Connecting the PC to a TV (optional)

The ideal setup for Beyond TV involves display on a television or large monitor. In almost all setups, the television output is provided by the graphics adapter on the computer, although many high-end television sets or monitors (such as HDTV sets) have inputs compatible with a standard PC's VGA or DVI output.

To determine how to display the computer's video on a televison set or monitor, examine the inputs on the television / monitor and compare them with the available video outputs on the PC.

For higher-end televisions, such as plasma or LCD monitors, the options are most likely one of the following three:

VGA receptacle and plug DVI receptacle and plug Component receptacle and plugs HDMI receptacle and plug

VGA is the standard format used by a computer to display its video output on a monitor. Most graphics cards use VGA analog output, and some higher-end televisions, and most projectors, have VGA input capability. DVI is a newer technology used primarily for displaying a computer's video output on an LCD monitor. Almost all modern graphics cards have a DVI output. All LCD monitors should have DVI inputs, and some HDTV's do as well. Component video plugs and receptacles resemble composite plugs and receptacles, but carry a different, higher-quality format. HDTV's and plasma monitors should have component inputs. High end graphics cards usually provide component video outputs via the attachment of a "dongle," or conversion cable, that can be connected to the video card. HDMI plugs and receptacles resemble a larger version of a mini-USB connector. High-end HDTV's and plasma monitors often have HDMI inputs. High end graphics cards usually provide HDMI inputs via the attachment of a "dongle," or conversion cable, that can be connected to the video card.

Note: DVI comes in many different formats. Ensure that the output and input receptacles match before considering DVI video output.

For standard televisions, the options are most likely one of the following two:

S-Video connector and plug Composite connector and plug

S-Video connectors are the most common type of television output and are usually found directly on the graphics card. Less common than S-Video output, composite outputs are usually connected to an integrated graphics device and located on a bracket occupying an expansion port.