Pros and cons of using a TV as a monitor. How to make a TV out of a monitor: connection features Making a TV out of a monitor

Surely many people have an old monitor gathering dust at home that was once connected to the computer system unit. An old display can be given a new life by turning it into a means of watching television, for example, in a country house or in a garage. In this article you will learn how to make a TV from a monitor without complex manipulations with motherboards.

Both CRT and LCD displays can be re-qualified as TV. The main thing is that the device has a VGA input, through which the image will be transmitted from the receiver. The tuner can be placed both inside and on the body (we use glue or small screws). In the first case, you should be prepared to disassemble the device body and solder additional elements into it - not everyone can cope with such a procedure. The article will discuss only those methods that absolutely any user can use.

HDMI to VGA adapter

The connection of two devices will be carried out through a special adapter, the type of which is determined by the choice of data transfer interface. Please note that the final output of the adapter must always be a male VGA port.

Smart TV set-top box

The Smart-TV set-top box, from a functional point of view, is the best way to turn a monitor into a television device: you will have the opportunity not only to watch the usual TV broadcast, but also to use various “smart” applications, including playing 3D shooters or strategies. The main disadvantage of such a set-top box is the need for an Internet connection. Connecting such an accessory to the screen requires the use of a special HDMI-VGA adapter, which is used to transmit images.

The peculiarity of this connection is that the VGA interface does not support audio codecs: audio output will have to be carried out via another channel. The easiest way is to buy an HDMI-VGA-MiniJack adapter, to which you can connect speakers to the 3.5 mm jack. You can order such an adapter on AliExpress.

Advantages

Since the Smart Console is a multimedia solution, it is not advisable to use it only for watching television. It is very likely that you will spend extra money and realize that a simple tuner would be enough to meet your needs. Nevertheless, the undeniable advantages of such an accessory include:

  • Smart hub support. YouTube, social networks and other useful applications will be available on a regular video monitor.
  • Supports Wi-Fi and LAN (Ethernet) connections.
  • High image quality. Since the maximum resolution of the monitor matrix is ​​higher than that of a conventional TV, the output picture quality will please you.
  • Additional spot for Internet access. The console solution can be used both as a TV device and as a candy bar on a “stripped-down” operating system.

Unfortunately, in “extreme” conditions, all the advantages of this method are negated by the system’s dependence on network access.

Flaws

The significant disadvantages of this connection are:

  • Internet access is required. Smart TV cannot work without high-speed access to the World Wide Web, which significantly narrows the range of possible uses of the accessory.
  • For example, you won’t be able to use Smart TV at your dacha.
  • Cost of the console. A smart console can cost tens of thousands of rubles.
  • The need to purchase an adapter. It is extremely difficult to call the VGA interface popular these days, so an adapter for this port cannot be found in every store. Not everyone will want to wait a month and a half for a package from Chinese AliExpress.
  • Using external audio equipment. Speakers not only take up extra space, but also require an investment of additional money.

As you can see, there are quite a few disadvantages, but they are outweighed by the number of advantages.

TV tuner

Another way to convert an old video monitor into a TV is to connect a special TV tuner, which is essentially a full-fledged TV device, but without a built-in display. The average cost of such a receiver is 1,500 rubles: the user can independently choose the device that is optimal for his needs and pocket. It's important to note that there are four types of TV tuners these days:

  1. built-in board (mounted in the system unit);
  2. external card (installed via ExpressCard);
  3. network tuner (connects to the router);
  4. stand-alone console (connected via a wired interface).

The first three types of devices are an addition to the technical content of the computer and cannot be connected to a simple screen. When purchasing, you should be especially careful and purchase only a device that is a ready-made solution with its own motherboard.

The process of connecting a TV set-top box to the screen is quite simple: you just need to connect both devices with the included RCA cable. TV viewing is controlled using the remote control supplied with the tuner, and the resulting picture is displayed automatically.

