Do you want to use a bigger screen as a computer monitor? Are you tired of your small computer screen? Well, now you can use your TV as a computer monitor. Yes, you heard it right! Now the big TV in your living room can be used as a computer monitor so that you can have a better computer-using experience with a bigger screen.
In this article, we are going to tell you, if can you use a tv as a computer monitor and how you can do so. We will also tell you about the things that you should consider while using a TV as a monitor for the best results. So without any further ado, let’s get started.
Can You Use a TV as a Computer Monitor?
Yes, you can definitely use a TV as a computer monitor. If you have any latest TV with HDMI ports and smart features, then it can be used as a computer monitor. Where computer monitors and TVs eat up a lot of space, now you can save space by using the same device as a TV as well as a computer monitor.
Moreover, with 4K TVs you can have a clearer monitor. But using a TV as a monitor is not always ideal. If you are using any old TV with low pixels, then it can ruin things and you will get a blurry view of the videos, photos, or documents that you open on the computer screen.
All in all, though it is possible to use TV as a computer monitor, there are various factors that play an important part in it. If all the important factors do not align with each other, you would not be able to use your TV as a computer monitor.
How to Use TV as Monitor?
If you are still wondering, can I use a TV as a computer monitor? Well, yes, you can. Now let’s see how to use a TV as a computer monitor. There are basically 2ways to use a TV as a monitor:
- Wirelessly
- Wired Setup
Which setup would work for you, it totally depends on your TV, PC, and, their compatibility.
1. Wired Setup
In a wired setup, you turn your TV into a computer monitor by attaching it with compatible wires. This is the best way to use a TV as a computer monitor, if your TV is old and does not support smart features or if you are using an extra advanced TV with an 8K resolution.
Depending on your TV and PC, you will have to find compatible cables that can connect your PC and monitor to each other. Although this can lead to a pile of wires and cables in your room which can be a bit irritating for people with OCD.
2. Wireless Setup
If you do not want a lot of wires in your room then you can also use your TV as a computer monitor wirelessly. This can be done with the help of screen monitoring applications like Roku, Chromecast, etc.
For a wireless setup, you will need a smart TV and a screencasting device or dongle. After this, you can connect the laptop or monitor to your TV and do the casting. The main problem with the wireless casting is, it will give you only 2K or 4K resolution. So if you have a
TV with a higher resolution, it will just go to waste.
With this wireless setup, not only you can cast your PC on your TV, but you can also cast your phone on TV.
5 Things to Consider
Now that you have a clear answer to whether can you use a TV as a computer monitor, let’s have a look at all the crucial things that you must consider while using a TV as a computer monitor.
1. Screen Size
TVs are generally larger than computer monitors, which can be great for watching movies and TV shows, but they can also make text and icons appear blurry or pixelated. Depending on how far away you sit from the screen, a 43 Inch TV or more can be difficult to use for tasks that involve reading or typing for extended periods.
2. PPI (Pixel Per Inch)
TVs typically have a lower pixel density than computer monitors. While modern TVs are often marketed as having 4K resolution, they may still have a lower pixel density than a computer monitor of the same size. This can result in text and icons appearing less sharp and clear than they would on a computer monitor. A TV with a pixel density of 80 or more PPI would be perfect to be used as a computer monitor.
3. Input lag
TVs may have a higher input lag than computer monitors, which is the time it takes for the screen to display an image after the computer sends the signal. A high input lag can result in noticeable delays when using a mouse or keyboard, which can make it frustrating to use the TV as a computer monitor.
If you are a professional gamer or video game enthusiast then it is better to use an original computer monitor instead of using a TV as a computer monitor because the low input lag can give you late results and can be really frustrating. So the best TV to use as a monitor is the one with the lowest input lag.
4. Viewing Distance and Impact on Eyes
As mentioned above, viewing distance can play an important role when using a TV as a computer monitor. If you sit too close to the screen, it can be difficult to read text or see small icons.
On the other hand, if you sit too far away, you may have difficulty seeing details in images or videos. If you watch a big screen from too close, like a 50 Inch TV or 65 Inch TV, then it can have a harmful effect on your eyesight as well, no matter how good the technology used in TV is.
5. Color Accuracy
TVs are often optimized for viewing video content rather than text-based content. As a result, they may have a more saturated or vivid color palette than a computer monitor. It can affect the accuracy of color reproduction. This may not be an issue for general use. But it can be a concern for tasks that require precise color matching, such as graphic design or photo editing.
Should I Use a TV as a Computer Monitor?
Now that you know whether can you use a TV as a computer monitor, if you want to use a TV as a computer monitor or not, it totally depends on your personal choice. If you just want to watch movies, videos, or shows, then it can be a good option to use a TV as a computer monitor.
Whereas, if you need to use a TV for proper computer uses like playing video games, or work with documents, or graphic designing, then it is better to go with authentic computer monitors. Because even though a big screen might look attractive but if the viewing distance is not enough, it can harm your eyesight.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How can I display my PC on my TV?
Yes, you can easily display your PC on your TV with the help of the screen monitoring applications and devices like Roku or Chromecast. But this would only work with smart TVs. Otherwise, you can use a compatible HDMI cable and attach it to your PC and TV to display the PC on your TV.
Q2. Can you use a TV as a second monitor with HDMI?
Yes. It is possible to use a TV as a second monitor with an HMDI cable. But for this, you will have to make sure that your TV has an HDMI port. Also check that you have a cable that is compatible with both, your PC as well as TV. Moreover, you can also do this wirelessly with the help of Roku or Chromecast.
Q3. What are the disadvantages of using a TV as a monitor?
Here is a list of some of the disadvantages of using a TV as a monitor:
- Lower pixel density and resolution.
- Limited connectivity options.
- Input lag and slower response times.
- Poor color accuracy and viewing angles.
- Overscan and zoom issues.
- Higher energy consumption.
- Limited ergonomic adjustability.
