What do I need to set up my laptop so I can play a gaming console through it's screen?

You can't. Your laptop screen is not designed to be used as a monitor for anything other than your laptop. Unless you want to go through some unnecessary measures to essentially disconnect it from your monitor, it isn't going to work.

I know it can be done. I knew a guy that had an external TV card or somehthing and he could plug his Ps2 into that ot play it on the laptop screen.

It can be very easily done. Most laptops have a VGA port on them. It will be a rectangular shapped connection with 3 rows of pins. Most HD-TV's also have this connector; it will look the same, and probably a blue color. You can get a VGA cable at pretty much any computer store (probably $5 at Newegg.com), and connect them. That will give you the picture. You can use an audio cable for sound.

Or if your laptop has HDMI you can use that also.

No, that VGA cable is for video out so you can plug the monitor into a projector or external monitor. It does not allow you to project an image from another screen onto that monitor.

Oh yeah, and smoke N a pancake is right. That kid's a hero. Giving correct information all the time.

edit: And, a good buddy of mine read this, laughed and called you both whores @ the guys giving wrong info. Just thought you should know.

Question seems to be about using a TV tuner on the laptop, not using external displays from his laptop.

Any USB 2.0 tuner with basic composite inputs should be able to handle the task. I'd recommend making sure that your system meets the base requirements for it though.

I'm using an ATI TV tuner on my laptop and it works with a very solid image.

I've attempted to do this with an HP Tower and a plasma 21" TV tuner screen. Although I could pick up cable just fine through the TV screen, (as it should), it is impossible to run a gaming console through the screen of your laptop. You're better off just using a regular TV.

quote VeGiTAX2

Question seems to be about using a TV tuner on the laptop, not using external displays from his laptop.

Any USB 2.0 tuner with basic composite inputs should be able to handle the task. I'd recommend making sure that your system meets the base requirements for it though.

I'm using an ATI TV tuner on my laptop and it works with a very solid image.

Ahh, sorry I miss read the question. I thought he wanted to use a TV as another monitor.

The problem with most TV turners is they have a lag on them ranging from 1 to 3+ seconds. That means when the console outputs the image, it will take 1-3 seconds for the image to change on your screen. I tried playing my xbox on my TV tuner, and it turned out horribly. The picture wasnt very good at all, and the lag was annoying.

Plus most tuner cards require a lot of hardware power. I would just rather play on an actual tv.

quote Inuyasha19

it is impossible to run a gaming console through the screen of your laptop.