How to Connect a DVD Player to a Laptop

This Tipsmake will teach you how to connect a DVD Player to your laptop using an HDMI cable. You can also purchase an external DVD drive and connect it to your laptop via USB, but you will need a movie-playing program like VLC to play it....

Method 1 of 2:

Connecting a DVD Player with an HDMI Cable

Plug the cable into your DVD Player in the HDMI port. This might be labeled "HDMI" or "HDMI Out" and looks like a trapezoid port.
1. If your DVD Player does not have an HDMI port, it might have a USB port instead. If that's the case, you can use the USB port similarly to the HDMI port.
Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to your laptop's HDMI port. You'll most likely find this trapezoid-shaped port on either side of your laptop.
1. If you're using a USB connection, the port is more square shaped than the HDMI port.
Ensure that both HDMI connections are secure. A stretched cable could cause interruptions in your audio or video output, so make sure the HDMI cable isn't pulled too tightly.
1. Make sure your connection points at the ports on either your laptop or DVD player aren't loose. If so, you might need to try using a different cable.
Test the connection. Put a DVD in the DVD player and start watching. If your sound or audio is off, you might have issues with your HDMI ports/cables. If this is the case, try using a different HDMI/USB cable.

You can see more methods of Connecting DVD player with HDMI cable and other Laptop tips at LapFort.

Method 2 of 2:

Connecting an External DVD Drive with USB

Plug the cable into your DVD external drive. Some external drives might ship with a USB cord attached, but if not, you will need to plug in a USB cable to your external drive.
1. You should be able to read the manual that came with your external DVD drive If you're not sure what type of USB cable connects it to your laptop.
Connect the other end of the USB cable to your laptop. You'll most likely find a USB port on either side of your laptop.
Ensure that both USB connections are secure. A stretched cable could cause data interruption and not display a smooth video or audio track.
Turn on your laptop (if it isn't already). If your laptop is already powered on, you can skip this step.
Follow the on-screen instructions to download any drivers or software needed for the external drive. Once you have your laptop powered on and connected to the external drive, you might be prompted to download additional features.
1. You may be prompted to restart your laptop once these installs finish.^{[1] X Research source}