Connecting PC to TV help please.

KnifeEdge · 04-09-2014, 17:52

I have Netflix on my PC. I want to connect my PC to my TV.
I dont have any HDMI ports on my PC.
I have tried to google for information, but as I am a novice when it comes to technical speak,and dont know my MHL's from my dongles, I am struggling to understand what connectors I need to do this.
Please keep any advice simple, because I am easily confused. Also advice on the best place to buy such equipment would be fab too!

Thanks

howard h · 04-09-2014, 17:54

See if the back of your telly can take one of these.
http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-vg...c/208-2193.prd Connects computer/laptop to TV's without a hdmi slot.
If not, it must be pretty old so there's no easy solution.

KnifeEdge · 04-09-2014, 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by howard h

See if the back of your telly can take one of these.
http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-vg...c/208-2193.prd Connects computer/laptop to TV's without a hdmi slot.
If not, it must be pretty old so there's no easy solution.

Doesnt look like the TV has the connections!

Edit, its the PC that doesnt have any HDMI connections, not the TV

grahamlthompson · 04-09-2014, 18:12

Assuming the PC isn't too old it shouldn't be too hard to add HDMI either with a PC card or an external HDMI usb connected graphics card.

Stig · 04-09-2014, 18:14

You might be better off with something like the Amazon Fire TV box which connects directly to your TV.

KnifeEdge · 04-09-2014, 19:23

Am I being a bit too simplistic to think that I could buy a connector/s that could go into a USB port that could connect to my TV, into a HDMI port?
I already have a YOUview box on the TV, with fab really short trailing wires to my router (which will be my next enquiry!)
Would a dongle be any help?
Am looking for a simple, not necessarily up to the minute solution that is not going to cost the earth, and that I can understand!
Think I need a trip to Maplins.

Nigel Goodwin · 04-09-2014, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnifeEdge

Am I being a bit too simplistic to think that I could buy a connector/s that could go into a USB port that could connect to my TV, into a HDMI port?
I already have a YOUview box on the TV, with fab really short trailing wires to my router (which will be my next enquiry!)
Would a dongle be any help?
Am looking for a simple, not necessarily up to the minute solution that is not going to cost the earth, and that I can understand!
Think I need a trip to Maplins.

Doesn't a YouView box do NetFlix?.

But for a start, tell us the make and model of your TV, so we can check what connections it has.

As has already been mentioned, adding a better graphics card to your PC would give you an HDMI connection, and upgrade your PC at the same time.

KnifeEdge · 04-09-2014, 19:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin

Doesn't a YouView box do NetFlix?.

But for a start, tell us the make and model of your TV, so we can check what connections it has.

As has already been mentioned, adding a better graphics card to your PC would give you an HDMI connection, and upgrade your PC at the same time.

I think these are the models of my TV and PC

http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/d...&scy=us&slg=en

http://store.hp.com/UKStore/Merch/Pr...t=ABU&sel=PCDT

Nigel Goodwin · 04-09-2014, 20:13

Well your TV is fine, it has both VGA and HDMI, unfortunately your computer is 'crippled' as it's an 'all in one' design, so no ports and no expansion capability

chrisjr · 04-09-2014, 20:16

Looks like the only option is a USB to HDMI adapter,

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_...mi%2Caps%2C478

Essentially the adapter acts like a second graphics card in the PC. You can then cable the adapter to the telly and it becomes a second monitor which you can set to either display whatever is on the PC's own monitor or as an extension to the desktop.

In the latter case you can have two completely separate things going on at the same time. So have a video from Netflix playing on the telly while you browse the interweb on the PC monitor for example.

I haven't used any adapters of this type so wouldn't like to recommend one over another.

KnifeEdge · 04-09-2014, 20:23

Thanks for all your advice so far

Would I be totally on the wrong path to think that this could be a solution, and turn my TV into a smart TV into the bargain? Would this work?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/point-of-v...keyboard-n16nu

KnifeEdge · 04-09-2014, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisjr

Looks like the only option is a USB to HDMI adapter,

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_...mi%2Caps%2C478

Essentially the adapter acts like a second graphics card in the PC. You can then cable the adapter to the telly and it becomes a second monitor which you can set to either display whatever is on the PC's own monitor or as an extension to the desktop.

In the latter case you can have two completely separate things going on at the same time. So have a video from Netflix playing on the telly while you browse the interweb on the PC monitor for example.

I haven't used any adapters of this type so wouldn't like to recommend one over another.

Thanks, I had looked at these, so maybe I do have a bit of tech savvy after all.

gds1972 · 04-09-2014, 20:45

Have you looked at things like this it looks like you use in conjunction with a smart phone/tablet?

