If you want to employ your TV as a computer monitor, you’ll need to convert VGA to RCA. The procedure isn’t that hard and it will allow you to access the Web on the TV.

Required Tools

Computer with VGA port
Converter
TV with an RCA port
3.5 mm audio cable for audio (optional only)

Step 1

Hook up the computer VGA port with the converter.

Step 2

Get the RCA cable (the yellow video cable) and attach the converter to the TV.

Step 3

Turn on the computer. The TV should now function as a monitor. If you are using Windows, right click the desktop and click properties. Go to the Settings tab.

Choose the appropriate options so it will recognize the TV as a second monitor. After you convert VGA to RCA, you may want the monitors to have the same display. Select the “clone” or “extended desktop” option.

Customizing the Audio

The TV or the computer can manage the sound. The computer handles the audio by default. Just turn on the speakers and it should come out fine. If you’d rather have the audio emanate from the TV, attach a 3.5 mm audio cable to the computer’s headset jack. Connect the other end of the cable to the TV’s stereo ports (they are red and white).

Note: you will need a VGA to HDMI converter if you need HD signal. When you make the conversion, the quality is for standard definition content only. You’re better off using VGA to HDMI port for reading or watching high quality video.

How to Convert VGA to RCA for Apple iBooks

Get an adapter and plug it into the VGA port of the iBook. The other side has an S-video port and yellow RCA port. The RCA port is for connecting the video port to the TV. The S-video port is for S-video devices.

Step 1

Connect a cable to the yellow RCA port. If you’ll be using the S-video port, you’ll need to use an S-video cable. You don’t have to utilize both ports.

Step 2

Insert the cable’s end to the TV port. You can find this at the back of the TV.

Step 3

After you convert VGA to RCA, turn on the TV. Press “video” You will see the laptop’s desktop.

Tips and Warnings

Not all these converters are made the same way. The equipment may look similar but they are not. Some converters are very cheap, but the output will be poor. Moreover, some of these inexpensive devices may destroy your TV. Make sure you buy from quality manufacturers. While these can be quite expensive, you can be assured they are of superior quality.

If the converter has a user guide, read it before you start the installation. Some devices may require additional tweaks or changes to the TV.

It isn’t hard to convert VGA to RCA. As long as you know where to plug the cable, you should be able to use the TV to see the computer desktop.