Using a computer monitor as a TV screen can save a few bucks and save on space as well. We are getting so used to multipurpose devices in our lives. Technology is starting to merge in a beautiful way.
When I was a kid (in the ’90s), I used to daydream about everything being connected. Electrical devices, that is. I could never understand why my TV couldn’t be hooked up to the internet. I also didn’t understand why we couldn’t watch cable on our computer. To me, a color screen should be a color screen. Well, fortunately, that has pretty much been the case for some time now (details about this could be argued a little).
Whether you’re trying to repurpose an existing monitor that isn’t in use, or purchasing a new monitor for dual purposes, this article will cover the ins and outs. In this helpful guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to use a computer monitor as a TV screen.
(Here is a list of Amazon’s best budget TV’s as well…)
TV’s and Computer Monitors have a lot in common. After all, both devices give you HD displays for various activities. Their functionality, size, and even prices can overlap. While the differences between TV’s and Computer Monitors are narrowing, generally there are some distinctions. Here is where you might find they differ:
(Also, check out this article on using a TV screen as a computer monitor…)
| Television | Computer Monitor |
| Available in mostly larger sizes | Usually available in smaller sizes |
| Typically offers a standard 16:9 aspect ratio | Can have a wider or narrower aspect ratio |
| Usually comes with a high-resolution screen | Can display high-resolution images |
| Supports a wide variety of ports, including USB, VGA, and HDMI | Supports most ports similar to a television screen except a coaxial cable connection |
| Will switch between several inputs | Can support multiple accessories and display modes, but not necessarily several inputs |
| All TVs have built-in speakers | Not all computer monitors come with built-in audio jacks or speakers |
As you can see, both types of displays are comparable but have key differences.
An additional aspect you might want to consider is pricing. You get what you pay for with both types of displays. The cheapest TVs can cost less than $100, but they can go as high as $50,000, depending on all the features, resolution, ports, screen type, inputs, and much more. With computer monitors, you can get something for as low as $80 or spend as much as $5,000.
The fanciest computer monitors are not as expensive as the latest TVs. The main reason is that the newest TVs are using display technology that has not yet been adapted for use with computer monitors yet. TVs and computer monitors can both support up to 8K resolutions now.
You’re going to be looking for resolution, screen size and input ports most likely for this task.
Did you know you can watch TV with your Echo Show?
Yes, as long as your monitor has certain modern capabilities, it can be used as a television screen pretty effortlessly. For many models though, it is not as easy as just plugging the cable box into a computer monitor.
There are some details to consider first. Depending on the monitor and your media source, you may need to make some adjustments to your entertainment setup:
If you are looking for something you can watch TV on, you should ideally get a computer monitor that can support a minimum of 720p.(For a great monitor with built-in speakers and HDMI inputs, check out this monitor from LG…)
In an ideal world, converting your computer monitor into a TV screen can be relatively simple. You would have an HDMI port on the computer monitor that lets you connect it to most modern devices. However, there are some older monitors that will not have an HDMI input. VGA inputs used to be a standard before HDMI came along.
If you have a computer monitor without an HDMI port, you can use an HDMI to VGA converter like the one below by Jide Tech (found here on Amazon). All you need to do is plug the HDMI output from your streaming device, DVD player, or cable box into this adapter and plug your computer monitor onto the adapter’s VGA connection.
Note: Your media source must have an HDMI output.
Otherwise, you cannot use this device to convert the signals for your computer monitor’s VGA input. This adapter can help you get both the display signal and the audio.
This adapter will also help you with sound. There is an audio output also, which will allow you to strip the audio signal from the HDMI connection. You can plug a soundbar straight into this device.
Even if your monitor has built-in audio, you’re not likely to be pleased with its sound quality. I would recommend using an additional device to get better sound from your newly converted computer monitor.
You do not necessarily need to spend a lot of money for an expensive surround sound system. A small soundbar like the Bowfell from Majority (found here on Amazon) will make a huge difference. It can allow you to enjoy a better quality sound that you probably won’t get from your computer monitor.
In order to hook a cable or antenna signal to your monitor, you’ll need some sort of TV tuner.
A TV tuner will decode the signal coming in and transform that into a picture.
