Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Connecting a standard HDMI device
• Method 2 of 2: Connect another device to the HDMI port on the TV
• Tips

This wikiHow teaches you how to connect various types of video devices, including computers, cameras, and game systems, to the HDMI port on your TV. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a well-known format for transferring high-quality digital audio and video between devices. Even if the device does not have an HDMI port, you can usually make the connection using a special cable or adapter.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Connecting a standard HDMI device

1. Find an available HDMI port on your TV. Most modern TVs have at least one large (Type A) HDMI port, which is 13.9mm x 4.45mm in size. These ports are commonly referred to as "HDMI". If there is more than one port, each port will be numbered (eg. HDMI 1, HDMI 2).
   • Some TVs also have HDMI ports on the front or side.
2. Make sure you have the correct HDMI cable. If the device has the same size HDMI port as your TV (type A / 13.99mm x 4.45mm), then you only need a standard type A HDMI cable, connecting the same 19-pin connector sides. However, some devices (often cameras and portable media players) have smaller HDMI ports, which means you need a different type of cable:
   • Type C / Mini-HDMI: This type of HDMI port is often used on older DSLR cameras and camcorders. The dimensions are 10.42mm x 2.42mm, which is a lot smaller than Type A. If your device has this port, you have a Mini-HDMI-C to HDMI-A cable required.
   • Type D / Micro-HDMI: Even smaller than Type C, this 6.4mm x 2.8mm port is commonly used on small recording devices such as the GoPro and some smartphones. In this situation you have one Micro HDMI-D to HDMI-A cable required.
3. Connect one end of the cable to the device. Turn on the device you want to connect to the TV, then carefully plug the corresponding end of the cable into the HDMI port.
   • You should only be able to insert the HDMI plug into the port in one direction. Never try to force the plug into the port, as this can damage both the plug and the device.
4. Connect the other end of the cable to the TV. If you haven't already, turn on the TV and then connect the cable properly. If your TV has multiple HDMI ports, pay attention to the HDMI port number you are using.
5. Switch to the HDMI source on your TV. Use the button SOURCE or INPUT on your TV or remote to select the HDMI port. Usually you have to press it a few times until you reach the correct port number. Once you have reached the correct source, you should see the image from the device on the screen.
   • In Windows, press ⊞ Win+P. to open the Windows Projector window, then select an option to display the screen on the TV. For example, if you want to mirror the desktop, select Duplicate.
   • On a Mac, the screen should automatically mirror the TV. If the dimensions look strange, navigate to Apple menu> System Preferences> Displays> Display and select your Standard for display. If you need to enter a specific resolution, choose instead Scaled and enter that resolution.
6. Route the sound from your computer through the TV (optional). If you have a computer connected to the TV and you want to make sure that the sound is coming through the TV speakers, do the following:
   • Mac: Go to Apple menu> System Preferences> Sound> Output and select your TV or HDMI-Exit.
   • Windows: Right-click on the volume icon in the system tray (next to the clock), select Sound settings and select your computer's default audio device, that often Speakers (High Definition Audio) is called, in the "Choose your output device" menu.

Method 2 of 2: Connect another device to the HDMI port on the TV

1. Know which ports on your device are HDMI enabled. If your TV does have HDMI, but your game console, computer, or other gadget doesn't, 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 types of ports:
   • 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 can use a DisplayPort to HDMI-A use a cable or adapter.
     • Some devices, including the Microsoft Surface, have a mini DisplayPort instead of the standard size. In this case, you have one DisplayPort Mini to HDMI-A cable or adapter required.
   • DVI: DVI outputs don't broadcast 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 need to make sure you have the correct cable. Count the number of pins in your DVI port and compare it with the available cables and adapters.
   • VGA: If you have an old-fashioned VGA port, you won't get the best picture quality on your TV, and certainly no audio. However, you can still connect the device using a VGA to HDMI-A converter or adapter.
2. Choose the correct cable or adapter.
   • Most modern TVs have at least one large (Type A) HDMI port, which is 13.9mm x 4.45mm in size. Usually there is a cable with an HDMI-A plug on one end and a DVI, DisplayPort or VGA plug on the other. You just need to make sure such formats exactly match the port on your device.
   • Another option is to purchase a smaller adapter / converter. With an adapter you connect a standard HDMI plug to the HDMI end and a standard DVI, DisplayPort or VGA plug on the other side. This means that you need two different types of cables connected to one adapter.
   • The HDMI cable should also be long enough to easily bridge the distance between the device and the TV. Choose a cord that is slightly longer than necessary to minimize stress on the cord and both devices.
3. Connect the HDMI-A plug to a port on the TV. If you haven't already, turn on the TV and then connect the cable properly. If your TV has multiple HDMI ports, pay attention to the HDMI port number you are using.
4. Connect the other end of the cable to the device or adapter. If you have a HDMI to otherscable, connect it to the corresponding port. If you bought an adapter, connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI side of the adapter, then connect that adapter to the device using the appropriate cable (DVI, DisplayPort or VGA) for that device.
   • 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.
   • If you're 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. Switch to the HDMI source on your TV. If you have not already done so, turn on the other device first, then use the "SOURCE" or "INPUT" button on your TV or remote control to select the HDMI port. Usually you have to press it a few times until you reach the correct port number. Once you have reached the correct source, you should see the image from the device appear on the screen.
   • In Windows, press ⊞ Win+P. to open the Windows Projector window, then select an option to display the screen on the TV. For example, if you want to mirror the desktop, select "Duplicate.
   • On a Mac, the screen should automatically mirror the TV. If the dimensions look strange, navigate to Apple menu> System Preferences> Displays> Display and select your Standard for display. If you need to enter a specific resolution, choose instead Scaled and enter that resolution now.
6. Connect the audio separately, if necessary. If you're not using DisplayPort, you'll usually need a separate cable to stream audio to your TV.
   • If both your input device and TV have the correct ports, you may be able to connect the two devices directly with a separate stereo cable.
   • Alternatively, you can use an audio cable to route the sound from your input device to a separate set of nearby speakers that were previously connected to your TV.

Tips

• If you don't see the image on the TV, check the port and / or connector for dirt and corrosion. Assuming that a regular cleaning has not worked, you can use contact fluid. Use very little and avoid short circuits by making sure there is not too much of it between the contacts.
• You don't have to buy an expensive HDMI cable. Since the signal is digital, it will either work or not, and the difference in quality between cheap and expensive cable is negligible.
• Note that you may need to use a booster box or active cable if you want to send a 1080p signal over 7.6m or a 1080i signal over 14.9m. Both options require an external power source that must be plugged into an electrical outlet.