# Laptop to HDTV output using a VGA to component cable possible?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-to-hdtv-output-using-a-vga-to-component-cable-possible/507890>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [August 27, 2009, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-to-hdtv-output-using-a-vga-to-component-cable-possible/507890 "2009-08-27T10:46:16Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\
**Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-to-hdtv-output-using-a-vga-to-component-cable-possible/507890/1 "2009-08-27T10:46:16Z")

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Simple question: If I have a regular laptop with a VGA output, can I just get a VGA to component video cable and output to an HDTV that way?

I guess I’m not sure if the signal’s compatible, having been burned by a VGA to composite video cable before.

Thank you!

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**Author:** ![Silophant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a698b9/32.png) [@Silophant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silophant)\
**Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-to-hdtv-output-using-a-vga-to-component-cable-possible/507890/2 "2009-08-27T16:46:03Z")

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Generally, no. A VGA output is in the RGB colorspace, whereas component outputs and inputs are normally in the YPbPr colorspace. That being said, if your TV has an option to change to RGB mode, you can set that and it’ll work. Otherwise, you’ll need a powered transcoder like [this one.](http://www.digitalconnection.com/products/video/9a60.asp) (Disclaimer: I’ve never used that particular one, and have no idea whether it’s good quality or not. It’s just the first one that came up when I googled.)

[Edit: Most HDTVs have a VGA input for just such an occasion Are you sure yours doesn’t?]

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**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\
**Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-to-hdtv-output-using-a-vga-to-component-cable-possible/507890/3 "2009-08-27T21:23:45Z")

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Thank you… glad I asked before buying the cable. And this TV doesn’t have any VGA inputs, unfortunately.