Televisions built after 2006 are required to include a built-in TV tuner* that converts the cable or antenna signal into video and audio. This allows you to directly connect an antenna or cable line to your TV without using an external TV tuner**.
Computer monitors do not come with integrated tuners. Next, we’ll explore how to use a monitor as a TV with a Set Top Box or Tuner.
First, I’d like to offer an alternative. This is my personal solution, and I find it a lot easier. I use an Amazon Fire Stick with my monitor and I can watch anything I want without any cables or TV Tuners. The Fire Stick is my 21st century Set Top Box if you will. All you need to use this is to connect it to your monitor’s HDMI port.
It seems like most households include at least one Fire Stick these days. They can support several subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and even Sling.
You can get a subscription to any one of these services for FAR LESS than paying for cable.
I believe the basic Netflix plan is still at $8.99 per month. Hulu and Sling can give you all the channels and live television that cable can provide, but cheaper. (You can check out Amazon’s current Fire Stick price here.)
*Some TV manufacturers have gotten around this by marketing certain models as “Displays” instead of “Televisions”.
**You will receive limited channels without a cable box and you’ll be lacking your cable provider’s smart features, menus, on-demand and/or DVR.
For a more technical understanding on TV tuners, check out this link.
Using a cable box with your computer monitor is a pretty straightforward process. If your monitor has decent built-in audio with an HDMI port, it’s actually the exact same thing as using your television. Plug one end of the cable to the HDMI output of your cable box.
Plug the second end of the cable to the HDMI input of your monitor.
You’re going to need an HDMI Audio Extractor (see link and diagram below). Your HDMI Cord will come out of your cable box and directly into the HDMI Extractor. From there a second HDMI cable will plug into your monitor for the video signal. An audio output cable will run from the audio extractor to your speaker.
Again, the HDMI to VGA converter will be required if your monitor only has a VGA input. This will be the last device in line before plugging into your monitor.
Let’s suppose you do not have a cable box, you don’t have wifi, and/or you don’t want to create a smart tv setup. Using a PC monitor with an antenna and TV tuner is also completely doable. You just need the right tools and understand how to make it work.
The goal here is obviously to connect a TV antenna to your computer monitor.
Your monitor, most likely, isn’t going to have a built-in TV tuner. This means you’ll not only need the TV antenna, but also OTA converter box. The Homeworx (found here on Amazon) digital converter box by Mediasonic combined with the GESOBYTE HD Digital TV Antenna (found here on Amazon) is an ideal setup for free TV Channels on your computer monitor.
Below, you will find a detailed diagram from Mediasonic on how to hook up your new antenna.
2. Connect the HDMI cable to your monitor as shown with the TV in the diagram.
HDMI Audio Extractor (Found here on Amazon).
This device will allow you to plug an external speaker into your entertainment setup which doesn’t otherwise have good speakers. In the example of most computer monitors, you may not otherwise have sound at all.
As you can see, there are various ways to use your computer monitor as a TV Screen. Of course, you will likely need to buy some additional hardware. Some people might find buying too many devices too much of a hassle.
You might find it simpler or just as cost effective to invest in an affordable TV. There are really reasonable options on the market today, that would have been pretty expensive just a few years ago.
Here are a couple of suggestions as an alternative:
The Insignia Fire TV Edition is a 24″ television set that can provide you with excellent value for money. Insignia might not be one of the most expensive TV brands, but it manufactures fantastic devices that come with a more affordable price tag.
The Insignia Fire TV Edition is a decent LED TV with HD capability. You might not get an 8K resolution, but it does support 720p resolution for a crisp and clear image. Besides its standard TV connectivity, it has Smart TV functionality. You can wirelessly connect it to your WiFi and even stream videos directly from your smartphone.
Fire TV’s Alexa integration is built in to the remote itself. You can say “Alexa, find action films”. If your home is properly set up with smart devices, you can say “Alexa, turn off the lights”, to set mood for your Netflix and….relax date.
The Fire TV edition integrates all the normal TV input options, with the ability to use live TV and streaming channels over the internet.
You get the best of both through the internet using the Fire TV Edition TCL Insignia.
