TVs that can be used as computer monitors and how to use a monitor as a TV
This time, we will explain which TVs can be used as computer monitors and how to use a monitor as a TV.
A screen is necessary to use a desktop computer, but some people may want to use a TV as a monitor. In such a case, what kind of TV can be used as a monitor?
We also explain what you should do if you want to use the same monitor you use for your computer as a TV, so we hope you find this helpful.
Clickable table of contents
- 1 Difference between TV and monitor
- 2 How to connect your TV as a computer monitor
- 3 You can use a monitor (TV) not only for desktops but also for laptops.
- 4 Advantages and disadvantages of using the TV as a computer monitor
- 5 How to connect a TV as a computer monitor
- 6 How to set up your TV as a computer monitor
- 7 What is the appropriate resolution when using a TV as a computer monitor?
- 8 How to use your computer monitor as a TV
- 9 Summary of TVs that can be used as computer monitors and how to use a monitor as a TV
Difference between TV and monitor
Although televisions and computer monitors look similar, they are designed for different purposes.
Therefore, there are naturally differences in functionality and capabilities.
The differences between a TV and a monitor include:
- Differences in response speed and refresh rate
- With or without a tuner
- speaker
- price
Differences in response speed and refresh rate
One of the major differences between a TV and a computer monitor is the difference in response speed and refresh rate.
While a television is made to display images, a computer monitor has the ability to display operations using a mouse and keyboard.
When it comes to displaying images, it seems like they have the same functionality, but the required reaction speed is different.
Monitors are required to respond immediately to human operations, but with televisions, there is often no problem even if there is a slight delay in response to human operations.
Therefore, there are often differences in response speed and refresh rate between monitors and TVs.
By the way, refresh rate refers to the number of times an image can be updated in one second.
With "60Hz", the image can be updated 60 times per second.
60Hz is the refresh rate of most TVs.
On the other hand, 144Hz seems to be the mainstream for gaming monitors.
However, some TVs are equipped with a gaming mode with less delay, such as a "game mode", so if you want to play computer games on your TV, you may want to consider something like that. .
With or without a tuner
The presence or absence of a tuner also differs between TVs and monitors.
Televisions are made to watch broadcast television, so they have a built-in tuner.
In this regard, most monitors do not have tuners.
This is because monitors are designed for tasks such as working on a computer or playing games, not for watching TV.
In other words, if you want to watch TV programs using your computer monitor, you will need to connect a TV tuner.
speaker
The speaker functions may differ between the TV and monitor.
Since TVs are made for watching TV programs, many have built-in speakers.
Some computer monitors are not suitable for watching TV even if you turn the volume up to the maximum. If you are particular about volume and sound quality, you can also connect separate speakers to your computer monitor.
price
Another difference between televisions and computer monitors is price.
Even if the screen size is the same, TVs are often more expensive.
This is probably because TVs often have different features compared to monitors.
The same goes for picture and sound quality, but some TVs also have built-in tuners, and some even have recording capabilities.
Monitors are often specialized for displaying images from connected computers and game consoles, so they seem easier than TVs.
However, there are some high-performance monitors that support 4K (resolution: 3840 x 2160), and these monitors tend to be expensive.
How to connect your TV as a computer monitor
The TV can be used as a computer monitor.
However, when connecting a TV as a computer monitor, the cable that can be connected differs depending on the computer.
For example, connect an old computer with a D-sub cable, and a new computer with an HDMI cable. With an HDMI connection, not only the video but also the audio will be output from the TV.
If the terminals installed on your TV and computer are the same, you can connect them, so please check that. If the terminals are different, it is best to use a conversion cable.
These methods can also be used when connecting to a projector.
You can use a monitor (TV) not only for desktops but also for laptops.
Of course, there are cases where you want to connect your desktop computer to a TV and use it as a monitor, but you can also connect a laptop computer.
Laptop computers already have a screen, so a monitor is not necessarily unnecessary.
If you are using a small portable laptop, you may want to use a monitor at home or at work because you want to view it on a larger screen.
Also, some people want to display the screen on both the monitor (TV) and laptop computer, which is called multi-display.
[How to set up multi-display]
- Connect your laptop and monitor
- right click on desktop
- Select "Display settings"
- You can change settings by moving or selecting the displayed "1" and "2" screens (representing the display).
Advantages and disadvantages of using the TV as a computer monitor
A TV can be used as a computer monitor, but there are advantages and disadvantages.
