How to Connect HDMI to TV

Connecting a Non-HDMI Device to the TV's HDMI Port

1. How to Connect HDMI to TV Picture 7
   Identify an HDMI-compatible port on your non-HDMI device. If your TV has HDMI but your gaming system, computer, or other gadget does not, you can usually still connect with an adapter that converts an existing port to HDMI Type A (standard). You can find HDMI adapters/cables for the following port types:

   1. DisplayPort: This type of port supports both digital audio and high-resolution video when converted to HDMI. Look for ports labeled "DP" or "DisplayPort". If you have a DisplayPort on your laptop or tablet, you'll need a DisplayPort-to-HDMI-A cable or adapter.^[2]
      1. Some devices, including the Microsoft Surface, have a DisplayPort Mini port rather than the standard size. You'll need a DisplayPort Mini-to-HDMI-A cable or adapter in this case.
   2. DVI: DVI outputs do not transmit audio, but you can get high-quality video using a DVI-to-HDMI-A cable or adapter. Note that there are different DVI port sizes, so you'll need to make sure you get the right cable. Count the number of pins in your DVI port and compare it to available cables and adapters.
   3. VGA: If you have an old-school VGA port, you won't get the best picture quality on your TV, and definitely no audio. However, you can still connect the device using a VGA-to-HDMI-A converter or adapter.
2. How to Connect HDMI to TV Picture 8
   Choose the right cable or adapter.

   1. Most modern TVs have at least one full-size (Type A) HDMI port, which is 13.9 mm x 4.45 mm in size. You can usually find a cable that has an HDMI-A plug on one side and a DVI, DisplayPort, or VGA plug on the other. You'll just need to make sure the non-HDMI size matches up exactly with the port on your device.
   2. Another option is to purchase a smaller adapter/converter. With an adapter, you'd plug a standard HDMI cable into the HDMI end, and a standard DVI, DisplayPort, or VGA cable into the other side. This means you'd need two different types of cables plugged into one adapter.
   3. The HDMI cable must also be long enough to reach from the device to the TV. Choose a cord that is slightly longer than necessary to minimize the strain on the cord and both devices.
3. How to Connect HDMI to TV Picture 9
   Connect the HDMI-A plug into a port on the TV. Turn on the TV if you haven't already done so, and then connect the cable securely. If your TV has multiple HDMI ports, take note of the HDMI port number you're using.
4. How to Connect HDMI to TV Picture 10
   Connect the other end of the cable to the device or adapter. If you have an HDMI-to-(other) cable, plug the matching end into that port now. If you bought an adapter, plug the other side of the HDMI cable into the HDMI side of the adapter, and then connect that adapter to the device using the appropriate cable (DVI, DisplayPort, or VGA) for that device.

   1. Do not force the plug into the port. It should only fit one way, and if it doesn't fit at all, you may have the wrong type of cable.
   2. If using an adapter for VGA ports, you will likely need to match the color of each adapter plug to the corresponding audio and video ports on your computer.
5. How to Connect HDMI to TV Picture 11
   Switch to the HDMI source on your TV. First, turn on the non-HDMI device if you haven't already done so, and then use the SOURCE or INPUT button on your TV or remote to select the HDMI port. You'll usually have to press it a few times until you reach the right port number. Once you reach the correct source, you should see the device's image on the screen.

   1. If you're using Windows, press ⊞ Win+P to open the Windows Project panel, and then select an option for displaying the screen on the TV. If you want to mirror the desktop, for example, select Duplicate.
   2. If you have a Mac, the screen should automatically be mirrored on the TV. If the dimensions look funny, navigate to Apple menu > System Preferences > Displays > Display and select Default for display. If you need to enter a specific resolution, chose Scaled instead and enter that resolution now.^[3]
6. How to Connect HDMI to TV Picture 12
   Hook up the audio separately if necessary. If you're not using DisplayPort, you'll usually need to use a separate cable to stream audio to your TV.^[4]

   1. If both your input device and TV have the appropriate ports, you might be able to directly connect the two devices using a separate stereo cable.
   2. Alternatively, you can use an audio cable to redirect audio from your input device to a separate nearby set of speakers previously hooked up to your TV.