Considering the price you may need to pay for hardware converting some monitor models to a television, this can make it an exceptional investment. The price tag is extremely reasonable. You can check out more details at the link above.
The TCL Roku Smart LED TV is another affordable but very capable TV to consider. This is a Roku based Smart LED TV that lets you connect it directly to the internet through a dual-band WiFi connection.
The 32-inch screen is noticeably larger than the Insignia. While the resolution isn’t the best on the market it still allows you to enjoy a crisp 720p resolution display. A picture quality and screen size like this is going to be hard to beat for the price.
Noting that this model doesn’t have Alex built into the remote, it is compatible with Alexa. Meaning, you can access its smart features using an Amazon Echo device.
The smart functionality of both of these TV’s allows you to stream from various subscriptions like Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu, and Amazon Prime aside from any standard cable service you might have. It is difficult to beat the functionality for such an affordable price tag.
Check out our article on turning a small room into a home theater on a budget.
Using a PC monitor as a TV can be useful in some scenarios. It takes a little bit of work and buying a few extra accessories, but learning how to use a computer monitor as a TV screen is not too challenging.
I hope this guide will help you make the conversion in re-purposing (or multi-purposing) your monitor.
Happy watching!
by Dusan Stanar
Table of Contents
A computer monitor works the same as a TV screen.
Using a computer monitor as a TV will help save you some bucks, and it also saves you space in your house. Today, it is becoming more common to take a multipurpose device and use it for several purposes.
TVs and computer monitors are the same, whether LCD or tube models. If your TV set dies, you can replace it with your old monitor instead of buying a new one. You can turn your LCD monitor into an LCD TV. You only need to ensure the monitor can connect to your cable or satellite receiver to watch TV.
How do you turn your PC monitor into a TV?
Whether you are talking about a new PC monitor that you want to dual-purpose or an old monitor that you want to reuse, turning a monitor into a TV screen is an excellent idea.
But is a computer monitor similar to a TV screen, or what differences do they have?
Differences Between a Computer Monitor and a TV ScreenTVs have a lot in common with computer monitors. For example, both devices offer you HD displays for different activities. Their size, functionality, and prices can be the same. While PC monitors and TV screens have a lot of similarities, they also feature some differences, including:
Televisions mostly come in large sizes while monitors come in small ones.
Most TVs are available in the standard 16:9 aspect ratio, while most monitors come in narrower or wider aspect ratios.
All TVs come with built-in speakers. On the other hand, not all monitors have built-in speakers or audio jacks.
TV screens support various inputs, including HDMI, VGA, and USB.
A computer monitor supports most of the inputs supported by a TV except a coaxial cable connection.
TVs feature a high-resolution screen, similar to a computer monitor that displays high-resolution images.
The two displays feature various similarities, but they also have several distinctions. You can also compare the two displays in terms of prices, with the cheapest television costing less than $100 and as high as $50,000. The price variance is dependent on various factors, including ports, resolution, inputs, and screen type. On the other hand, you can get a computer monitor for as low as $80, and the price can go beyond $5,000.
The latest TV sets are more expensive than the fanciest computer monitors since they use a display technology that is not yet available for PC monitors. Both TVs and computer monitors can support up to 8K resolutions, thus offering the best quality images.
It is possible to turn your old monitor into a TV screen if it has specific capabilities. However, it may not be as simple as plugging in the cable box into a monitor and starting to watch TV. You need to consider factors, and you may have to make some adjustments to your monitor to use it as a TV. Some of the elements you need to consider include:
If the monitor doesn't have an audio jack to connect external speakers, you can use an adapter that functions as an audio extractor for HDMI.Converting a monitor into a TV is an effortless process if the monitor has an HDMI port. You can use an HDMI cable to connect it to various devices. However, some old model monitors don't have an HDMI port but a VGA port.
If your monitor features a VGA port instead of HDMI, you can use an HDMI to VGA converter. You'll then connect the HDMI output from your streaming source to the converter and connect the monitor to the adapter. The adapter will enable you to get both the audio and video.
The adapter also features an audio output. Even if your monitor comes with built-in audio, it may not be the best quality. You can get an additional device to help you achieve better quality audio.
