Whether you’re watching a movie, streaming content from your computer or just looking to enhance the look of your home entertainment system, you may need to connect a TV attachment. The good news is that it’s not difficult to set up and there are a variety of ways to do it.
Mounting a TV
First, you’ll need to mount your television to the wall. You can use a standard mount or an articulated mount, which allows you to adjust the angle of your TV. It’s a simple process, but it’s important to do it right or you could risk damaging your TV or causing it to sag.
If you’re using a fixed wall mount, make sure to follow the mounting instructions that come with your device. They may vary slightly between models, so it’s a good idea to read through them before you begin.
Once your TV is mounted to the wall, you’ll need to reconnect power and other devices. Depending on the model of your TV, this may include a DVD player, cable box or other streaming device.
The next step is to attach the mounting plate, which will secure to the back of your TV and connect to a wall bracket. This part of the mount is typically attached with a simple clip, rail system or extendable arm. Some also come with a hinge, making them easy to move or detach.
Find a stud to mount your TV onto
If you’re using a TV mount, the most common way to get your TV into position is to hang it directly on a stud in your wall. This will give you a solid and secure base, and is a lot easier than installing it on the drywall directly.
Before you start, locate the studs in your wall by using a stud finder. Ideally, you’ll want to find two studs on either side of your TV. However, depending on your specific wall conditions and the type of mount you’re using, you may need to locate more than one stud.
Next, line up the bracket to the studs in your wall. You’ll need to be careful with the positioning of the bracket, and it might be best to have someone help you hold the TV while you do this.
Depending on the model of your TV, there might be a hole in the center for a cord or wire. If so, be sure to hide this cord or wire behind a shelf.
To connect a laptop to a TV, you need an HDMI or DVI cable. Both of these cables can send high-definition video and audio to your TV. If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port, you can purchase a DVI to HDMI adapter.
If your laptop has a USB-C port, you can also plug it into the TV with an USB-C to HDMI cable. Some laptops even come with this connection built into the computer.
Alternatively, you can hook up your computer to your TV wirelessly by using Miracast on Windows or an eternal device like a Google Chromecast. It’s a simple process, and most TVs now have Wi-Fi capability as well.
