In this wikiHow article, you will learn how to use HDMI cables to connect computers, entertainment systems, and game consoles to a television. The HDMI interface will allow you to quickly connect your electronic devices without having to struggle with colored cables or multiple connectors. A single HDMI cable will transmit the video and audio signals from one device to your TV screen.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Connect a Computer to a TV
Step 1. Locate the HDMI ports
An HDMI port is similar to a thin, wide slot with a slightly tapered base. While not all computers have HDMI ports, newer ones do. These ports are generally located on the side of laptops and on the back of desktop computers.
- If you have a desktop computer that doesn't have HDMI ports, you probably need to install a new video card.
- If your computer does not have an HDMI port, but has another type of input (DVI or DisplayPort), you can purchase an adapter that allows you to connect to an HDMI cable. If you are converting from the DVI to HDMI interface, you will need to use a separate cable for the audio, as DVI does not transfer audio signals.
- There are also USB to HDMI adapters for computers that do not have video ports.
Step 2. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to your computer
Generally, the wider end of the HDMI cable will face up.
Step 3. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to your TV
This will fit into the HDMI slot located on the back of the TV, although it will sometimes be on one side, parallel to the screen.
If the TV is on, your computer will usually detect it automatically and change the output indication to it
Step 4. Use the TV remote control to switch to HDMI input
If your TV only has one HDMI input, just switch to it. Otherwise, you will need to find out the number of the HDMI input your computer is connected to.
- Typically, the HDMI slot on your TV will have a number on one side, which will indicate the number of the HDMI input.
- In most cases, you will need to press the button Entry on the remote control to open the Input menu and then use the arrows to select the HDMI input number (eg, “Input 3” or “HDMI 2”).
Step 5. Look at your computer's display settings
Common screen configurations include using only the TV screen as video output, as well as using the latter in conjunction with your computer (“Screen mirroring”). Choose the most suitable mode for you in the "Display Settings" menu on your computer.
- Windows: opens Beginning, click Setting, Then in System and finally in Screen.
- Mac: click on the Apple menu, Then in System preferences and finally in Screens.
Method 2 of 3: Connect a Home Theater System
Step 1. Find the HDMI ports on all devices
An HDMI port is similar to a thin, wide slot with a slightly tapered base. If you have a receiver with a sufficient number of HDMI input ports and your television has at least one, it will be possible to connect all the devices in order to obtain the best possible quality from your home theater.
- Newer receivers typically have multiple HDMI inputs that will allow you to connect all compatible devices, as well as one HDMI input to connect to your TV.
- If you have a single port receiver, you can buy an HDMI splitter.
Step 2. Check the HDMI version compatible with your TV
Make sure your TV supports the HDMI 1.4 CRA (Audio Return Channel) interface. This will allow the TV to send the audio back to the receiver, which will route the TV's sound through the home theater speakers. Most TVs manufactured after 2009 are compatible with the HDMI 1.4 interface and later versions.
- If your TV does not support the HDMI 1.4 interface, you will need to use a separate audio cable to connect the TV to the receiver (eg optical digital connection).
- If you watch television through a decoder through your receiver, you will not need to worry about the CRA connection, as the sound will come out of the latter's encoder.
Step 3. Connect the devices to the receiver's inputs via an HDMI cable
These devices can include DVD or Blu-ray players, video game consoles, and many more. If you have limited HDMI inputs, use HDMI cables for the latest devices as this will get the most out of it.
- For example, if the receiver only has two HDMI inputs and you have a Roku, a PlayStation 4 console and a DVD changer, connect the Roku and the PS4 using an HDMI cable, and use a component connection for the DVD player. The Roku device and the PS4 will benefit much more from the HDMI connections.
- HDMI connectors fit only one way, so don't force them.
Step 4. Connect the receiver to the TV
Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the HDMI slot on the receiver and the other end to the TV. This will allow the image from all devices connected to the receiver to appear on the TV.
Step 5. Use the receiver to change inputs
Since the devices are now routed through the receiver, you can configure the TV to use the HDMI input that the receiver is connected to, allowing you to switch inputs using the receiver's remote control.
- Since everything is now connected via HDMI, the sound from the devices must go through the receiver's speakers.
- Most devices will configure themselves automatically when they detect the HDMI connection, although on certain devices you may need to make some adjustments.
Step 6. Connect the devices directly to the TV
If you're not setting up a home theater system, you can still connect HDMI devices directly to your TV and then control the inputs via the remote. Keep in mind that most modern televisions have at least two HDMI inputs.
If you have more HDMI-compatible devices than there are inputs on your TV, purchase an HDMI switch that expands the number of HDMI ports available
Step 7. If you wish, enable HDMI-CEC
The HDMI-CEC interface allows you to use your TV remote control to control other HDMI devices. To activate it, you must access the configuration menu of each device.
The HDMI-CEC interface receives different names depending on the various companies, including Anynet + (Samsung), Aquo Link (Sharp), Regza Link (Toshiba), SimpLink (LG), etc. For more information, see your TV manual
Method 3 of 3: Connect a video game console to a TV
Step 1. Find the HDMI port on the back of your console
This port is similar to a thin, wide slot with a slightly tapered base. Consoles that have HDMI ports by default are most Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, and Xbox One. Both the Wii console and the original model of the Xbox 360 do not include an HDMI port.
- If you don't see an HDMI port on the back of your console, it is not supported.
- Note that consoles such as the PlayStation 2 and the original Xbox do not have an HDMI input.
Step 2. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the console
Typically, the HDMI slot will be on the back of the console, either on the left or right.
Step 3. Connect the other end of the cable to the TV
The TV's HDMI slot is usually located on the back of the TV, although it is sometimes located to the side, parallel to the screen.
During this step, pay attention to the number of HDMI inputs there are
Step 4. Use the TV remote control to switch to HDMI input
If your TV only has one HDMI input, just switch to it. Otherwise, you will need to find out the number of HDMI input your console is connected to.
- Typically, the HDMI slot on your TV will have a number on one side, which will indicate the number of the HDMI input.
- In most cases, you will need to press the button Entry on the remote control to open the Input menu and then use the arrows to select the HDMI input number (eg, “Input 3” or “HDMI 2”).
- If you can't find the input, turn on your console and collate inputs until you can see it on the screen.
Step 5. If necessary, change the default connection on your console
Most consoles will automatically detect the HDMI cable and try to make the most appropriate settings. However, if you have several different cables, you may need to go into your console's video settings and select the "HDMI" input.
- If the HDMI input is the only one available, your console will select it by default.
- The first time you turn on your console connected to an HDMI input, you may need to go through a short installation process.
Advice
- HDMI cables connect in a similar way to a USB cable, that is, they simply plug and can fit in only one direction.
- When buying an HDMI cable, always go for a length that is longer than you think you need. In this way, you can move your devices more easily and prevent the HDMI connectors from breaking.
- It is possible to connect two HDMI cables to each other using a female to female adapter. Since the HDMI signal is digital, you shouldn't have to worry about choosing an expensive connector and generally shouldn't think about the length of the connected cables either, as long as the total is less than 7.5 m (25 ft).
If your cable is longer than 25 feet (7.5 m), you will need to purchase a signal booster for optimal video quality
Warnings
- Avoid twisting, pulling, or stapling the HDMI cable, as this could cause it to malfunction.
- Good HDMI cables are relatively cheap. Don't spend about $ 50 on a gold-plated cable when a standard $ 5 cable will have the same benefits.