Using an External TV Tuner With Your PC monitorA TV tuner is essential for hooking an antenna or cable signal to your computer monitor.
The TV tuner is responsible for decoding the signal coming in and transforming it into pictures. Most TVs built after 2006 come with a built-in tuner that helps to convert signals into audio and video. Thus, you can connect an antenna or cable line to your TV without requiring an external TV tuner.
However, computer monitors don't have built-in tuners. Thus, you'll have to use an external TV tuner to convert the cable or antenna signal to video and audio.
Using a Cable Box With Your Computer monitorHooking a cable box to your computer monitor is an effortless process. If your PC monitor comes with quality built-in audio with an HDMI port, connecting a cable box is similar to using your TV. You should plug one side of the cable to the HDMI output of the cable box, while the second end should go to the HDMI input of the monitor.
If the monitor features an HDMI input with low-quality audio or no audio, you'll require an HDMI audio extractor.
The HDMI cable will come from the cable box into the extractor. You'll then plug another HDMI cable into the monitor for the video signal.
Finally, you'll have an audio output cable running from the audio extractor to your external speakers.
If your computer monitor supports VGA inputs, you'll require an HDMI to VGA converter.
Connecting a TV Antenna to Your MonitorWhat if you don't want to develop a smart TV setup or have a WiFi connection or a cable box? You can use a TV tuner and an antenna with your PC monitor in such a case. You only need to know how to make it work and have the right tools.
Since the monitor doesn't come with a built-in TV tuner, you'll also require an OTA converter box in addition to the TV antenna.
If it has connection ports similar to the ones on your cable/satellite box, use a cable to connect the devices.
Using a remote control, choose the correct source from the tuner box. Additionally, you can use the cable box's remote to change the streaming channels.Monitors usually have lower input lag, higher refresh rates and faster response time than TVs, which make them a better choice for gaming (there are exceptions, such as OLED TVs). On the other side, TVs are larger and more affordable, so they are fantastic for watching movies and TV shows, as well as console gaming.
There are a lot of differences between a TV and a monitor, and the choice between the two mostly depends on what type of content you’ll be browsing through and what games you will be playing
If you have an old monitor in your house, it'll be an excellent idea to turn it into a TV instead of throwing it away. You can also use a new monitor to watch TV instead of buying a new set.
Using a monitor as a TV will help save you money and space in your home. Turning a monitor to a TV screen is a straightforward process, provided it has the necessary connection ports. It'll be best if the monitor supports HDMI for video and audio. If the monitor doesn't come with built-in speakers or a headphone jack for connecting external speakers, you'll have to use an audio extractor.
Besides checking if the monitor has the necessary connection ports, you should also consider its resolution. A monitor for watching TV should have a minimum of 720p resolution. Additionally, monitors may be limited in size than the big-screen TVs in the market. Also, a monitor may not feature the latest display technology.
A gaming monitor is the best choice for game performance. Their combination of low input lag and high refresh rate makes for unparalleled responsiveness. A gaming monitor is best for games on a desk or in a space where you'll be just a few feet from the display.
TV manufacturers cut their manufacturing costs to offer competitive prices (a part of why TV prices are lower too). Moreover, TVs are purchased in higher quantities than monitors, so it's easier to sell TVs cheaper for a profit than monitors.
The Google Chromecast is a media-streaming stick that plugs directly and discreetly into any free HDMI port and turns any monitor into what is essentially a fully functioning smart TV once paired with a phone, tablet or computer.
Yes. In fact, you may find the picture quality better than some TVs due to the high resolution and fast refresh rate. It is easy to use your gaming monitor to watch TV, you can use TV apps installed on your games console or on your gaming PC.
Buying a TV is not a cheap pleasure, and converting a used monitor into a TV is an affordable activity.
We write about the secrets with which you can do everything with your own hands. To help - this manual in 5 approaches to turn the display into a full-fledged TV.
Read: Top 10 best monitors with Full HD resolution - rating of popular models
From any. Whether it's the latest IPS, Amoled, TFT or outdated CRT screens. The type of matrix, format and other parameters of the device will not interfere with making a TV from a monitor with your own hands, if you choose the right method.
The only difference is that depending on the model used, the output image quality may vary. Well, and ease of use (where without it).