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/audio/d...21414-pdt.html

I have Amazon Prime and have just pre ordered Amazon Fire TV for £49.

Bluescope · 04-09-2014, 20:54

Knife their is next to no chance to connect that PC to the TV. I think the one question that should be asked is what do you want to do on the TV ? Why did you want the PC connected up.

You mentioned netflix if it is just that i would suggest something like Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player. It is about 20-30 pounds depending on deals in shops but allows you to view netflix on any TV via a wireless router.

If you want to do more than that you will have to let us know.

grahamlthompson · 04-09-2014, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluescope

Knife their is next to no chance to connect that PC to the TV. I think the one question that should be asked is what do you want to do on the TV ? Why did you want the PC connected up.

You mentioned netflix if it is just that i would suggest something like Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player. It is about 20-30 pounds depending on deals in shops but allows you to view netflix on any TV via a wireless router.

If you want to do more than that you will have to let us know.

I can't see why a usb graphics card wouldn't work.

eg

http://www.amazon.co.uk/eSynic-Suppo...o+hdmi+adaptor

KnifeEdge · 04-09-2014, 21:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by gds1972

Have you looked at things like this it looks like you use in conjunction with a smart phone/tablet?

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/audio/d...21414-pdt.html

I have Amazon Prime and have just pre ordered Amazon Fire TV for £49.

Yeah, I had come across Chromecast, but it requires a monthly subscription, and I would prefer not to do that.

Bluescope · 04-09-2014, 21:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnifeEdge

Yeah, I had come across Chromecast, but it requires a monthly subscription, and I would prefer not to do that.

Chromecast is not a monthly sub your confusing that with the google play service as part of the offer at the moment.

I believe you can just buy the Chromecast device and use it for Netflix. The only monthly fee would be for your netflix service which you already pay for.

KnifeEdge · 04-09-2014, 21:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluescope

Chromecast is not a monthly sub your confusing that with the google play service as part of the offer at the moment.

I believe you can just buy the Chromecast device and use it for Netflix. The only monthly fee would be for your netflix service which you already pay for.

OK thanks, I will look at that again.

04-09-2014, 17:52	#1
KnifeEdge Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,596	Connecting PC to TV help please. I have Netflix on my PC. I want to connect my PC to my TV. I dont have any HDMI ports on my PC. I have tried to google for information, but as I am a novice when it comes to technical speak,and dont know my MHL's from my dongles, I am struggling to understand what connectors I need to do this. Please keep any advice simple, because I am easily confused. Also advice on the best place to buy such equipment would be fab too! Thanks

04-09-2014, 17:54	#2
howard h Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Gtr Manchester UK Posts: 7,946	See if the back of your telly can take one of these. http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-vg...c/208-2193.prd Connects computer/laptop to TV's without a hdmi slot. If not, it must be pretty old so there's no easy solution.

04-09-2014, 17:59	#3
KnifeEdge Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,596	Quote: Originally Posted by howard h See if the back of your telly can take one of these. http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-vg...c/208-2193.prd Connects computer/laptop to TV's without a hdmi slot. If not, it must be pretty old so there's no easy solution. Doesnt look like the TV has the connections! Edit, its the PC that doesnt have any HDMI connections, not the TV

04-09-2014, 18:12	#4
grahamlthompson Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redditch Worcs Posts: 17,293	Assuming the PC isn't too old it shouldn't be too hard to add HDMI either with a PC card or an external HDMI usb connected graphics card.

04-09-2014, 18:14	#5
Stig Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sandy Heath, Beds. UK Posts: 10,383	You might be better off with something like the Amazon Fire TV box which connects directly to your TV.

04-09-2014, 19:23	#6
KnifeEdge Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,596	Am I being a bit too simplistic to think that I could buy a connector/s that could go into a USB port that could connect to my TV, into a HDMI port? I already have a YOUview box on the TV, with fab really short trailing wires to my router (which will be my next enquiry!) Would a dongle be any help? Am looking for a simple, not necessarily up to the minute solution that is not going to cost the earth, and that I can understand! Think I need a trip to Maplins.

04-09-2014, 19:29	#7
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by KnifeEdge Am I being a bit too simplistic to think that I could buy a connector/s that could go into a USB port that could connect to my TV, into a HDMI port? I already have a YOUview box on the TV, with fab really short trailing wires to my router (which will be my next enquiry!) Would a dongle be any help? Am looking for a simple, not necessarily up to the minute solution that is not going to cost the earth, and that I can understand! Think I need a trip to Maplins. Doesn't a YouView box do NetFlix?. But for a start, tell us the make and model of your TV, so we can check what connections it has. As has already been mentioned, adding a better graphics card to your PC would give you an HDMI connection, and upgrade your PC at the same time.

