# The Ultimate Guide to Connecting Your PC to an LG Smart TV Without HDMI

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-connecting-your-pc-to-an-lg-smart-tv-without-hdmi/
- Published: 2023-10-06
- Author: Loring Chien
- Categories: [TV](https://33rdsquare.com/category/electronics/tv/)

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Want to view content from your computer right on your LG Smart TV‘s gorgeous big screen? While HDMI is the most convenient option, there are also many alternatives to connect your devices wirelessly or through other wired ports.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the methods to hook up your desktop PC or laptop to an LG TV without needing HDMI.

## Benefits of Connecting Your Computer and LG TV

First, let‘s look at why you‘d want to connect your computer and TV in the first place:

- View photos, videos, presentations from your PC on the TV‘s large, ultra high-def display
- Use TV as a second monitor to extend your Windows desktop
- Play PC games on the TV – connect Xbox/PlayStation controllers too!
- Stream content from websites on TV using PC browser
- Use LG Magic Remote to control playback on PC from your couch

Whether you want to turn your TV into a giant second screen for extra productivity or use it as an epic display for PC gaming, connecting your devices opens up lots of possibilities.

The good news is, you can enjoy these features without needing HDMI ports on both your computer and TV. Let‘s look at how!

## Wireless Screen Mirroring

The easiest way to show your computer‘s screen on an LG TV is through wireless casting or screen mirroring. This mirrors your PC‘s display over a WiFi connection.

Here‘s how to set it up:

1. Connect your PC and LG TV to the same WiFi network.
2. On your computer, open Connect or Screen Mirroring settings and select your TV.
3. Allow the connection on your LG TV.

| Connection Method | Video Quality | Latency | Audio Support |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Miracast | Up to 1080p | Medium | Stereo |
| WiFi Direct | Up to 4K | Low | Stereo |
| AirPlay | Up to 4K | Low | Stereo |
| Chromecast | Up to 4K | Low | Stereo |

Wireless options like Miracast and WiFi Direct have the benefit of easy setup without extra hardware. However, wired connections achieve lower latency. LG TVs also have proprietary wireless casting features like LG Screen Share.

For PCs without built-in wireless display, third-party apps like AirParrot allow casting to TVs. Gamers should use wired options described below for lag-free gaming performance.

## Wired Connection Methods

For maximum video quality and minimal lag, use a wired connection between your computer and LG TV. Common ports found on both devices include:

### USB Type-C

Recent LG TVs like the C2 and G2 OLED models feature full-spec USB-C ports. These support video out using DisplayPort Alt Mode. Simply get a USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter to output video from your laptop to the TV.

USB-C enables up to 4K 60Hz HDR video output from your PC to the TV, same as HDMI 2.0. It also transmits audio, so no separate audio cable is required.

| Specs | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Resolution | Up to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160p) |
| HDR | HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Audio | Stereo, surround sound |

Note that you need a USB-C port with DP Alt Mode for video output – common in recent laptops like MacBooks. For desktop PCs, you may need to add a USB-C card with video output.

### VGA

If your desktop PC or old laptop has a VGA output, you can connect it to your LG TV‘s HDMI input using a VGA to HDMI converter.

However, VGA only carries analog video signals, so you will need separate cables for audio output from your PC. Video quality tops out at 1080p resolution.

### DVI

For computers with DVI output, you can use a cheap DVI to HDMI adapter or cable. This converts the digital video signal for input into your TV‘s HDMI port. DVI supports resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz.

### Mini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt

Many Windows laptops feature a Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt port. Get an adapter to convert the output from these ports to HDMI for your LG TV.

The Thunderbolt port on MacBooks also enables video output when connected to an HDMI adapter. This makes it easy to mirror your Mac on an LG TV.

## Connecting PC Audio to LG TV

If your video connection method doesn‘t also transmit audio, here are a few options to get sound output from your PC to the TV:

- 3.5mm audio cable from PC headphone jack to TV‘s audio input
- HDMI audio extractor to split audio from a video source
- USB sound card connected to the TV‘s USB port
- Bluetooth to transmit audio wirelessly from PC to TV speakers

Check your TV model‘s manual for available audio inputs to use, like RCA, optical, 3.5mm headphone jack, etc.

On your PC, make sure audio output is enabled and set to the correct port in the Sound Control Panel settings.

## Using Your LG TV as a PC Monitor

Once you‘ve connected your PC and LG TV via wired or wireless methods, you can extend your Windows desktop and use the TV as a secondary monitor.

Here are the steps:

1. Go to Display Settings on your PC.
2. Click on Multiple Displays and choose ‘Extend These Displays‘.
3. Reorder the monitors and arrange your desktop across the two displays.

This allows you to display apps and windows across two screens for enhanced productivity. LG‘s webOS Smart TV interface also lets you use some apps and features while displaying your PC screen.

## Controlling PC Playback with LG Magic Remote

Once your computer screen is mirrored on the TV, you can use LG‘s Magic Remote to control playback of content on your PC right from your couch.

The motion-controlled remote lets you easily navigate around your computer just like you would select apps on the LG TV interface. This provides a convenient and intuitive 10-foot user interface.

## Optimizing for PC Gaming

LG‘s latest OLED TVs make superb gaming displays when connected to a PC or console. Here are some tips:

- Use Game Optimizer mode for lowest input lag.
- Enable Instant Game Response to disable post-processing.
- Connect PC to TV‘s HDMI port with lowest input lag.
- Set PC resolution to match TV‘s native resolution.

Gaming at 4K 120Hz requires HDMI 2.1 ports on both PC and TV. For responsive competitive gaming, a wired connection is best.

## Troubleshooting Tips

Follow these tips to resolve any issues when connecting your PC to an LG TV:

- Update your PC‘s graphics drivers. Nvidia and AMD regularly improve TV compatibility.
- Try different video output ports on your PC and input ports on the TV.
- Adjust your PC‘s display resolution and refresh rate to match the TV.
- Make sure cables are firmly plugged into ports on both devices.
- Factory reset your TV and set up the connection again if needed.

Still having problems? Reach out to LG support with your TV model details for further assistance.

## Final Tips for Success

To recap, follow these tips for the optimal experience connecting your PC and LG Smart TV:

- For lag-free gaming, use a **wired video connection** like HDMI or USB-C.
- Reduce lag by enabling **Game Mode** and disabling post-processing on the TV.
- Match your PC‘s **display resolution** and **refresh rate** to the TV.
- Position your WiFi router closer for **stable wireless casting**.
- **Update graphics drivers** on your PC for maximum compatibility.

With this handy guide, you can now hook up your desktop or laptop to an LG TV using the ports you have available. Get the big-screen TV experience for all your computer‘s games, videos, apps and more!

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Source: [The Ultimate Guide to Connecting Your PC to an LG Smart TV Without HDMI](https://33rdsquare.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-connecting-your-pc-to-an-lg-smart-tv-without-hdmi/)