You can't do without additional accessories. Even if you have to deal with a more expensive prefix or with a budget adapter. Therefore, you need to carefully study the methods described below and choose what suits the cost.
Most devices connect via HDMI.
If the screen, as in the P2418D, has such a connector, consider it in the bag. One end of the ECHDIEMAI cord is connected to the set-top box, the other end to the screen.
If the device is equipped with other sockets, you will have to take an adapter from HDMI to VGA or DVI. Or connect through a converter.
Additionally useful:
Nuance: only online broadcasting of channels + surfing the Internet will be available.
Helpful: What is better for a monitor: DVI or HDMI - comparison of 2 interfaces
This compact device receives a TV signal and transmits it to the screen. Modern options, such as the 2E-T2001, have multiple inputs for connecting the same HDMI.
Therefore, wires with the appropriate connectors and the receiver itself are enough to turn the monitor into a TV.
Using a tuner is a reliable way to turn a monitor (say, VG240Y) into a TV without a computer. And here's why:
Important: if the display does not have a suitable connector for a direct connection, the tuner can be connected via adapters such as VGA to HDMI or HDMI-DVI.
The TV tuner, like the TV, will require an indoor or outdoor antenna. But you will not need access to the Internet.
Mobile gadgets are equipped with micro USB or Type-C connectors.
Often these jacks do not match the ports on the monitor. Exit to the surface.
It is easier to watch TV channels through the Internet. You can go to the official pages of TV channels or use online cinemas, such as Megogo. If there is no Internet access on the display, you can display videos or pictures stored in the memory of the tablet, phone.
Read: How to connect a tablet to a TV or monitor: 7 ways for all occasions
system unit: 4 steps
First you need to purchase a universal board or a skyler.
Instructions on how to convert a computer monitor (such as the G24C4) into a TV.
This process is clearly shown in the video at the end of the article.
Important: if the warranty on the device has not expired, it is better to abandon the idea of transforming the screen into a TV. If something goes wrong, you will have to repair it at your own expense.
You can use:
Note: HDMI can transmit picture and sound. VGA and DVI transmit only the image.
Recommended: Types of monitors - what types of monitors exist: 7 types of screens
So it is not necessary to throw away a used monitor.
A little time, little expense and it will "turn" into a TV that can be put in the kitchen or in the country. How to upgrade electronics is up to the choice of the reader who already knows how to make a TV set for home, office, country building with his own hands from an LCD or CRT monitor.
Laptop users are not always satisfied with the quality of the "native" screen. As a rule, such problems arise for gamers or those who like to watch action movies via the Internet. The problem can be solved by connecting an external screen. How to connect a monitor to a laptop is described below.
Contents
1 in Windows 7 Many users can see that there is not much point in connecting a monitor to a laptop. However, quite often the image quality on a laptop leaves much to be desired. Firstly, in modern models, manufacturers make a matte finish, which negatively affects color reproduction. The second reason is that only expensive models have high resolution. Besides, even 17 inches is a pretty small screen. In such a situation, it would be logical to connect a monitor to the laptop, which immediately solves all three nuances. Such a connection does not require much effort or expense, so for those who do not like the quality or size of their native matrix, it makes sense to think about an external screen.
Tip! For convenience, it remains only to buy a wireless mouse and keyboard. You will also need the necessary cable for the connection.
In addition to solving problems with screen size and not the best image quality, such a connection makes sense if the laptop screen is damaged , or you need to use multiple screens (relevant for games or multitasking). It is worth noting that not all laptops have the latter opportunity.
Connecting a monitor to a laptop means that the second screen will be used either instead of the built-in one or in addition to it. However, often gamers prefer 2-3 monitors and wonder if laptops have such an opportunity. For a PC, this option is implemented by a video card, and if there is support, then 4 monitors can be connected.
Most notebook models are designed for only 2 monitors - main and external, even if the case has two suitable connectors for connecting external displays . But in more expensive models (usually gaming devices) there may be video cards with the ability to connect multiple screens.
Thus, this moment is individual for different laptops, and you should look for a specific answer on the website of the manufacturer of the installed video card.
