecting your computer to your TV via RCA, make sure that the audio output on your devices is equipped with these interfaces, otherwise you will have to buy a special adapter.
The same applies to connection via SCART and S-Video interfaces. In the event that your TV is equipped with a separate audio system, then there should be no connection problems at all. Such systems are always equipped with popular connectors that do not need an adapter or adapter.
And one more important piece of advice: all operations for connecting/disconnecting any equipment both to the TV and to the computer must be carried out with the power completely turned off. Only after all the wires and cables have found their place and are tightly seated in the connectors, you can turn on the equipment and proceed to the software setup.
