By popular demand, here's my post on how to use your TV as a monitor for your laptop. This will mean a bigger screen for Little Reader, especially for those of you who do not want to restrict yourselves to the laptop screen.
The connection is quite easy, but it will, however, depend on the type of TV you are using.
What you'll need:
- A TV with Component Inputs
- A laptop with VGA, RCA, DVI, or S-Video outputs
- Cables for the output type you need (depends on what your laptop has)
*Note: Be very aware of the cable type and make sure the plugs match.
1. Using the VGA output on the laptop is probably the most difficult setup to do, simply because it is the hardest signal to find a cable for. Use Google or another search engine to look for "VGA TV Adapter". This will lead you to a number of sources to find a simple cable that you need. Then just plug it into the VGA port on the laptop. The RCA plugs (the red, yellow, white) at the other end will allow you to connect to your TV's component input.
2. For older TVs that only have a cable input, you can find and RCA to Cable converter. These can normally be found at a store similar to Radio Shack. Connect the component end of the cable to this box and it should be able to display on your TV.
3. Connect via the S-Video connections using the cable that came with your laptop. Almost all laptops have this output now. You may have to go to your electronics shop to get a longer cable as most laptops only come with a six foot cable.
This is what S-video cables look like.And this is what the S-video socket on your laptop looks like.4. Higher end models of laptops may also have a DVI output as well. Connect it using the proper cable. Again, you may have to purchase a longer cable for this as well. Be careful as there are different types of DVI outputs. Make sure you check the connection on the computer AND your TV to make sure they match, and to ensure you get the right cable as well.
5. Finally, the most important step. Make sure that you set your laptop to actually send the signal to the TV. All laptops have a "Function" button, labeled "Fn" in light blue. The standard for most laptops is that many buttons will have a secondary function labeled on them in light blue. Press Fn + F12 to change the output of your laptop to the external monitor. It should show on your laptop screen in some sort of menu.
I hope this helps.
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