Important! Not all receivers have their own speaker, so in some cases you will need to connect external audio equipment (speakers, home theater) to the set-top box via a special audio output or a simple mini-Jack.

To watch digital television, you need an appropriate receiver that has not only an RCA output, but also HDMI and VGA interfaces. The setup process is no different from analog TV.

pros

An external TV set-top box has the following advantages:

  • Easy to connect. Synchronization with the video monitor is automatic and does not require the user to install any drivers.
  • Compactness of the resulting system. A small box is unlikely to take up much space, and thanks to special fastenings it can be hidden from view anywhere.
  • Ability to work simultaneously with a laptop. You can connect the device either to a laptop via HDMI or to a tuner via a “tulip”: after turning off the television, the display will begin to display content from the computer.
  • Connecting a television antenna.
  • Has its own audio output. Even if the set-top box is not equipped with a built-in speaker, it can always be used in conjunction with custom audio equipment. Thus, the receiver turns into a kind of hub for the entire periphery.

An additional advantage of such a device for summer residents is the ability to hide the TV system from unwanted persons or take it with you.

Minuses

On the other hand, the receiver has the following disadvantages:

  • Weak speaker. The factory sound quality is unlikely to please the owners, but the situation can be easily corrected with the help of external speakers.
  • The need to pay extra for digital television. A device with TV support (the so-called dvb t2) of high quality is more expensive: the price ranges from 3 to 5 thousand rubles.
  • Lack of own USB and HDMI ports. To view files from a removable disk, you will have to purchase an additional adapter.

It is worth mentioning separately that digital signal receivers are not always compatible with a computer and do not have their own audio output - before purchasing, you should pay special attention to the technical specifications of the device.

Phone or tablet

You can also make a TV device out of a dusty device using a smartphone or tablet. In this case, any content from a mobile gadget will be displayed on the big screen, including online television.

HDMI

To use the mirroring feature, you will need an HDMI cable and a dedicated phone/tablet adapter. The connection process is as follows:

  • Configuring the device for an HDMI signal source.
  • Connecting equipment with wires.
  • Set the optimal resolution for the display.

VGA

You need to purchase an AV adapter and a VGA cable, and also do the following:

  • Assembling the structure and connecting the devices to each other (note the “tulip” colors).
  • Separate connection of the gadget to the power source.
  • Outputs sound to external speakers via 3.5 mm MiniJack.

You can always load your favorite TV series into the memory of your tablet or smartphone and enjoy offline viewing by synchronizing your equipment via the USB interface. The resulting system cannot be called television, but this method is the simplest and cheapest.

Computer or laptop

You can enjoy television using a computer and IPTV technology, which allows you to watch television via the Internet. The process of directly connecting a desktop or laptop to the display is identical to synchronization with mobile gadgets, and to watch IP television you should:

  • Download and install IPTV player.
  • Download a playlist of channels in M3U format from the network.
  • In the settings of the installed player, find “Channel list address” and use this form to “upload” the downloaded playlist into the application.
  • Save the new settings and start using.

The IPTV player supports such useful functions as, for example, displaying several TV channels on one screen at once, which will be useful for some users.

Conclusion

Now you know how to make a TV from a monitor and what accessories you will need for this. Regardless of the chosen method, the connection procedure will not take much time, and as a result the user will receive a full-fledged TV device. You can't achieve 4K quality on ancient LCD equipment, but at least it's something.

If you have additional knowledge in connecting television equipment, then you can not use third-party gadgets, but solder all the components necessary for the TV into the body of the screen itself.

Video

In a classic Russian apartment, the TV is the boss of everything. Usually it is installed in every room. In general, an extra screen never hurts, especially if you already have one in the form of an old LCD monitor.

There are quite a few ways to use a monitor as a TV. You can buy a set-top box, say, Roku. You can increase your budget a little and connect a mini-computer, such as a Raspberry Pi, to an old friend. But there is a more radical method, similar to.

