Connecting a laptop to a TV?

Cool_Username

Hi,

I'm a complete novice with anything technical but I'd like to connect a laptop to a big LCD TV in my daughter's bedroom so she can watch programs straight from the internet.

She watches BBC I Player and 4OD on the laptop at the moment but it seems silly not to use the big TV in her bedroom.

I'm wondering what sort of cable I need and whether or not it's just a question of plugging it in and watching.

Thanks for any advice!

KillerWatt

I'm right out of ESP at this moment in time, so if you could tell us what ports are available on both the laptop and the TV then I'm sure someone will be able to advise.

If you don't know what ports are available, just post the make & model numbers of the laptop and TV.

rdpro

usual video output is VGA, but could possibly (still fairly rare) be HDMI or DVI

You should have details in the laptop manual.

[Deleted User]

I was in a similar quandary when choosing cables to connect my laptop to my TV. The general consensus I found was gold connectors aren't worth it and in fact silver conducts better than gold. VGA cables are better than S-Video. Don't buy anything longer than you need.

In the end I choose the following and I must say they're as good as the reviews - they're perfect.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fisual-Pearl-VGA-Male-Cable/dp/B000WTT0EG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1240134161&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fisual-Install-3-5mm-Stereo-Cable/dp/B0012IRLTW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1240134167&sr=8-1

I appreciate it looks like I'm going back on my gold comment but after reading the reviews for both cables I was happy to pick these.