Can You Use a TV as a Computer Monitor?

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Galina Drankovich

Head of HR at Rent For Event

Galina Drankovich

Head of HR at Rent For Event

We offer audio visual rental, event support, and full AV production at Rent For Event, and we provide these services across the country. Our aim is to support businesses or event planners in having the best events possible. To assist with it, only cutting edge solutions are used by our qualified team.

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April 21, 2023

Picture this: you’re working on your laptop, hunched over your desk like a mad scientist, when your neck starts to ache and your eyes begin to water. Sounds like a job well done, right? Wrong! It’s just a sign that you need a bigger screen.

But before you break the bank on a fancy new monitor, consider this: you already have a massive screen in your living room – your TV! Yes, you heard that right, your TV can double as a computer monitor. And no, you don’t need to be a tech genius to set it up. It’s as easy as plugging in a cable, and voila! You’ve got yourself a screen the size of a small country.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But isn’t a TV designed for watching Netflix and chilling, not for working?” Well, my friend, that’s where you’re wrong. Using your TV as a computer monitor has a ton of benefits — which we’ll talk about later.

In this blog, we will share with you the steps you can follow to connect your TV to your computer and some benefits of using your TV as a monitor.

How To Use Your TV as a Computer Monitor?

Check Your TV's Inputs

Before you connect your computer to your TV, check the inputs on your TV. Most modern TVs have an HDMI port that you can use to connect your computer to your TV. If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port, you may need to use a VGA, DVI, or DisplayPort connection. Make sure you have the necessary cables to connect your computer to your TV.

Connect Your Computer to Your TV

Once you have the right cables, you can connect your computer to your TV. Connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI port on your computer and the HDMI port on your TV. Turn on your TV and select the input that corresponds to the HDMI port you used. Your computer’s display should now be visible on your TV.

Adjust Your Display Settings

After connecting your computer to your TV, you may need to adjust your display settings. You can change the resolution and refresh rate to optimize the display for your TV. To do this, right-click on your desktop and select Display Settings. From there, you can adjust the resolution and refresh rate to fit your TV.

Benefits of Using Your TV as a Computer Monitor

Larger Screen Size

One of the main benefits of using your TV as a computer monitor is the larger screen size. If you need to work on documents or spreadsheets, the larger screen size can make it easier to see and edit your work. Similarly, if you’re gaming, a larger screen can enhance your gaming experience.

Cost-effective Solution

Using your TV as a computer monitor can be a cost-effective solution if you don’t want to invest in a separate computer monitor. Most TVs have an HDMI port, so you won’t need to purchase any additional adapters or cables.

Entertainment Hub

If you have a smart TV, you can use it as an entertainment hub. You can stream movies, TV shows, and music from your computer to your TV. This can be a great way to enjoy your favorite content on a larger screen.

Multi-Tasking Made Easy

Using your TV as a computer monitor can make multi-tasking easier. You can work on one screen while watching a movie or browsing the web on the other. This can be especially helpful if you’re working on a project that requires multiple applications or windows to be open at the same time.

Bottomline:

Using your TV as a computer monitor can be a great way to enhance your work or gaming experience. With the right cables and display settings, you can easily connect your computer to your TV. Additionally, using your TV as a monitor can be a cost-effective solution and provide an entertainment hub for streaming your favorite content. So, give it a try and see how your TV can double as a computer monitor.

Points to consider when you use your TV as a computer monitor

Display Quality

The quality of your TV’s display might not be as good as a dedicated computer monitor. TVs are designed for video content and often have lower pixel density, higher input lag, and slower refresh rates compared to computer monitors. So, you may notice a difference in the sharpness and clarity of text and graphics.

Distance and Viewing Angle

TVs are usually meant to be viewed from a distance and at an angle. So, if you’re using a large TV as a monitor, you may need to sit farther away than you would with a regular monitor. Additionally, the viewing angle of a TV may not be as good as a computer monitor, which could lead to distortion or color shift when viewed from the sides.

Input Lag

Input lag is the delay between a signal being sent to your display and the actual image appearing on the screen. Some TVs have high input lag, which can cause a delay between your keyboard or mouse inputs and the corresponding actions on the screen. This can be frustrating if you’re using your TV for gaming or other applications that require quick response times.

Sound Quality

Most computer monitors don’t have built-in speakers, but many TVs do. However, the sound quality of TV speakers may not be as good as dedicated computer speakers. So, if you’re using your TV as a monitor and need good sound quality, you may need to invest in separate speakers or a soundbar.

Compatibility

Not all computers and TVs are compatible with each other. So, before you buy a new TV or computer, make sure they have the necessary ports and cables to connect to each other. Additionally, some older TVs may not support the resolution or refresh rate that your computer is capable of outputting.

By considering these points, you can determine if using your TV as a computer monitor is the right choice for you. It can be a convenient and cost-effective solution, but you may sacrifice some display quality and other features that dedicated computer monitors offer.

Flat Screen vs Curved: Which is a Better TV as a Computer Monitor?

Curved TVs were first introduced to the market in 2013, with the promise of providing a more immersive viewing experience with superior fidelity. However, the debate between flat-screen vs. curved TVs still rages on. According to a comparison by Rtings, the difference in field of view between a curved and flat-screen TV is negligible, with a curved TV offering only a slightly larger FOV at a distance of eight feet. In fact, Consumer Reports suggests that the idea of a curved TV providing a more immersive viewing experience is largely a marketing gimmick, with no significant difference in the actual viewing experience.

That being said, both flat-screen and curved TVs offer excellent image quality, and the choice between the two comes down to personal preference. Flat-screen TVs are generally less expensive and easier to mount on a wall, while curved TVs can offer a more aesthetically pleasing design and may reduce glare from ambient lighting in some cases.

Let’s take a look at each one’s advantages and see which will win the title of the ultimate viewing experience.

Curved TVs:

Ah, the curve. It promises an immersive experience with superior fidelity. But let’s be real, it’s just a marketing gimmick.
The field of view is slightly larger, but it’s hardly noticeable unless you’re staring at it from eight feet away.
The curved design looks sleek and stylish. It’s perfect for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their living room.
It can reduce glare from ambient lighting in some cases, so you can watch your favorite shows without the pesky reflection.

Flat-screen TVs:

Flat is the new black, baby! It’s affordable, easy to mount on a wall, and takes up less space.
The image quality is just as good as curved TVs, if not better.
You can sit wherever you want, and the viewing angle won’t affect the picture quality.
They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can find the perfect fit for your home entertainment system.

So, which one is the winner? It all comes down to personal preference, but it’s clear that flat-screen TVs have the upper hand when it comes to practicality and affordability. As for which one to have? I’ll leave that to you.

Enhance Your Entertainment, Working and Gaming Experience by Using Your TV as a Computer Monitor!

At Rent For Event, we offer TVs of all sizes, shapes, resolutions, and configurations. Our expert technicians can help design a modern entertainment system to match your needs.

Whether it’s a sports game, a movie night, a gaming session, or an all-nighter for work, our TVs will make your experience unforgettable. You will be impressed with the stunning visuals you don’t typically get with a regular monitor.