HELP QUICK LINKS

Check the capabilities of your computer or laptop

Connecting to the internet

Connecting TV to your device

Connecting TV to Desktop Computer via VGA and Audio Lead

Connecting TV to Desktop Computer via HDMI

Connecting TV to Laptop via HDMI

Connecting TV to Laptop via VGA

Connecting TV to Laptop, Ipad, Smart Phone via wireless adapter

SEE OUR RECOMMENDATION BELOW
Not all computers or laptops will be of a suitable standard to download and stream the video quality you will need to display on your TV

This link "Kaspersky" will assist you with the checking of your computer/laptops operating system to compare with the requirements below, you may want to take a pen and paper to write down the information from your computer so you can discuss it with your computer store or knowledgeable friend.

Most Windows based PC's or Laptops will have a System area that will detail what the specifications of your device are "consult your PC or Laptop, System Area"

Essential for good performance would be at least 2GB of RAM (RAM handles the running of all of the programs on your PC at any one time, more RAM more efficient PC operation, quality video and gaming will require more of your RAM) if buying new for top performance 4GB or more would be recommended.
Your Processor, a Dual-Core Processor is an absolute minimum or better still quad or 6 core for top performance, the more cores the higher the speed of the computer, the more work it can do at once, the better the performance.
Ensure your video adapter and monitor are: Super VGA (1024x768) or higher
Operating system for PC's Windows 7 or 8
Browser - Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox
If you are not sure of what browser you are currently using you can update to the latest from the links below
Download the latest version of Internet Explorer: http://www.microsoft.com/ie
Download the latest version of Firefox: http://www.mozilla.com/firefox
Download latest version of Macromedia Flash Player 10.1 for best video results: http://www.adobe.com/products/flash/about/
Mac Computers
Intel Core Duo 1.5GHz with a minimum of 2GB of memory and 128MB of video RAM
Mac OS X 10.4+
Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome
Macromedia Flash Player 10.1 for best video results: http://www.adobe.com/products/flash/about/
Video adapter and monitor: Super VGA (1024x768) or higher.

OUR RECOMMENDATION
It only takes about 5 minutes to disconnect all of the cables from your PC and put it in the back seat of the car.
Take the computer to your nearest computer store "where you intend to buy the cables and adapters" and discuss with their knowledgeable staff the worthiness of your computer regarding the task you wish to undertake with it.
They may also assist with the purchase of the best products to carry out your install.
If they advise that you need a new PC get a price and specification of the PC they recommend, take some time to visit another store or two to compare prices if you wish, however the desktop PC market is very competitive and you should get a suitable PC for under $800-00
Many people are shifting away from the desktop option instead going to the convenience of being able to take a laptop around the house, again be sure that this is your best option as laptops can be more susceptible to taking knocks and the range of products available can be a little daunting

Once you are confident your Computer or Laptop is up to the task if you do not already have an internet connection you should shop around for the best option, your home phone provider should be able to give you a price that includes your home phone and internet connection

The combination of phone and internet is now a competitive market so definitely get a couple of quotes

Your internet connection should preferably be of the high speed variety VDSL or Fibre are ideal however the most common service ADSL should give you an adequate result
Sorry folks a dial up connection if you still have one will not do it!!

With your internet connection a modem will have been supplied to allow you to connect to the providers service, if not you have signed up with the wrong company as most if not all will provide the modem as part of their package
Having followed the providers "easy to follow steps" you should now have internet at your disposal, your Computer or Laptop can be connected to your modem with an approved Ethernet type cable

You can also connect via wireless to the internet from your Laptop, IPad, Tablet or Smart Phone most providers now supply a wireless router type modem with your account sign up

If your existing modem is of an older type and has no wireless capability you can purchase a wireless router from your electronics or computer store for a relatively small sum, ensure that the wireless unit is capable of transmitting video at a better than good rate, your store assistant should be familiar with what is going to be best for this purpose

Instructions on how to set up your new modem or wireless device should be supplied with the device or you can generally get phone support by contacting the providers helpline

NOTE: When you have set up your internet service and are successfully connected your computer or laptop you should run a speed test to ensure that your computer or laptop is going to be to the task of streaming a good quality video picture.
A good guideline is that you achieve a download speed of 7.0Mbps or greater to achieve a quality video service.