Almost all LCD monitors have an input/output interface called LVDS. If you remove the cover from the monitor and get to the insides, you can see that the connectors are located on a separate board. This board is connected to other components with a fairly flexible cable, similar to an IDE for hard drives.

To upgrade the monitor, you will need to purchase an expansion card for this interface, which has a built-in video decoder. Similar devices can be purchased, for example, or. The decoder and its output will make it possible to play analog (and in the case of a more advanced board, digital) television directly, without the use of various set-top boxes and even a computer.

TTX boards:

  • Frequency range - 48.25–863.25 MHz.
  • Color system - PAL / SECAM / NTSC.
  • Sound system - B/G, D/K, l, M/N, NICAM/A2, BTSC.
  • Number of channels - 200.
  • Teletext - 10 pages (chip 39 - 10 pages, chip 59 - 1000 pages).
  • Input video format (VGA, HDMI) - up to 1920 × 1080 @ 60 Hz.
  • Supported video resolutions - 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p.
  • Audio amplifier output power - 2 × 2.3 W (40) 1 HD + N< 10% @ 1 KHz.
  • Supply voltage - 12 V.

Input Connectors:

  • Power supply - 12 V.
  • VGA input.
  • HDMI input.
  • Composite video and stereo audio input.
  • Audio input when using TV as a computer monitor.
  • Headphone output.
  • USB input (for firmware update).
  • Input for connecting an antenna or cable.

Actually, the easiest way ends here: the purchased board and monitor are sent to an audio-video equipment repair service. After some time, after paying a small amount, you have a new TV in your hands. All that remains is to install it and connect the antenna or cable TV wire.

A slightly more complicated self-installation path is described in detail by a colleague on the Mysku.ru resource. Let's look at it briefly.


Despite possible problems with installation and configuration, such a monitor upgrade is completely justified. Many people have old, unclaimed 17- and 19-inch devices. The price of such devices on the secondary market is quite low, and the image quality is often no worse than a new TV. It turns out to be an ideal TV for the kitchen, small room or cottage for a minimal price - from 15 to 60 dollars, depending on the configuration and functionality.

Many people often have an old computer monitor at home, which after purchasing a new one has become absolutely unnecessary. However, you shouldn’t write off the old display; it can be converted into a TV and used in the kitchen or country house. Converting a monitor into a TV will take a few minutes. You can do everything yourself, just buy the necessary adapters first.

Important technical points

Structurally, the monitor has much in common with a TV - only the device for receiving a TV signal is missing. Accordingly, you will need to use additional devices to watch TV shows.

You can convert either an LCD or a CRT display into a TV. The key point is the presence of at least a VGA input. It is through it that the image will be supplied to the screen.

The tuner can be internal or external. In the first case, you will need to completely disassemble the display and solder a special board - many people cannot cope with this procedure.

Subsequently, we will consider options where we will make a TV from an LCD or CRT monitor with our own hands. All presented methods can be implemented by any user.

Smart TV set-top box

This attachment is an ideal option. It has wide functionality, but requires a Wi-Fi connection to work. Accordingly, in places where there is no Internet, you will not be able to use the equipment.

An HDMI-VGA adapter is required to connect the set-top box. It will ensure the transmission of only the signal. The difficulty is that the VGA format does not transmit an audio track. The sound supply will need to be provided through a different connector. The easiest option is to buy an HDMI-VGA-MiniJack adapter, then you can connect separate speakers.

Despite the huge number of advantages, this method has a number of significant disadvantages:

  • rework will be expensive, since the price of Smart TV set-top boxes is high;
  • without the Internet, the set-top box is completely useless;
  • it has no speakers.

 Smart TV set-top box

TV tuner

Let's look at another way to make a TV out of a monitor. In this case, a special TV tuner is used. Several types of such devices are now available:

  • built-in board;
  • external board, mounted via ExpressCard;
  • network tuner, connects to the router;
  • A separate set-top box, you need to connect it via a wire.

