Can you use standard cables with an HDMI TV?

Answer 1

No, however you can connect a computer to the tv.

Many new computers have either a DVI or an HDMI display port. These are the digital replacements to the 15 pin VGA connector that has been around for many years.

Almost all new televisions have an HDMI input. If the computer has an HDMI output, then a simple HDMI cable should carry both video and audio to the television.

If the computer has a DVI output, a DVI to HDMI cable can be used because the video element of HDMI is identical to the DVI signal. Unfortunately, DVI does not support audio so a separate cable will be needed for the audio signal. Because of the lack of audio support on DVI, most televisions have at least one HDMI input that has a separate analog audio input that is linked to the HDMI port.

For computers without a DVI or HDMI port, USB based display ports can be purchased at a relatively low cost and will provide a digital video output.

Finally, there are a number of televisions that have VGA inputs and can accept VGA directly. Others have a set of five RCA or phono sockets normally marked as R, G, B, H, V. The five connectors will normally handle a VGA signal with the right adaptor cable.

Some computers are fitted with either a composite or S-video connector. Although these can connect into most televisions, the quality is very poor compared to any other connections above. Try to avoid either of these connections if possible.

Answer 2

Most computers can make use of an HDMI input on a television but it's not always possible.

First, the computer must have either an HDMI or DVI output. DVI is a digital video port used on many of the latest computers. It is compatible with HDMI signals although DVI does not carry audio and the connector is different to an HDMI connector. If the computer does not have a DVI port, an expansion card or a USB device can normally be used to add one. Next, a DVI to HDMI cable is needed to connect the computer to the television. Finally, a separate audio connector will be needed. Most televisions have at least one HDMI port with a separate analog audio input. Normally, the connector is a 1/8" jack connector. There is usually a menu setting on the television that will enable the analog input to be used

Be aware that while most televisions will handle computer signals in this way, not all of them will display a computer image properly. As computers often use different display refresh rates than broadcast signal, some televisions will not recognize the signal. Experimentation may be needed to find the best display format for the computer.

Note that VGA is an analog video signal and cannot be used with HDMI ports which are only digital. Some DVI ports are capable of outputting an analog signal as well as digital. If that is the case, make sure that the output is set to display digital signals.

Answer 3

Yes, believe it or not, you can use regular coax cable, s-video, etc to connect to your HD TV. Picture quality won't be so great but it will work.

HDMI or component cables give the best PQ. There is one difference between HDMI and component that you may want to know about. Some DVD players will upconvert the PQ if they are playing a regular DVD to a near HD picture. If you are using a HDMI cable, you will see this on your TV. However component cables do not upconvert the signal. Not a huge thing and if I didn't mention this, you probably wouldn't notice.