Do you ever find yourself wishing you had a bigger screen to watch your favorite movies or play your favorite video games? Or maybe you’re looking to save some money by using what you already own. If so, you may wonder, “Can I use a TV as a computer monitor?”
It is possible to use a TV as a computer monitor. To do this, you will need to connect the TV to the computer either via HDMI or VGA cable. Once connected, you can then adjust the settings on the TV to match the computer’s resolution and refresh rate.
Here we will explore the pros and cons of using a television as a computer monitor, as well as how you can set up this cost-saving solution.
Can you use a TV as a computer monitor?
Yes, it is possible to use a TV as a computer monitor. By connecting your computer to the TV with an HDMI cable, you can take advantage of a larger screen with your PC’s display. Depending on your computer’s graphics card and the TV’s capabilities, you may even be able to use the TV as a second monitor for multitasking.
While a TV can be used as a computer monitor, there are some differences between the two. TVs are designed for watching video content from a distance, while monitors are designed for use at a closer range for more precise work.
Additionally, TVs may not be able to display fine details as well as a monitor, and they may have input lag that can affect gaming or other applications that require quick response times. So, make sure to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to use a TV as a computer monitor.
How to use a TV as a Computer Monitor?
Using your TV as a computer monitor is a great way to maximize your workspace. With a few simple steps, you can set up your TV for a superior viewing experience. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Check the inputs
Most TVs have an HDMI and a VGA input. Locate these inputs on the back or side panel of your TV.
2. Check your computer
You should find an HDMI input or a VGA input on your computer. A desktop computer might have both, while a laptop might only have HDMI.
3. Connect the TV to the computer
Use an HDMI cable to connect the TV and the computer. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI input on your TV, and plug the other end into the HDMI input on your computer.
4. Adapters
If your computer and TV don’t have matching inputs, you can use adapters to connect them. For example, you can use a DVI to HDMI adapter, a USB-C to HDMI adapter, or a VGA to HDMI adapter.
5. Switch inputs on your TV
Use your TV remote to switch to the HDMI input you connected your computer to. If you connected your computer to the VGA input, select the VGA input on your TV.
6. Check the display
Your computer display should show up on the TV screen. If it doesn’t, make sure you selected the correct input on your TV and check the HDMI cable.
7. Adjust the display settings
You may need to adjust the display settings on your computer to optimize the picture on the TV. Open the display settings on your computer and choose the option that suits your needs. You may want to adjust the resolution, brightness, contrast, or other display settings.
8. Adjust the screen resolution
Adjust the screen resolution to match the TV’s native resolution. If your TV is 1080p, then set your computer’s resolution to 1920×1080. If your TV is 4K, then set your computer’s resolution to 3840×2160.
9. Troubleshooting
If you’re having issues, you can try unplugging the HDMI cable and plugging it back in. You can also restart your computer and TV, or try a different HDMI port on your TV.
10. Configure the audio
If you want to use the TV’s speakers, you’ll need to configure the audio settings on your computer to output audio through the HDMI cable.
11. Test the setup
Once you’ve made all the necessary adjustments, test the setup by opening a program or website that displays video content. Check that the audio is working and that the video is displayed correctly on the TV.
That’s it! You can now use your TV as a computer monitor. Remember to adjust the display settings to optimize the picture on your TV.
Benefits and Drawbacks of using a TV as a Computer Monitor
Using a TV as a computer monitor has both its advantages and disadvantages. It can be a great way to add extra screen space to your workstation setup, but can also decrease performance, be difficult to configure, and require additional hardware.
Following are some of the benefits and drawbacks of doing this thing
Pros:
Cheaper prices and larger sizes – TVs are usually cheaper and larger than computer monitors, making them a popular choice for people who want a large display but don’t want to spend a lot of money.
Similar resolutions – TVs and monitors have similar resolutions, and the most commonly used resolutions include 1080p and 4K. Some monitors also have higher resolutions like 5K.
Multiple HDMI inputs – They have multiple HDMI inputs, making it easy to connect multiple devices to the same display.