A suitable site for doing this is Speedtest.netI have carried out a test from my VDSL router service and obtained a speed of 65.53Mbps from my nearest server "thank you Mr Spark"

A website worth a visit that will assist you in understanding all of the above in simple terms is GEEK SQUAD yes you heard it right, this site also has a lot of other often useful information regarding electronic confusion.  

If your PC, Laptop or other device does not achieve the required speed you may want to have an upgrade appraisal done by an approved computer technician

If you are happy to watch your internet content on your PC Monitor, Laptop, or Apple product you need not proceed any further as the sign up process with your content provider will assist you with this setup

NOTE AGAIN: If you are not sure if your computer or laptop is capable of streaming live content you should consult a qualified person or check your PC or Laptops specifications are up to our recommendations see Check the capabilities of your computer or laptop

For those who are confident their PC, Laptop or IPad is up to the task and are ready to connect it to their Television read on from here

if you looking to purchase a new TV this is an ideal time to purchase a TV that has built in internet web browser capabilities. "If it is in your price range"
With this option you can be directly connected via its wireless capabilities to your wireless modem and stream whatever you wish directly from the internet.
NOTE: In most cases an Application Program will need to be installed into your TV's browser that will allow the browser to connect to pay for view channels, so make sure the smart TV you are going to purchase can support the application required

Connecting your TV to your Computer
Image below of common desktop computer connections

 Both your computer and TV will need to have VGA capability, firstly check to see if you PC has a 15 pin VGA output and your TV has the same VGA input, if not this option is not for you
If so you will then require a VGA lead of suitable length to get from your PC to the TV

NOTE: This will only provide the video signal to your TV you will also require a suitable stereo cable to go from your PC to the TV to complete the connection.
The audio output from your PC will most likely be a 3.5mm Stereo output so you will require a 3.5mm stereo lead of suitable length to get to your TV
You may also need to purchase an audio splitter to allow you to connect your computer speakers "if you have them" and the cable to the television
The cables can be obtained from most large electronic stores or computer suppliers and will range in cost depending on the distance from your PC to your TV.

Shopping List
Male/Male VGA Lead of suitable length X 1
Male/Male 3.5mm Audio lead of suitable length X 1
3.5mm Audio splitter device X 1

Tuning
Connect all the leads, ensure your computer is running and the TV is on and take a deep breath.
You will now need to know a little about finding the correct TV input on your remote and passing the computer signal to the TV.
You TV installation instructions will have this documented however you have probably misplaced that the day after purchasing the TV so you may need to consult with a friend who is handy with this sort of thing.

Connect Desktop Computer to TV using an HDMI Connection

NOTE: Check to see if your TV has an HDMI input capability "see image below of what an HDMI connection looks like"

Check to see if your computer has an HDMI connection if not you will need to purchase a suitable USB to HDMI Converter "ensure that the device supports a good quality video"

If it does you will need to purchase a HDMI cable of suitable length to get from your PC to your TV, ensure you buy a good quality cable as poor product will result in inferior picture quality

NOTE: The USB to HDMI Converter will have a software disk with the device this must be used to install the device on your computer, again get some help from a knowledgeable friend if you are not sure about this process.

Also when purchasing the Converter check to see if your PC has USB3 capability as if this is the case USB3 will provide 10X the signal speed to your computer.
To do this if you are not sure take a photo of the USB connections at the back of your PC and ask at the store when you purchase the items.
These products are readily available at most leading electronic stores

Shopping List
USB to HDMI converter X 1
or USB3 to HDMI converter X 1
HDMI lead of suitable length X 1

Tuning
Connect all the leads, ensure your computer is running and the TV is on and take another deep breath.
You will now need to know a little about finding the correct TV input on your remote and passing the computer signal to the TV.
On your remote there will probably be a menu option and in this menu you will need to find "Input Option"
There will be a choice of either HDMI 1 or HDMI 2 the one you have plugged your cable into will be the one you require.
If you have any issue with this or after this process again we recommend you consult a knowledgeable friend for further help.

NOTE: Your laptop computer may also be used for this HDMI option and may be the best option as the laptop is portable and can be set up next to your TV.

