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HP Notebook PCs - Connecting a Monitor, Projector, or TV (Windows 10, 8, 7)

Choosing the right location for your computer display

Types of video connectors for computer display devices

Using adapters to connect a display to your computer

Setting display properties to use additional displays

Switch between displays using notebook function keys

Setting display resolution

This document pertains to HP and Compaq notebook computers with Windows 10, 8, or 7.

This document provides information you should know when attaching monitors, projectors, or TVs to your notebook.

Choosing the right location for your computer display

Notice the location of windows in the room when deciding where to place the display. The screen can reflect direct sunlight or bright lights making viewing uncomfortable.

Select a location for the monitor or TV that is near the computer and a power source. Cables can be unsightly and should be hidden from view, such as by routing them behind the back of the desk between a wall.

Set the monitor or TV on a flat level surface. Make sure that the monitor or TV does not rest on any cables.

The height and angle of the monitor or TV should not cause neck or back pain during prolonged viewing. It should be positioned so the eyes of the person using the monitor or TV are at least 1 meter (3 feet) away and only slightly angled down. An adjustable chair can help achieve a comfortable position.

note:
Most notebooks are smaller than typical monitors and will need a stand or small platform to raise it to the height and angle described above.

Figure : Proper viewing height

Proper viewing height for a computer display

To connect an additional video display or TV to your notebook, you will need the following:

At least one video connection port.
Correct type cable to connect the TV or external monitor.

Types of video connectors for computer display devices

Know the video connectors on your computer and display devices to avoid problems and get the best possible picture quality.

There are two types of video transfer methods: Digital and Analog. If you try to connect a digital connector to an analog port or vice versa, you will not be able to view video. Also, if you attempt to play protected high-definition digital content, such as Blu-ray movies, over an analog connection, you will probably get an error message or the movie will play at lower quality resolutions.

Click the appropriate heading or the accompanying plus (+) sign to expand the following information:

HDMI (digital) connector

The HDMI connector is a digital connection type for transferring high-definition digital video signals AND audio signals. When used with a compatible monitor or television, HDMI has the capability of carrying true high-definition video and audio as well HDCP protected content (to play Blu-ray high-definition movies). If your computer has HDMI audio, it should be set as the default audio device in Windows audio properties (available from Windows Control Panel). The monitor or TV with HDMI must have speakers to hear audio.

Figure : HDMI connection

DisplayPort (digital) connector

The DisplayPort connector is a digital connection type for sending high-definition digital video signal AND an audio signal to a monitor with a DisplayPort connector. Display has very similar characteristics to HDMI but can also support a content protection method called DPCP in addition to the common format HDCP.

Figure : DisplayPort connection

DVI (digital/analog) connector

The DVI connector is a connector for sending a digital video signal to a display device. Use VGA or DVI, but not both at the same time. Some display devices have both a VGA connector and a DVI connector. If your computer supports DVI, try using the VGA for a while and then try using the DVI connection for a while. Then, use the connection that provides the best picture quality for your display device.

DVI-I

Carries both digital and analog signals. If your computer has a DVI-I port, you can connect to any DVI port on a monitor or TV or you can use a wide variety of adapters to connect to other types of ports.

DVI-D

Carries only digital signals. If your computer has a DVI-D port, you can connect to DVI-I or DVD-D ports. You can often connect to other types of digital connections using adapters. Does not connect to a VGA port.

DVI-A

Not common. Carries only analog signals. If your computer has a DVI-A port, you can connect to DVI-I or DVD-A ports. You can connect to a VGA port using an adapter. Does not connect to digital ports.

Figure : DVI connector

VGA and SVGA (analog) connector

The VGA connector is a video connection for sending analog video signals to the monitor or TV. Unless you are planning to connect to a special monitor, such as a plasma or LCD TV that has a DVI connector, connect your Primary monitor using the VGA connector.

Figure : VGA connection

S-video and Composite (analog) connector

The S-video and Composite connectors are used to send an analog video signal to a secondary display device, such as a TV. In some cases, it is possible to use these connections for the main display, such as for using a TV as the only monitor for a computer, but doing so is not recommended.

One example of using a secondary display is in a classroom environment. When connecting a video projector to a notebook that already has a built-in monitor, the instructor can use the built-in monitor for performing the actions on the computer while students observe the projected image of what the instructor is doing.

