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How to Hook Up a Game System to an HDTV

Game consoles are compatible with HD televisions although you may need to purchase a special cable to get HD output to the television. The HDMI cable allows the console to display HD video. Once the video game console is connected to the television, you change the TV's input to the HDMI port to see the console's video game or system screen. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 support HDMI output on HD TVs, while the Nintendo Wii still uses the component cable interface.

Things You'll Need

HDMI cable

Instructions

Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
- 1
  Connect the power adapter to the back of the game console. Check your Xbox 360 power adapter and connect the other half of the power cable in to the power adapter "brick." The PlayStation 3's power adapter is in one part so you do not need to check it.
- 2
  Connect the HDMI cable to the console's HDMI port on the back of the system. The HDMI port has a slightly triangular shape and looks similar to a USB port.
- 3
  Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to your television. Plug the video game consoles in to power.
Nintendo Wii
- 4
  Lay the Wii on its side or snap it into the included vertical stand.
- 5
  Connect the power adapter to the power port on the back of the Nintendo Wii. Connect the other end of the adapter into a power outlet.
- 6
  Insert the sensor bar cable in to the port on the back of the Wii. Place your sensor bar on top of or below the television's screen.
- 7
  Connect the component cable to your Wii. Match the yellow, white and red connectors to the appropriate port on your HD television. You do not get HD quality output from the Nintendo Wii.

Video Game Consoles