However, if you have a laptop with a Thunderbolt connector and several monitors with this interface, you can connect without problems. In this case, each subsequent screen will work from the previous one, and not from the laptop. The total number of monitors that can work simultaneously with a serial connection via Thunderbolt reaches six pieces.
To connect a laptop to a computer monitor, you can use the following connection options:
All of these ports can be found in both a laptop and a monitor. At the same time, the most common option for modern devices is HDMI, for older monitors and laptops - VGA.
DVI itself is rare in laptops, but common in monitors. Thunderbolt and DisplayPort are the lot of expensive technology in recent years. The most convenient option is Thunderbolt. It will allow not only to transmit a video signal, but also can simultaneously to power the screen , which means that you don’t have to connect the monitor to the outlet.
If Thunderbolt is not provided in the devices, but there is a choice between HDMI and VGA, then the preferred connection option is via HDMI, as it allows you to transmit a signal in high quality. When connected via VGA, the monitor may not have this connector, but it will be HDMI or DVI, in which case you can use an adapter.
Important! Some users wonder if devices can be connected via USB. This possibility exists, but the number of monitors with such support is small.
To connect a laptop to a computer monitor, you need to select the interfaces that both devices have and buy the appropriate cable.
The best way to connect HDMI - HDMI . It allows you to transmit a picture and sound, but subject to the presence of speakers on the monitor. An old monitor may only be equipped with a VGA or DVI connector. In this case, you should use a cable with these plugs, provided that they are also on the laptop. If there are no identical connectors, then a second monitor can be connected using an adapter; it is not difficult to find adapters from HDMI to VGA or DVI on sale.
If the laptop is expensive, then it may have DisplayPort or Thunderbolt. Provided that they are also in the monitor, you can use them. Both options provide excellent throughput and can transmit the U HD signal .
Important! Thunderbolt, among other things, can also transmit sound, which means that you can power the device through one wire, transmit video and audio. Obviously, this is a very convenient option, but still quite rare in modern devices.
It was mentioned above that two monitors can be connected to a laptop . The first option is Thunderbolt, but it must be in each of the devices, and the displays must have two of them, since the connection is made in series. In this situation, adapters will not help.
The second option - you can connect the monitor to a laptop via HDMI or VGA, and the second screen via USB if this port is available. With a high degree of probability, in order for everything to work, it will take install additional utilities (DualMonitorTaskbar, MurGeeMon, DisplayFusion), which allow you to configure work with multiple displays.
Connecting an additional monitor to a laptop is not the biggest problem. It is necessary not only to do this correctly, but also to configure everything.
The Win+P keys open a menu where you can choose how to use dual monitors.
Convenient if you need to work directly behind the laptop, but do not physically turn off the second display.
Due to the difference in resolution between the built-in matrix and the external one, the picture may not be the best for one of them. In this situation, you should open Control Panel - Appearance and Personalization - Display - Screen Extension. Having selected the second display, set the optimal resolution for it (and sometimes the frame rate).
The setup in Windows 10 is no different from the previous version. You can choose the appropriate mode of operation if several monitors are connected, using the same Win + P combination. If you have problems with permission, then in Windows 10 you should click on the notification panel in the tray, select: All settings - System - Display. Then it remains only to set the desired resolution for both matrices.
You can also connect a second monitor to your notebook wirelessly. At the same time, the laptop has all the tools necessary for this, but for the screen you will need to buy separately 9.
Finding such an adapter is quite difficult, but the method is still relevant if a TV with smart functions is used instead of a monitor. In this case, the built-in module and the function of receiving the broadcast are already in it. If the TV is not smart, then you can buy a smart set-top box with a Wi-Fi receiver function for it.
Their prices are quite low, but this allows you to get rid of the need to stretch the cords.
To broadcast the desktop of a laptop or computer, enter the screen settings using the methods described above and select the "wireless screen" item. In the window that opens, monitors available for connection will appear - select the one you need and look at the picture.
Important! It is advisable to connect a second monitor to a laptop wirelessly in a situation where the user does not plan to play. The speed of data exchange over Wi-Fi is not high enough to provide a comfortable picture update and response.
Sometimes problems can occur when connecting a laptop to an external screen.
