Connect Laptop to TV via HDMI (broken laptop screen)?
Hi, the video cable for my laptop is frayed and I am goin to get it fixed eventually but in the mean time Im goin to have to connect my laptop to my tv via HDMI. I know this is simple enough usually but because it shows the 'check signal cable' error one the TV this is because I can't get to change the settings from m laptop to use the TV because The screen on my laptop isn't working so I can't see what I'm doing.
Is there any way I can link my Tv to my laptop without changing settings from my computer? If not is it possible to explain in precised movements how to change the settings without having to see what I'm doing. (Shortcuts, arrow keys, tab and enter etc.) If so, my operating system is Windows Vista Home Basic.
Thanks in advance.
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it may or may not work. usually you must login as an admin, and without being able to see the screen, it will be tricky...
some laptops have a button to activate the external monitor. it is typically on the top row of keys, on one of the "F" buttons. you will need to hold the "Fn" key on the bottom left of your keyboard while pressing the appropriate "F" key from the top row. be careful though, you can mess up other settings doing it without knowing for sure. you may want to look up the buttons in your manual or online at the support site for your laptop to know which button it is.
Traditional media is making the transition from the television to the computer. Many Internet sites have movies and TV shows available for download. Often networks make their shows available on-line after the show has aired. Connecting a PC laptop to the television will enabled a user to view the shows in the original format at their own convenience.
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions
1
Makes sure the television has the proper connections. Some older televisions are not equipped with the connections necessary to connect the laptop to the television. An S-video connection is the most common means of connection. (See resources for S-video cable examples)
2
Check the laptop to make sure there is a video capable of connecting to the television. Not all laptops come equipped with a TV-out video card. Another option is installing Mpeg decoder card if laptop has no connectors. (See resources for M-peg decoder cards). The drawback of the Mpeg card is that it does not play Divx or .mov files.
3
Obtain the correct cable to connect the PC laptop and the television. S-video cables are the most common cable and the easiest to connect. VGA is another cable option. VGA is a regular monitor cable that connects the two. This option is only available for HDTVs.
4
Connect the laptop to the television. Make certain that both the TV and laptop are off before making the connection. When turning the television on make sure that the appropriate video mode is activated. For instance, if an S-video cable is used set the video option on the television to S-video. On the laptop set the video output to the correct source. Please consult the owner's manual, because steps for changing the setting vary for each laptop model.