The first three options are not easy to connect. In some cases, it is not possible to connect an LCD or LED monitor.

The procedure for connecting a TV set-top box is extremely simple. It is necessary to connect both devices using the adapter cable that comes with the tuner. Subsequent control of the set-top box is carried out using the remote control, the image is displayed automatically, there are no significant settings.

Several features of using a TV tuner:

  1. An antenna connection is required - accordingly, this type of connection can be used in any necessary place.
  2. Availability of audio output – you can connect external speakers.
  3. We choose a model with DVB-T2 support if you want to access digital TV.

This method is an ideal option for those who are wondering whether it is possible to make a TV out of a monitor. Everything is done independently, with minimal investment. The device is compact and has all the necessary connectors, so connection is hassle-free.


 TV BOX set-top box

We use a phone or tablet

You can turn your monitor into a TV using a regular tablet or smartphone by simply connecting them to the monitor. In such a situation, you can display any video on the screen, including even online television.

HDMI


 Micro USB-HDMI adapter

The easiest way is to use an HDMI cable and a Micro USB-HDMI adapter for your smartphone. It can be bought at any specialized store. The connection procedure is simple, just connect the devices with a cable and set the optimal resolution to ensure maximum quality.

VGA

To implement such a connection, you will need an AV adapter, a VGA or HDMI cable and the following steps:

  • we connect the equipment using the above adapters;
  • Be sure to connect your smartphone or tablet to charging.

It’s difficult to characterize this method as television, but at any time you can download a movie to your phone’s memory and subsequently watch it online.


 AV adapter

We use a computer or laptop

You can also connect your TV using a laptop or computer by simply connecting your old monitor as another device. The connection process is extremely simple. An adapter cable, HDMI-VGA or HDMI-HDMI, is selected for the available connectors.

In Windows settings, you can enable a mode that allows you to display the image on a second monitor without occupying your desktop. As a result, you can watch television and work on the computer at the same time.

To watch television, it is best to use IPTV technology. For this:

  • install an IPTV player;
  • download a playlist with the necessary channels;
  • in the player settings, specify the path to the downloaded playlist;
  • save changes and start viewing.

This option is the most budget-friendly, but completely depends on the Internet. The IPTV player is distinguished by its wide functionality, allowing you to accurately customize the image and manage channel lists.

Replacing the board

How to use an old monitor as a TV without using any devices - replace the LVDS board in the displays. Only people who understand electronics can do this.

Through the LVDS matrix, the TV communicates with the signal processor. It is necessary to replace the base board with a version with a video signal decoder and the necessary connectors.

The self-connection diagram looks like this:

  • disassemble the display;
  • remove the factory board;
  • install a new board, use an old cable or solder a new one;
  • We carry out additional preparation of the case so that the new part is completely placed in its place and the necessary connectors are available.

The method is labor-intensive and few would risk disassembling their monitor without the proper knowledge and skills. Although, the option is convenient, since there is no need for additional adapters when connecting.


In conclusion

Now you know for sure whether the monitor can be used as a TV, and what is required for this. Regardless of the method you choose, the connection process will take 20-30 minutes. As a result, you will turn your old monitor into a full-fledged TV.

If you have certain knowledge when working with electronic equipment, then you can solder all the necessary elements for. Of course, you won’t be able to achieve superior quality on an old display, but it will be an excellent solution as an additional TV.

Before making a TV out of a monitor, it’s worth understanding why this need arises.

As a rule, such a modification may be necessary for the owner of an old LCD monitor who needs an inexpensive TV receiver for their cottage or kitchen.

There are many ways to solve the problem - from buying a special tuner or set-top box to connecting a mini-computer with Internet access to the TV.

Features of using a monitor as a TV receiver

The solution to the problem of converting a monitor into a TV is usually associated with liquid crystal models.