Image below of common laptop computer connections for this option

Connect TV to Laptop using the VGA connections

Both your Laptop and TV will need to have VGA capability, firstly check to see if your Laptop has a 15 pin VGA output and your TV has the same VGA input, if not this option is not for you
If so you will then require a VGA lead of suitable length to get from your Laptop to the TV
NOTE: This will only provide the video signal to your TV you will also require a suitable stereo cable to go from your PC to the TV to complete the connection.
The audio output from your PC will most likely be a 3.5mm Stereo output so you will require a 3.5mm stereo lead of suitable length to get to your TV
You may also need to purchase an audio splitter to allow you to connect your computer speakers "if you have them" and the cable to the television
The cables can be obtained from most large electronic stores or computer suppliers and will range in cost depending on the distance from your PC to your TV.

Shopping List
Male/Male VGA Lead of suitable length X 1
Male/Male 3.5mm Audio lead of suitable length X 1
3.5mm Audio splitter device X 1

Tuning
Connect all the leads, ensure your Laptop is running and the TV is on
You will now need to know a little about finding the correct TV input on your remote and passing the computer signal to the TV.
You TV installation instructions will have this documented however you have probably misplaced that the day after purchasing the TV so you may need to consult with a friend who is handy with this sort of thing

Connect Laptop Computer to your TV using HDMI option

The convenience of this install is twofold, one that the laptop can be taken to any TV in your home and the cable from the laptop to the TV need not be as long as that required for PC connections
secondly the laptop can be wirelessly connected to the internet via your wireless modem

NOTE: Ensure your modem is wireless and your laptop has wireless capability
Shopping List
HDMI Cable of suitable length X 1

Connecting your Laptop or other wireless computer via a wireless device

Regretfully there are not too many devices available for connecting your Laptop to your TV via a wireless connection and those that do we have found can have issues with connectivity.

Those that are available will require your TV to have an HDMI input connection
The alternative if your TV only has a VGA input is to purchase a HDMI to VGA Converter this will mimic the HDMI input required

Device 1
Apple TV
Although another cost and a little expensive $150-00 NZD to purchase initially, if you are intending to stream your internet via you IPhone or Ipad this is the device for you, also some Apps are available that will work between your Laptop and the Apple TV
If you use this method not only will you be able to stream your subscribed sport channel, Apple TV gives you access to the best 1080p HD content — including blockbuster films, hit TV programmes, live sport, your music, photos, videos and more — all on your high-definition TV. You can even play content from your iOS device or Mac on your TV using AirPlay.

Your Apple TV connects directly to your TV set via an HDMI cable, if your TV does not support HDMI you will need to purchase an adapter for any VGA input your television may have.

Shopping List
Apple TV X 1
HDMI Cable X 1
HDMI to VGA converter if required X 1
VGA Male/Male adapter for above X 1
3.5mm Audio Cable for converter if required X 1

Tuning
Your Apple TV will come with a full set of instructions on how to connect and setup the device with your IPad or IPhone and to your television.

Device 2
Google Chromecast

Your Chromecast device is a HDMI ready plug and play device sold at most Noel Lemming Stores at a very reasonable 50-60 Dollars.
Connection of the device is to simply plug in the device to any spare HDMI port your Television may have.
If you Television does not have HDMI again you will need to purchase the necessary accessories as described above in the Apple TV install.
NOTE: With tests we have carried out the Chromecast is really only suitable for direct play from your Laptop via a wireless connection.
We did not have too much "reliable" success with our Ipad or Smart Phone as these required the Chromecast App and was average at best.
Tuning
You will need to have Google Chrome browser installed on your Laptop this is a very simple process and will only take a couple of minutes to carry out.

If you already have Chrome installed you may like to update to the latest version here and when you have completed either of these tasks you can download the Google Cast extension
Once this has been done please refer to the Chromecast help site for more info, again get a knowledgable friend around to assist if you are not sure about where to head here.

Both of the above devices worked very well for our testers when set up and running correctly.

Other devices that can be used however require a little more setup knowledge than this article can provide
- Xbox
- PlayStation
These devices come with install manuals if you have misplaced your manual you may wish to explore the following setup links provided by the product providers.
XBox
PlayStation

Comment on wireless connections
The downside of connecting your TV set wirelessly is that data transfer speeds on wireless networks aren't as fast as with an Ethernet or wired connection.
This might lead to connectivity issues and lengthy buffering times when you want to view online video clips and movies. If you encounter problems, try moving the TV set to a different place in the room where the wireless signal is stronger, or try moving the router.