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How to connect an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to your TV
Connecting your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to your TV is simple, but you have to select the right cables first.
Your iOS device is good for accessing media on the go, but there may be times when you want to share your movies, photos, and music, or play games on a TV. Connecting your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to your TV is simple, but you have to select the right cables first.
Connect an iPod, iPhone, or iPad to your TV
HDMI adapter
Apple's Digital AV Adapter is the highest-quality video transfer, and is the only cable that will do mirroring with the
iPad 2. It's also compatible with the iPad,
iPhone 4, and iPod Touch (fourth generation). When you've connected your television with the
iPad 2, everything you see and hear (even games!) will be mirrored on your TV. For all other devices, only video-enabled apps (like YouTube, Netflix, or stored videos), music, and photos can be displayed on your TV.
Resolution: 1080p (except videos are 720p)
Component cable
This cable doesn't do mirroring, but it will route video-enabled apps, photos, and music to your TV. It's compatible with all iPhones, all iPod Touches, both iPads, the iPod Nano (3rd generation and later), and the iPod Classic.
An interesting development is that some games, like Rage HD (for the iPhone 4), have been optimized to work with this cable. The iPhone becomes the controller, and gameplay is displayed on your TV.
Resolution: 480p-576p or 480i-576i
Composite cable
Only video-enabled apps, photos, and music can be routed to your TV with the composite cable. However, if you have an older TV, this might be your only option. It's compatible with nearly all mobile Apple devices.
Resolution: 480i
AirPlay
With an Apple TV, you can use the AirPlay feature and avoid cables altogether. Connect your iOS device to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV, select the video you want to watch from your device, and press the AirPlay button (it's hidden when you're not on the network). Select "Apple TV," and your content will begin streaming. Use Air Play to stream photos, videos, or music to your TV.