Figure : S-video connector

Figure : Composite connector
Connect the speaker and microphone cable, if those connections are available on the display device. Some display devices may have built-in speakers or a microphone. Connect these cables to the computer.
Connect the power cord to the display device and a power source.

caution:
HP recommends connecting the monitor or TV to a surge protection device as the power source to prevent damage to the monitor or TV if a power spike occurs.

Figure : Typical HP Notebook ports

VGA port

S-Video port

Figure : Notebook and monitor connections

Using adapters to connect a display to your computer

What do you do when the video connector on the back of your computer does not match the video connector on the display device? Ideally, you want to have the same video connector on the computer and monitor or TV, but there may be times when this is not possible. The answer may be a special cable or adapter. For example, HP provides a small DVI to VGA adapter in the box with many of its computers. Connect this adapter to the DVI port on the computer and then connect the VGA cable from the monitor or TV into the adapter.

Figure : VGA to DVI adapter

Another good answer may be a special cable that has different connection types on each end. Make sure you know the two types of video connectors before purchasing an adapter or cable.

Figure : Examples of adapters and cables

note:
An HDMI connection can also carry audio. HDMI audio is lost when using a DVI to HDMI adapter or cable solution.

note:
You cannot connect DVI-D to VGA.

Setting display properties to use additional displays

Use one of the following sections, depending on your operating system, to configure the way Windows works with your additional display(s):

Windows 10

In the Windows search box, search for and open Display settings. The ADVANCED DISPLAY SETTINGS window opens.

Figure : ADVANCED DISPLAY SETTINGS
Click the drop-down menu under Multiple displays, select one of the configurations, and then click Apply.

Figure : Multiple displays options

Duplicate these displays

Duplicate these displays, sometimes known as mirroring the displays, shows the same screen on all displays. This configuration is most commonly used for presentations. This allows the presenter to work from a smaller monitor while the audience views the presenter’s work from a larger TV, monitor, or projector.

Figure : Duplicate displays mode

The computer is now ready to display the same screen on all output devices, from monitors to projectors. Press the fn and f4 function keys at the same time to switch the image from the notebook display, to the external monitor, or to both.

Extend these displays

Extend these displays mode shows the Desktop extended across all displays. This configuration is most commonly used to get more workspace. You can take advantage of the extra workspace to view different applications on different displays.

Figure : Extend these displays mode

To help identify your monitors, click Identify below monitors. The numbers 1 or 2 are shown on the monitor icons to help you identify them.

Show the screen on only one display

Show the screen on only one display is similar to the extended display, except that the screen is shown on only one display. The extra display will be blank, but still functions as an extension of your computer. You can use this function to hide the screen during a presentation, but still see the desktop on your personal monitor.

Figure : One display mode

Windows 8 or 7

Right-click anywhere on the desktop and select Screen Resolution. The Screen Resolution window opens.
Click the Multiple displays drop-down menu, select one of the configurations, and then click Apply.

Figure : Duplicate displays

Duplicate these displays

Duplicate these displays, sometimes known as mirroring the displays, shows the same screen on all displays. This configuration is most commonly used for presentations. This allows the presenter to work from a smaller monitor while the audience views the presenter’s work from a larger TV, monitor, or projector.

Figure : Duplicate displays in Multiple displays list

The computer is now ready to display the same screen on all output devices, from monitors to projectors. Press the fn and f4 function keys at the same time to switch the image from the notebook display, to the external monitor, or to both.

Extend these displays

Extend these displays mode shows the Desktop extended across all displays. This configuration is most commonly used to get more workspace. You can take advantage of the extra workspace to view different applications on different displays.

Figure : Extended displays in Multiple displays list

To help identify your monitors, click Identify Monitors. The numbers 1 or 2 are shown on the monitor icons to help you identify them.

(Optional) To adjust the resolution, in the Display Settings window, select a monitor and slide the resolution slide bar. Click OK to save the setting and exit.

(Optional) To change the direction the screen will extend (left or right to match how the displays are physically set up), select a monitor and drag it to the desired position.

Show the screen on only one display

Show the screen on only one display is similar to the extended display, except that the screen is shown on only one display. The extra display will be blank, but still functions as an extension of your computer. You can use this function to hide the screen during a presentation, but still see the desktop on your personal monitor.

