If you have a PlayStation 3 and don’t want to run it through a television, you can connect it to your computer monitor instead. The PlayStation 3 has a HDMI port that lets it send high definition video to any screen with an HDMI port or an adapter, including laptops and other computers.
How to Use a PS3 With a Laptop
The PlayStation 3 console is designed to work with high-definition video and digital file storage, so it’s no surprise that people often try to use it as a monitor for their computer games. However, a number of factors can make it difficult to use a PS3 with a laptop. First, the resolution of most laptops is not as high as that of dedicated monitors, and second, the refresh rate of a laptop is lower than a monitor’s, which can lead to some lag or choppiness in gameplay.
How to Play a PS3 Game on a Computer Monitor
One of the most popular ways to play a PS3 game is on a computer monitor, because it’s easy and inexpensive to get a high-definition video signal from the console and the monitor. You can use a video capture card to connect your PS3 to your laptop, or you can purchase a monitor that has an HDMI port.
You can also use a VGA adapter to plug your PS3 into a VGA-compatible monitor. You can find this type of adapter at most electronics stores, or you can search online for an affordable option.
How to Play a PlayStation 3 on Your Monitor
The most convenient way to use a PS3 as a computer monitor is by using an HDMI cable, which is standard for most home theater systems and laptops. Depending on the model of your PS3, it may have a HDMI port on the back or it might be an “HDMI Out” port that you can directly connect to your laptop’s “HDMI In” port.
A HDMI to DVI converter cable is a common option for people who are using a monitor without an HDMI port. This type of cable converts the HDMI output on your PS3 into DVI input on a monitor with an HDMI port.
Depending on your model of PS3, you’ll need to check the manual for your monitor to see if it has an HDMI port. Most monitors do, but some models are not compatible with HDTVs and may only have a DVI port or no ports at all.
You’ll also need to be sure that your computer has a high-speed Internet connection, and that it’s connected to the Internet through a Wi-Fi router. This allows you to download games from your console to your laptop and play them in the privacy of your own home.
How to Connect PS3 Audio to Computer Speakers
If your computer speakers have RCA “red/white” input jacks or a digital optical “TOSLINK” input jack, you’ll need an AV multi out audio cable and adapters to connect your PS3’s audio to them. You’ll need to use a male RCA to female 1/8th inch adapter for each jack, with the red end going into your PS3 and the white/black ends plugged into the computer speakers.
