Monitors for computers are best suited for work, and special models with high frequency are used by cybersportsmen. However, their resolution is limited, which often raises the question of connecting a TV. Watching a movie or playing your favorite game on the big screen is much more comfortable. Let's consider in more detail whether it is possible to connect a TV instead of a computer monitor and how to do it.
Is it possible to?
The ability to connect a TV is. The only question is the available connectors on the computer and screen. You only need to get the appropriate cable. You may need an adapter.
There are two scenarios for using a computer with a monitor. The first is for image output, which is available even for older models with a kinescope. And the second is use as a drive. Only works with modern televisions with their own player.
Note that the TV can be used instead of a monitor, and also with it. Video card manufacturers equip devices with multiple connectors for connecting two or more screens. If the graphics card is budgetary and the number of connectors is limited, but the processor has a built-in graphics card, you can connect to the motherboard.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of using a TV instead of a monitor come from the large size of the first. Watching a movie or playing your favorite game on a 48-inch TV is much more convenient, not to mention more models. Even 32 inches will look better than the usual 19 monitors.
The following disadvantages can be distinguished:
- A large TV is not at all convenient for work.
- A TV with a good resolution and matrix is much more expensive than a monitor. A resolution lower than FullHD will not give a clear picture.
- Often, a low refresh rate limits the use of the monitor for gamers.
It is best to use a TV in conjunction with a monitor, having the advantages of everyone.
What to connect through?
To connect a TV instead of a monitor, there is a wide variety of methods and connectors. However, many of them are outdated: they are no longer present on modern and relatively modern computers and televisions. Of the most common, the following can be distinguished:
Let us consider in more detail the connection features for each.
Vga
This is an analog signal considered obsolete. On modern graphics cards it can no longer be found, as on motherboards. However, it is still often found on televisions, monitors, and systems manufactured before 2015. Able to provide a picture with FullHD resolution.
To connect to a computer, use a VGA-VGA cable. It is compatible with DVI, for which you just need an adapter. However, a purely digital DVI-D and HDMI will require an active adapter. It is much more expensive, it has a limitation on the quality and resolution of the picture, which is the same with VGA, but you can use it.
After connecting, if the computer image does not automatically appear on the TV, you will need to select the source. On the remote control, this menu usually corresponds to the input or source button. Then it remains only to adjust the screen resolution.
DVI-D
Analog DVI types are connected in the same way as VGA, and have similar characteristics. The digital version has the best characteristics and is able to give a resolution of up to 2K. It is not found on all devices, since manufacturers prefer HDMI. It is compatible with analog inputs only through a special adapter.
HDMI
This is a modern connector that receives and transmits a digital signal. With analog, for example, VGA, it works only through an active adapter that converts the signal.
It is often found even on older devices. Able to transmit high-quality not only video but also sound. Allows you to connect a TV instead of a monitor. Supports 4K resolution. Image quality is considered the best.
To connect, you need an HDMI-HDMI cable. It is also possible to use mini-HDMI. This is just a smaller version, most often installed on mobile devices. You can use an adapter.
It is worth noting that even inexpensive Chinese cables are able to give a juicy and high-quality image. However, if the filter is of poor quality, they can catch interference. If they are noticed after connecting, most likely the problem is in the cable and you should not sin on the screen or system.
Important! Before connecting, disconnect both the computer and the TV from the network. Never plug or unplug the cable from a working device. In such cases, the entrance often burns out.
After connecting to the TV, select the signal source, adjust the image and enjoy the picture. If you cannot set the required resolution, update or install the driver for the video card.
Displayport
This is a direct competitor for HDMI. Allows you to connect a large number of monitors in series. For this reason, high-performance graphics cards are equipped with them, for example, some contain up to 6 of these ports. The order and features of the connection do not differ from HDMI.
The only difficulty with this input is that they are equipped with video cards, but on monitors and TVs they are not so common. This is worth paying attention to.
USB
Through this port, you can transfer video in two ways: using a computer as a drive, in conjunction with a player on the TV, or with a DisplayLink adapter. The latter is only suitable for USB version 3.0, since 2.0 does not have enough bandwidth.
This method does not have advantages over those described above, requires an expensive adapter, and is mentioned as an alternative.
Using two screens
Is it possible to connect a TV instead of a monitor, we found out. Let's look at the situation when you need to use both devices at the same time.
There are two scenarios for using screens. The first is duplication. The same image is displayed immediately on the monitor and on the screen. In this case, the second device, if it is not currently the main one, just turn it off.
Secondly, use one screen as a continuation of the second. Images on them will be different, depending on what to place on them. This way you get an enlarged desktop with two separate zones, which, however, can be connected. Note that it is possible to use two screens at once independently of each other, as if they were connected to different computers. However, the setup process is very time-consuming and requires a powerful processor.
Setting up your TV is very simple. On the desktop, right-click and select "Screen Resolution". Below we see the item "Multiple Screens". We click on it and select the necessary scenario for using the monitor.
Now we know whether it is possible to use a TV instead of a monitor. You can, and make it easy and simple. Simply connect it through an available connector and configure it in the same way as a monitor. Using both screens in pairs, you can get the advantages of each, getting rid of the corresponding limitations and disadvantages.