PC to TV Questions

Hey guys! I'm new to the forums and I'm looking forward to posting with you all! I had a few questions about PC to TV connections. First, is it possible to output PC video to a TV, and what do I need for that? I am in the market for a new TV and will be getting one with HDMI. My GFX card has a HDMI mini port on it so I assume I'll need a mini to standard converter? If so, what happens after I plug it up? Will it automatically display or will I need to set it up in the same way I would for, say, a duel monitor? Also will sound be output through the HDMI as well? If so, can I prevent that and keep the sound going through my PC while HDMI is hooked up? (I have 5.1 PC speakers and want to keep using them)

Also, on the TV side, what featuers will the TV need to have. Does it need to be "smart"?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!


Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
AMD Phenom II x6 1055T 2.80GHz
GeForce 550 TI
8GB DDR3