Beyond the Monitor: How to Properly Connect Your PC to an HDTV
Is your 27-inch monitor starting to feel small? My YouTube guide on connecting a PC to an HDTV has become one of my most popular videos, proving that many of you are looking for that big-screen experience. Whether it's for gaming or media, here is how I set up my custom rig to run on a 42-inch Samsung Plasma.
The Rig: My Connection Gear
In the video [00:01:21], I used a custom build featuring an Asus NVIDIA 8400GS. While it's an older card, it supports the two essential outputs for this project: DVI and HDMI. I paired this with a Samsung 430 Series Plasma.
Step 1: The Connection (DVI to HDMI)
If your PC doesn't have a native HDMI port, don't worry. I used a DVI to HDMI cable [00:01:30].
Crucial Tip: On many Samsung TVs, one specific HDMI port is optimized for PC input. Look for the port labeled "HDMI/DVI." Using this port ensures the TV treats the signal like a computer monitor, which helps with input lag and text clarity.
The Audio Gap
Remember, DVI cables do not carry audio. To get sound from your TV speakers, you will need a 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo-to-RCA or stereo-to-stereo cable connecting your PC's green audio jack to the TV's "PC Audio In" port.
🛠️ Connection Cheat Sheet
| Connection Type | Carries Audio? | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI to HDMI | Yes | Newer GPUs & Laptops |
| DVI to HDMI | No | Desktop PCs with older GPUs |
| VGA | No | Legacy TV sets [00:00:58] |
Step 2: Protecting Your Display (Plasma Owners)
Plasma TVs are beautiful but vulnerable to "Burn-In." Static images like your Windows taskbar or desktop icons can leave a permanent ghost image if left too long [00:03:24].
My 2026 Protection Strategy:
- Auto-Hide Taskbar: Right-click your taskbar and enable "Auto-hide" [00:03:44].
- Pixel Shift: Enable your TV's "Pixel Shift" or "Screen Shift" feature in the settings. I set mine to move 5 pixels every few minutes.
- Wallpaper Rotation: Use a slideshow for your desktop background to keep pixels moving.
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