However, if we are talking about integrating special boards into the case, the best option is a CRT monitor, which allows you to conveniently place all additional parts inside the case.

When using an LCD monitor, there are more ways to receive a television signal on the screen, however, in most cases, all elements will have to be placed outside.

The benefits of turning monitors into TVs include saving on the purchase of a new TV receiver if you have an old and unused monitor.

At the same time, this process has much more disadvantages:

  • The viewing angles of LCD monitors are narrower compared to TVs. You can only watch it sitting directly in front of the screen, which reduces the possible number of viewers.
  • Older monitors typically range in size from 15 to 19 inches. They are only suitable for a small room - even for a bedroom it is easier to buy an inexpensive 24- or 32-inch TV.
  • The image quality of most older monitors is worse than that of television receivers. Especially if the device has been used for many years, and its matrix has lost some of its characteristics.
  • Almost all monitors do not have speakers, which requires connecting additional external speakers.
  • To remake a monitor, in some cases you will need some experience in repairing electronic equipment. If it is missing, you will have to contact the service.

On the one hand, converting a monitor into a TV is not always easy.

You will have to spend some time on this (during which you could simply earn part of the amount for a TV receiver), the resulting picture will turn out worse, and you may need a decent amount to purchase additional parts.

However, the costs are still less than what it would cost to purchase a TV, and some methods require virtually no investment or effort on the part of the user.

Monitors suitable for conversion

A good option for using as a TV for the kitchen or garden are monitors with a diagonal of 17–19 inches from Samsung, LG and Sony.

This opinion is expressed by both experts and amateurs who have already managed to convert a peripheral device for a personal PC into a television signal receiver.

The quality of these particular models is higher compared to the products of other companies, and they are relatively easier to remake.

More modern monitors with a diagonal of 20 inches or more can be converted into a TV, but it is not economically viable.

Firstly, they are quite suitable for use for their main purpose - to display images from a PC.

If there is no need for a monitor, you can even sell it, compensating part of the amount for the purchase of a TV.

The best option is color CRT monitors with a diagonal of 15 to 20 inches or more. But only if they have retained their color rendition and clarity.

It is better not to remake models with a cloudy and dim image, but to throw them away, preserving your vision.

Connecting a TV set-top box

One of the simplest, at first glance, ways to make a TV from a computer monitor is to purchase, connect and configure a special TV set-top box.

Although there is practically no point in choosing models that support analogue broadcasting - by the beginning of 2019 they are going to completely replace it with digital.

This means that the best option would be to buy a DVB-T2 or Smart TV model that works when connected to the Internet.

DVB-T2 set-top boxes

The advantages of choosing this technique for turning monitors into TVs are:

  • Affordable price. A suitable option can be found for less than 1000 rubles. (for example, the Hobbit UNO model supporting the FullHD format will cost only 850 rubles);
  • Easy connection and compatible with popular HDMI connector, which can be found on most LCD monitors released in the 2010s.
  • Support more than 20 channels. If there is a need to increase the assortment, buy DVB-C set-top boxes for cable TV or DVB-S for satellite TV.

If the old monitor does not have an HDMI port, the problem can be solved by purchasing a special adapter - this increases the cost of remodeling, but in this case there is no other way out.

The issue of missing sound from the monitor is resolved by purchasing and connecting audio speakers to the set-top box.

However, some modern models are equipped with built-in, albeit weak, speakers.

Smart TV set-top boxes

“Smart set-top boxes” for TV can also be connected to monitors.

Devices such as Mini PC Smart TV Box MXQ 4K Android costing about 1,500 rubles. will provide not only TV broadcasting via the Internet, but also the ability to record video on the built-in storage device.

This model has a ROM size of 8 GB– enough to save from 1 to 4 standard size movies, depending on the selected format.

In fact, most smart TV boxes are mini computers designed specifically to connect to your TV.

All that is required for such a gadget to work with a monitor is an HDMI input or a special adapter to another connector.