Figure : Show the screen on only one display mode

Only one display in Multiple displays list

Switch between displays using notebook function keys

When multiple displays are in use, press the fn and f4 function keys at the same time to switch the image from the notebook display, to the external monitor, or to both. This key combination might be different on your computer.

Setting display resolution

Use one of the following sections, depending on your operating system, to change the resolution setting to match your monitor, projector, or TV:

Windows 10

Turn on the monitor or TV.
Turn on the notebook.
When Windows opens, it should find the monitor(s) using the Windows Plug and Play process. Give Windows extra time to start up while it installs the necessary files for the monitor or TV.

note:
Most monitors work fine without installing any software by using Microsoft's Plug and Play. However, if your monitor came with a software installation disc, you should install any drivers related to the monitor to get the best experience.
Once Windows has finished Plug and Play, open the Desktop, if it is not already open.
Right-click anywhere on the Desktop screen, then select Display settings.
Scroll to the bottom of the screen, then click Advanced display settings.

Figure : Clicking Advanced display settings
If Windows is in an extended display environment and more than one monitor is active, select the monitor to adjust. Click Detect to find out which number represents each monitor.

Figure : Clicking Detect
Click the Resolution box, then set the resolution to match the default resolution of the monitor. In a presentation environment, choose the best display setting that meets your needs for both monitors.

Figure : Resolution options

For LED and LCD displays, refer to the box, user guide, or product specifications to find the native display resolution.

For older CRT monitors (the viewing area is a large glass tube), the display resolution can be set to whatever looks best - a good resolution for CRTs is 1024 x 768.
Click Apply.

The display resolution in Windows 10 is now set.

note:
If the picture displayed on the TV or monitor does not fit on the screen, or has blank areas to the sides of the screen, use the TV or monitor zoom or aspect ratio feature. On TVs, aspect or zoom is usually found as a button on the remote control.

Windows 8

Turn on the monitor or TV.
Turn on the notebook.
When Windows opens, it should find the monitor(s) using the Windows Plug and Play process. Give Windows extra time to start up while it installs the necessary files for the monitor or TV.

note:
Most monitors work fine without installing any software by using Microsoft's Plug and Play. However, if your monitor came with a software installation disc, you should install any drivers related to the monitor to get the best experience.
Once Windows has finished Plug and Play, open the Desktop, if it is not already open.
Right-click anywhere on the Desktop screen, then select Screen Resolution. The Display Properties window opens.
If Windows is in an extended display environment and more than one monitor is active, select the monitor to adjust from the display drop-down menu. Click the Detect button to find out which number represents each monitor.
Set the Resolution slider to match the default resolution of your monitor. In a presentation environment, choose the best display setting that meets your needs for both monitors.

For LED and LCD displays, refer to the box, user guide, or product specifications to find the native display resolution.

For older CRT monitors (the viewing area is a large glass tube), the display resolution can be set to whatever looks best - a good resolution for CRTs is 1024 x 768.

Figure : Display Resolution for a single display (notebook lid closed)

Figure : Display Resolution for multiple displays (extend these displays environment)

Figure : Display Resolution for multiple displays (presentation environment)
Click OK.

The display resolution in Windows 8 is now set.

note:
If the picture displayed on the TV or monitor does not fit on the screen, or has blank areas to the sides of the screen, use the TV or monitor zoom or aspect ratio feature. On TVs, aspect or zoom is usually found as a button on the remote control.

Windows 7

Turn on the monitor or TV.
Turn on the notebook.
When Windows opens, it should find the monitor(s) using the Windows Plug and Play process. Give Windows extra time to start up while it installs the necessary files for the monitor or TV.

note:
Most monitors work fine without installing any software by using Microsoft's Plug and Play. However, if your monitor came with a software installation disc, you should install any drivers related to the monitor to get the best experience.
Once Windows has finished Plug and Play, right-click anywhere on the Windows desktop and select Screen Resolution. The Display Properties window opens.
Set the Resolution slider to match the default resolution of your monitor.

For LED and LCD displays, refer to the box, user guide, or product specifications to find the native display resolution.

For older CRT monitors (the viewing area is a large glass tube), the display resolution can be set to whatever looks best - a good resolution for CRTs is 1024 x 768.
Click OK.

Your monitor has been installed.

note:
If the picture displayed on the TV or monitor does not fit on the screen, or has blank areas to the sides of the screen, use the TV or monitor zoom or aspect ratio feature. On TVs, aspect or zoom is usually found as a button on the remote control.