- Benefits of using your TV as a computer monitor
- Disadvantages of using a TV as a computer monitor
Benefits of using your TV as a computer monitor
The benefits of using your TV as a computer monitor include:
- Work on a large, clear screen
- No need to prepare a monitor
Work on a large, clear screen
It depends on the TV you use, but one advantage is that you can work on a large, clear screen.
Particularly for people who have been using laptops until now, being able to work on a larger screen is one of the attractions.
In the case of a laptop, you also have one more usable screen, which increases your work efficiency.
No need to prepare a monitor
Another advantage is that you can use a TV as a monitor without having to prepare a monitor.
If you don't work on your computer while watching TV, you won't have to buy an additional monitor, which will save you money.
Disadvantages of using a TV as a computer monitor
The disadvantages of using a TV as a computer monitor include:
- Text may be difficult to read
- Response speed may be slow
- I can't watch TV programs while working
Text may be difficult to read
If you use a TV as a computer monitor, the displayed text may be difficult to see depending on the resolution.
It's bad for your eyes if you use it while it's hard to see, so it's a good idea to change the resolution settings on your computer.
Response speed may be slow
If you use a TV as a computer monitor, the response time may be slow and operation may be inconvenient.
Response speed refers to the speed at which screens change.
It can also be stressful, as your reaction to the mouse may be delayed.
If you play online games using a computer, it may be better to minimize this delay as much as possible.
If you try using your TV as a monitor and find that it interferes with game play, you may be better off using a regular monitor.
I can't watch TV programs while working
If you use your TV as a computer monitor, you may not be able to watch TV programs while working on your computer.
If you only have one TV, you will end up in a situation like this, but if you don't work while watching TV in the first place, there is no problem.
How to connect a TV as a computer monitor
Follow the steps below to connect your TV as a computer monitor.
[How to connect a TV as a computer monitor]
- Connect the TV and computer with a cable (HDMI, etc.)
- Switch the TV input (select HDMI if connected to HDMI)
- If the screen size does not match, adjust it on the TV.
- If the resolution does not match, adjust it on the computer side.
How to set up your TV as a computer monitor
When using a TV as a computer monitor, some settings may be necessary.
[Setting method when the resolutions of the TV and computer do not match (Windows)]
- right click on desktop
- Select "Display settings"
- Select the resolution that suits you while watching TV in the “Resolution” section.
[Setting method when the screen sizes of the TV and computer do not match]
If you try to project your computer screen on the TV, but the screen is too small or extends beyond the screen, please change the settings on the TV. Please check your TV's manual for detailed operating instructions.
What is the appropriate resolution when using a TV as a computer monitor?
What resolution is appropriate when using a TV as a computer monitor?
When displaying your computer screen on a TV, 1920 x 1080 is recommended.
If it doesn't match when you actually project it, try changing the settings using the method explained above.
How to use your computer monitor as a TV
I understand that you can use a TV as a computer monitor, but is it possible to use a computer monitor as a TV?
- Do you have a computer monitor that can also watch TV?
- Recommended tuner for using your computer monitor as a TV
Do you have a computer monitor that can also watch TV?
In fact, you can watch TV using your computer monitor.
However, it is essential that you can connect a tuner.
A tuner is a device for receiving television broadcasts.
If your monitor or computer has an HDMI terminal, you can connect it to a TV tuner and watch TV.
In some cases, the sound emitted from the monitor alone may not be enough, so in that case, it may be a good idea to connect speakers, etc.
Another option is to connect a recorder and watch TV instead of a tuner.
Recommended tuner for using your computer monitor as a TV
There are several types of computer tuners.
For example, wireless, external, and internal.
The wireless type requires Wi-Fi, but it is convenient because it does not require a direct connection.
If it is an external type, you will need to connect it with an HDMI or USB cable, but it is easy to connect as long as you can connect it.
Built-in tuners need to be connected to the desktop computer itself, so if you use your computer as a TV, wouldn't it be more stable?
Also, if you want to use your computer monitor as a TV, the following tuners are recommended.
Summary of TVs that can be used as computer monitors and how to use a monitor as a TV
This time, we explained about TVs that can be used as computer monitors and how to use a monitor as a TV.
If you don't have a computer monitor, you can also use your TV as a monitor.
Conversely, if you want to use your monitor as a TV, you will need a TV tuner. There are many different types of TV tuners, so choose the one that suits your needs for how you want to watch TV.
When using a TV as a monitor and a monitor as a TV, there is the advantage that one can be used for both, but the screen may be difficult to see or lag, or you may not be able to watch TV while working on a computer, or you may not be able to watch TV while watching TV. There is also the disadvantage of not being able to work on a computer.
If you don't mind the disadvantages and have a good environment, you may want to try using it instead.