The advantages of choosing this option include:

  • the ability to watch not only TV shows, but also streaming videos (from YouTube and other social networks);
  • support for working with various applications (primarily for Android OS, since most set-top boxes run on this platform);
  • using the TV to communicate on social networks and video chats;
  • correspondence by email and other features available to owners of gadgets running Android OS.

Most smart set-top boxes are equipped with slots for installing microSD cards, which allows you to increase the storage size for recording videos and other files.

Although they cope well with the main task - to ensure the display of TV channels.

The few disadvantages of choosing this option of turning a monitor into a TV include the weak sound of the built-in speaker of such models - although you can additionally connect audio speakers to them to increase the volume.

Purchasing a special board

The most difficult at the very beginning, but easy-to-use way to make a TV receiver from any monitor is a built-in Universal LCD Driver Board type board.

Equipment may have different names depending on the manufacturer.

However, the principle of operation, advantages and connection steps for most of these devices are the same.

The advantages of using boards include:

  • the ability to play not only analogue broadcasting (which will soon cease), but also digital one;
  • sound output without the use of additional adapters;
  • control the gadget using the remote control;
  • compactness of all parts used for alteration, which are easily hidden in the monitor body.

The disadvantages of this option include problems with placing the board in the housing of most LCD monitors.

An experienced specialist can solve them. Most non-professionals may not be able to cope with this, and then the board will have to be placed outside, which will make the appearance of the monitor not very attractive.

Stages of turning a monitor into a TV receiver

To embed the board into a monitor, you will need to complete the following actions:

  • Prepare all the necessary tools and materials - a screwdriver, a soldering iron, a pre-purchased board, wires and cables, solder.
  • Remove the cover from the monitor by unscrewing all the fasteners and carefully placing them in one specific place so as not to lose them before the assembly is completed.
  • Find the expansion board, disconnecting it from the cable and being careful not to damage it. A damaged cable will make it impossible to continue further modification of the monitor. Moreover, the device will stop working even as a computer display.
  • Check the markings of the screen matrix, which will help you, if necessary, find the appropriate firmware for the device and select the correct voltage for it.
  • Install a new one instead of the standard one. During the soldering process, the pinout of the display cable must be observed.
  • After securing the Universal LCD Driver Board, use the jumper to set the appropriate voltage, which can be found in the instructions for the board. Typically 12V is sufficient, a value that is suitable for most monitor components.

Most of these boards are equipped with IR receivers for remote control, some of them support this function as an option.

Before assembling the monitor, you should make sure that the sensor is turned on and determine its location - sometimes the infrared module can be located outside, mounted on the case.

The last stage involves putting the monitor back together and putting it into operation.

Making a TV from a laptop display

A TV can be made not only from a standard monitor for a desktop PC, but also from a laptop display.

To do this, you will need to buy another board, LA.MV29.P, and a controller suitable for it. Most display conversion activities coincide with monitor conversion.

The list of differences is as follows:

  • Depending on the device model, the voltage can be 3.3, 5 or 12 V.
  • During the installation process, the jumper on the controller is switched and it is flashed using a special flash drive.
  • It is impossible to place even the most compact board inside the case containing the display matrix.

The disadvantages of this method of converting a display into a television receiver are its small size.

Laptop screen diagonals are usually in the range of 14–15.6 inches, although laptops can be 10.1-inch or 17.3-inch.

In addition, to accommodate the resulting structure (screen and board) you will need a new, specially made case.

Connecting other devices

Mobile devices that can be connected to the monitor to increase its functionality are not only special set-top boxes.

For the same purpose, you can use a tablet or smartphone on the Android platform.

But, if gadgets are connected to a modern TV receiver using Wi-Fi, they can only be connected to a monitor using a cable.

To use this method you will need:

  • A mobile device with at least 512 MB of RAM (at least 1 GB is required for normal HD video playback).
  • Adapter from microUSB (or other port on a tablet or smartphone) to HDMI. Some tablet PCs are already equipped with mini/microHDMI inputs; smartphones have practically none.
  • Drivers and codecs installed on mobile gadgets.
  • TV broadcasting set up using a special application or website.

