The Smart TV Interconnection guides shows how to connect a computer, laptop, or other device to a Smart TV with an High Definition Media Interface (HDMI). Devices may have one of the following interfaces or ports:
- HDMI
- Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C (USB-C)
- DisplayPort
- Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
- Video Graphics Array (VGA)
A device with an HDMI port may be connected to a Smart TV with just a HDMI male to male cable. The gender refers the to gender of the connector. This is the simplest type of connection and is not shown in the guide.
A device with a USB Type-C, USB-C, or Thunderbolt port must use an USB-C male to HDMI female adapter plus a HDMI male-to-male cable. USB-C ports are most common on smart phones, tablets, and modern laptops.
A device with a DisplayPort must use an active DisplayPort male to HDMI female adapter and plus a HDMI male-to-male cable. DisplayPorts are common on computer docks, graphic cards, and some workstations. There is also a dual-mode DisplayPort that is labeled DP++. A DP++ port uses a passive DP++ male to HDMI female adapter and a HDMI male-to-male cable.
A device with a DVI port must use the appropriate DVI male to female HDMI adapter and a HDMI male-to-male cable. DVI ports have the following configurations: DVI-I (integrated) single-link and dual-link, and DVI-D (digital) single-link and dual link. DVI-I/D ports are most common on older graphics cards.
A device with a VGA port must use a VGA male to HDMI female adapter and a HDMI male-to-male cable. A VGA to HDMI adapter also has connections to the audio output port and a USB port to power the adapter. VGA ports a found on old computers and laptops.
Cables and adapters are available in a variety of performance grades and should be selected to match the highest capabilities of your device and Smart TV. The performance of the device and Smart TV can be found in the respective user manuals. The table in the guide provides the minimum level of performance for common resolutions with a 60 Hz refresh rate.