04-09-2014, 19:46	#8
KnifeEdge Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,596	Quote: Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin Doesn't a YouView box do NetFlix?. But for a start, tell us the make and model of your TV, so we can check what connections it has. As has already been mentioned, adding a better graphics card to your PC would give you an HDMI connection, and upgrade your PC at the same time. I think these are the models of my TV and PC http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/d...&scy=us&slg=en http://store.hp.com/UKStore/Merch/Pr...t=ABU&sel=PCDT

04-09-2014, 20:13	#9
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Well your TV is fine, it has both VGA and HDMI, unfortunately your computer is 'crippled' as it's an 'all in one' design, so no ports and no expansion capability

04-09-2014, 20:16	#10
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Looks like the only option is a USB to HDMI adapter, http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_...mi%2Caps%2C478 Essentially the adapter acts like a second graphics card in the PC. You can then cable the adapter to the telly and it becomes a second monitor which you can set to either display whatever is on the PC's own monitor or as an extension to the desktop. In the latter case you can have two completely separate things going on at the same time. So have a video from Netflix playing on the telly while you browse the interweb on the PC monitor for example. I haven't used any adapters of this type so wouldn't like to recommend one over another.

04-09-2014, 20:23	#11
KnifeEdge Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,596	Thanks for all your advice so far Would I be totally on the wrong path to think that this could be a solution, and turn my TV into a smart TV into the bargain? Would this work? http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/point-of-v...keyboard-n16nu

04-09-2014, 20:25	#12
KnifeEdge Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,596	Quote: Originally Posted by chrisjr Looks like the only option is a USB to HDMI adapter, http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_...mi%2Caps%2C478 Essentially the adapter acts like a second graphics card in the PC. You can then cable the adapter to the telly and it becomes a second monitor which you can set to either display whatever is on the PC's own monitor or as an extension to the desktop. In the latter case you can have two completely separate things going on at the same time. So have a video from Netflix playing on the telly while you browse the interweb on the PC monitor for example. I haven't used any adapters of this type so wouldn't like to recommend one over another. Thanks, I had looked at these, so maybe I do have a bit of tech savvy after all.

04-09-2014, 20:45	#13
gds1972 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 5,515	Have you looked at things like this it looks like you use in conjunction with a smart phone/tablet? http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/audio/d...21414-pdt.html I have Amazon Prime and have just pre ordered Amazon Fire TV for £49.

04-09-2014, 20:54	#14
Bluescope Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 2,289	Knife their is next to no chance to connect that PC to the TV. I think the one question that should be asked is what do you want to do on the TV ? Why did you want the PC connected up. You mentioned netflix if it is just that i would suggest something like Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player. It is about 20-30 pounds depending on deals in shops but allows you to view netflix on any TV via a wireless router. If you want to do more than that you will have to let us know.

04-09-2014, 20:58	#15
grahamlthompson Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redditch Worcs Posts: 17,293	Quote: Originally Posted by Bluescope Knife their is next to no chance to connect that PC to the TV. I think the one question that should be asked is what do you want to do on the TV ? Why did you want the PC connected up. You mentioned netflix if it is just that i would suggest something like Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player. It is about 20-30 pounds depending on deals in shops but allows you to view netflix on any TV via a wireless router. If you want to do more than that you will have to let us know. I can't see why a usb graphics card wouldn't work. eg http://www.amazon.co.uk/eSynic-Suppo...o+hdmi+adaptor

04-09-2014, 21:03	#16
KnifeEdge Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,596	Quote: Originally Posted by gds1972 Have you looked at things like this it looks like you use in conjunction with a smart phone/tablet? http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/audio/d...21414-pdt.html I have Amazon Prime and have just pre ordered Amazon Fire TV for £49. Yeah, I had come across Chromecast, but it requires a monthly subscription, and I would prefer not to do that.

04-09-2014, 21:08	#17
Bluescope Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 2,289	Quote: Originally Posted by KnifeEdge Yeah, I had come across Chromecast, but it requires a monthly subscription, and I would prefer not to do that. Chromecast is not a monthly sub your confusing that with the google play service as part of the offer at the moment. I believe you can just buy the Chromecast device and use it for Netflix. The only monthly fee would be for your netflix service which you already pay for.

04-09-2014, 21:15	#18
KnifeEdge Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,596	Quote: Originally Posted by Bluescope Chromecast is not a monthly sub your confusing that with the google play service as part of the offer at the moment. I believe you can just buy the Chromecast device and use it for Netflix. The only monthly fee would be for your netflix service which you already pay for. OK thanks, I will look at that again.

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Connecting PC to TV help please.