Cable connections

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Here are the options. What you choose will depend on your computer and TV connections, the quality you want and how much you wish to spend:

If your computer has an S-Video TV-out socket or an upgraded video card, these are the connect options:

1. Link the S-Video output on the computer to the S-Video on the TV
   
2. Link the S-Video output on the computer to the composite RCA jack on the TV
   
3. Use the SCART socket on the television with a SCART adapter. A SCART adapter may give you the option of using S-Video input or an RCA jack for the video signal.
   
4. Purchase a computer-to-SCART cable which will plug into the S-Video and audio outputs on the computer and a SCART socket on the TV.
   

If your computer does not have a TV-out socket, then these are other options:

1. Use the blue VGA (Video Graphics Array) connection on the computer to connect it with the component video adaptor (blue, green and red RCA sockets) on the TV.
   
2. Or use the VGA (Video Graphics Array) on the computer to connect with the S-Video socket on the TV.
   
3. Or upgrade your video card to one with a TV output and return to (1.) above:

For High Definition connections, click here.

Audio cables

Audio cables are necessary for many of these options. An audio splitter cable plugs into the headphone socket on the computer. The red and white RCA plugs fit into the TV.

Wireless connections

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Digital Media Adapters

A digital media adapter (DMA) provides a wireless connection between the computer and the television, giving much more freedom in siting the equipment and less cable clutter. The various DMA models on the market can all be linked up to your home wireless network so it doesn't matter where in the house you site the computer. You must of course have broadband and an 802.11g/n network.

Despite the wireless capability, several manufacturers recommend the use of a wired connection between the computer and the DMA where you want a High Definition quality signal. The necessary Ethernet and other cables are normally supplied when you buy the device.

Each of these machines has a search capability which seeks out and identifies those files on the computer which can be displayed on the TV screen, such as photos, videos, films and audio, with a remote control to select what you wish to view.

Here is a selection of Digital Media Adapters which are available:

•    Philips SLM5500
•    Netgear Digital Entertainer - EVA700
•    Pinnacle ShowCenter 200
•    D-Link DSM-510 Wireless HD Media Player
•    Linksys KiSS 1600 Network Media Player
•    Buffalo Link Theater Network Media Player
 

SlingCatcher

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The SlingCatcher media player from Sling Media allows video content from the PC or laptop to be displayed on the TV. When used in conjunction with SlingBox it can transmit content via Internet for viewing in a different location.