How to set up pc media with Yamaha rx-v3800

[BRJACKET]

My home theater system is based on the Yamaha rx-v3800. I have recently gotten a laptop with Windows 7 which is supposed to be good for media center. I want to be able to connect to the Yamaha unit so that I can do photo slideshows with music on my TV. The Yamaha unit is connected to the TV with an HDMI cable. Everything goes through the Yamaha unit.

How is the best way to connect (what cables) and does anyone know the unit well enough to advise on settings?

I would appreciate any advise on this.

Thanks.
Bill

 

[GlocksRock]

HDMI would be the easiest, that is if your laptop has an HDMI output.

 

[BRJACKET]

Unfortunately, no HDMI

Unfortunately my laptop does not have hdmi. My options are USB (which the 3800 supports), s-video and the earphone jack (Not very good), and VGA. I am reading through the manual but was hoping that someone had done this before and can explain a little more clearly.
Thanks for helping.
Bill

 

[GlocksRock]

In that case you will have to use the S-video and earphone out jack, unless your tv can accept a vga input, but you will still have to use the earphone jack for audio.

 

[bandphan]

For you audio files (MP3, WMA and WAV) you can attach the yama to a home network via ethernet cable, to access stored music. The headphone jack may double as a digital connection also when connecting direct. What display and what computer?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Please post you laptop model to help you better.
If your headphones port doesn't support digital out you might have to buy usb-to-digital audio adapter - you can get these not too expensive.

You can't connect your laptop usb port to your receiver directly

 

[BRJACKET]

thanks

I appreciate the help. I will check into your comments. My Laptop is a Gateway model #PA6. It also says model #NX860XL. The headphone jack is standard. I upgraded it to Windows 7 with a new hard drive after my old hard drive expired. Obviously I would like better quality than the S-video if possible.
Thanks again for all the help.