Cons:
High input lag – These devices are not optimized for fast response times and can have high input lag, which makes them less suitable for gaming and other fast-paced activities.
Poor color accuracy and viewing angles – They also often have poor color accuracy and viewing angles compared to monitors, which can affect the overall image quality.
Overscan – Some TVs may have overscan, which can cause the edges of the screen to be cut off and render it difficult to see the entire image.
Lower pixel density – These electronic gadgets generally have lower pixel density than monitors, which can result in a less sharp and detailed image.
Not designed for extended use – TVs are not designed for extended use as computer monitors, and prolonged use can cause image retention or burn-in.
Can you use a TV as a Second Monitor?
Yes, you can use a TV as a second monitor. To do this, you need to connect your computer to the TV using either an HDMI cable or a VGA cable (depending on the ports available).
Once you have connected your computer to the TV, you may need to adjust the settings on your computer to extend your display to the TV.
When you have the TV set up as a second monitor, you can use it like a regular monitor to view and work on multiple programs and windows at the same time.
How to use a TV as a Second Monitor?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a TV as a second monitor
1. Check your TV’s ports
Make sure your TV has an available HDMI port, as this will be the most common way to connect your computer to your TV.
2. Get the necessary equipment
You will need a display adapter, such as a display port to an HDMI adapter, and a multi-port hub. These devices will allow you to connect your computer to your TV.
3. Connect the display adapter to your computer
Plug the male end of the display adapter into your computer’s display port. The other end will have an HDMI female port.
4. Plug in the multi-port hub
Plug the multi-port hub into the display adapter’s HDMI port.
5. Connect the TV to the multi-port hub
Use an HDMI cable to connect the TV to one of the ports on the multi-port hub.
6. Configure your computer’s settings
Your computer may not recognize the TV as a second monitor automatically. Open your computer’s display settings and select “Extend desktop” or “Dual display” mode. This should enable you to use your TV as a second monitor.
7. Adjust the display settings
Once your TV is connected and configured as a second monitor, you may need to adjust the resolution or scaling settings to get the best display. Check your computer’s display settings and adjust them as necessary.
8. Use your TV as a second monitor
Drag windows and applications from your computer’s screen to the TV screen. You can use your TV for a larger display, for watching videos for playing games, or for multitasking.
How To Use Your TV As A Wireless Computer Monitor?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use your TV as a wireless computer monitor:
Step 1:
Start by going to the device list on your TV and removing any devices that you have already synced or listed on the TV. To do this, click on the remote, go to settings, scroll down to general, go to the right down to external device manager, and then go down to the device connect manager. Click on the device list and hit edit. Select all and delete, and then click yes to delete the devices.
Step 2:
On your laptop or PC, right-click anywhere on the desktop and select display settings.
Step 3:
Scroll down to multiple displays and click on “connect to a wireless display.” If you have multiple TVs in your home, they may pick up other displays, so make sure you label them correctly.
Step 4:
It will then start searching for the wireless display and audio devices. Once it has found your TV, click on the top one and hit “allow” on your TV to connect to your laptop.
Step 5:
You will then see an extension of your laptop or PC display on your TV. You can make both displays one of the same or continue this as an extended display, allowing you to do different work on your PC monitor and TV at the same time.
Step 6:
To adjust the display settings, go back to the display settings on your PC and choose whether to duplicate them, show only on one screen, or show only on two screens.
And that’s it! Enjoy using your TV as a wireless computer monitor.
Over To You!
If you need more screen space but don’t want to spend a lot of money, connecting your TV to your computer is a good option.
While there could be a few minor discrepancies in terms of quality and performance, with the correct setup and adjustments, your TV can work as an excellent computer monitor.
All you need to do is find the right cables and connectors to make it work. The combination of affordability, convenience, and performance makes it easy to use a TV as a monitor and take pleasure in a bigger display.
Karan is a professional computer writer who has worked in the technology industry for over 10 years. I have a degree in computer science from the University of California, Berkeley, and have written several articles on technology products. Meet our team