Return to Step 1 - Pick computer type

Step 1 - I have a laptop computer.

Return to Step 2 - Pick TV type.

Step 2 - I have a HD TV.

Return to Step 3 - Pick video output

Step 3 - I want to use the VGA output.

Return to Solution

Step 4 - Configure this solution.
Plug the VGA cable into your laptop's VGA output and into your HD TV's VGA or RGB/PC input. Set the TV to the VGA or RGB/PC input and turn on the laptop. 
 
On many laptops if you reboot with a video output cable plugged in, the computer will detect the TV and output to it automatically. Otherwise every laptop will have some method of changing the display device using either a control panel or a function key combination. Consult your laptops user's guide to find the proper method.
 

Laptop computers give you a number of options for setting a TV to be the display. Depending on what you want to do, you can make your TV the primary display or you can use it as a secondary display to extend your desktop. Most laptops will allow you to set the TV to be used in one of three ways:

  1. As a clone of your laptop's display
  2. As the primary display. You laptop's display will be off.
  3. As a secondary display. You desktop will enlarge to include the TV as a second display.
If your goal is to play games or watch movies than you will want to make the TV a clone of you laptop's display or as your primary display, many games will not play properly on a second display.
 
Depending on your HD TV and your laptop you will be able to set either a 720 or 1080 resolution. Consult the manuals that came with your computer and HD TV to set it to the optimal resolution.