Should know : Even models with broken screens, but capable of displaying an image on the monitor, are suitable for work. Therefore, almost any mobile gadget and monitor with an HDMI port can be turned into a TV receiver. If there is no suitable connector, the adapter will not help, since it does not allow sound transmission.

In addition to smartphones and tablets, other gadgets can provide connection to TV channels, including laptops and mini-PCs on any operating system (not necessarily Android, as on a TV set-top box - the platform can be Linux or one of the versions of Windows) .

With their help, the old monitor turns not quite into an ordinary TV, but into a set comparable in functionality to devices that support Smart TV.

The advantage of the symbiosis of a computer, smartphone, tablet and monitor is the ability to use gadgets for their main purpose (for calls, work or games).

The disadvantage is increased power consumption, maximum space occupied and a large number of cords.

However, in any case, it is advisable to buy a normal TV for an apartment, and such a system is suitable for a summer house or temporary options.

Summarizing

You should not throw away an outdated monitor, even if you cannot use it to display information from a computer, give it to another user, or sell it.

The device is quite capable of serving as a spare TV - for this you will need to invest a certain amount of money and, possibly, make small changes to the electrical circuit.

Other gadgets that you don’t even have to buy will help you solve the problem of increasing the functionality of your monitor.

Determine the type of cable you will use to connect your computer to your TV. To do this, look at the back of the computer where the ports and connectors are located. The video connectors are located next to the USB ports, audio jacks, and Ethernet port, or they are located on the discrete graphics card (under the audio jacks). There are three main types of connector:

  • HDMI. The modern standard for connecting HD devices, and most modern computers have an HDMI connector (on the rear panel). HDMI carries both picture and sound. The HDMI connector looks like an elongated USB port.
  • DVI. Digital connector with contacts. It has the shape of a rectangle and three rows of eight contacts each. DVI only transmits images.
  • VGA. Old standard. It has the shape of a trapezoid and three rows with 15 contacts. Do not use this connector if you have access to a DVI or HDMI connector, as the VGA connector produces poor picture quality. VGA only transmits images and cannot display images in HD quality.

Determine the types of connectors on your TV. Most TVs have jacks on the back, but some jacks may be on the side of the TV.

  • Most modern TVs have one or more HDMI connectors. This is the fastest and easiest way to connect your computer to your TV, and this connector provides the best picture quality. An HDMI cable is the only type of cable that carries both video and audio signals.
  • The DVI connector is not as common, but can still be found on many modern TVs.
  • VGA connectors are generally not found on HD TVs, but they are available on regular TVs.

  • Pay attention to the input signal label on your TV. This will help you properly configure your TV to display the signal from your computer.

    Buy the right cable. Don't be fooled by many companies that claim their cables are better than their competitors' cables. In the vast majority of cases, you won't even notice the difference between a cheap and expensive cable. A cable that costs a few hundred rubles will work the same as a cable that costs several thousand rubles.

    • If your computer and TV do not have the same connectors, you will need an adapter. For example, if your computer has a DVI connector and your TV has an HDMI connector, buy a DVI-HDMI adapter or cable. In this case, the audio signal will not be transmitted via HDMI, since the DVI standard does not support audio transmission.

  • Connect your computer to your TV using a cable. When connecting HDMI to HDMI, you won't need any other cables. If connecting via other connectors, you will need a separate audio cable to transmit audio.

    • To stream audio from your laptop, use a 3.5mm audio cable and connect it to the headphone jack of your laptop. On a desktop computer, use the green headphone jack (on the back of the computer). When connecting the audio cable to your TV, use one 3.5mm audio plug or two RCA plugs.
    • If you are connecting via VGA, turn off your computer and TV first. In the case of DVI and HDMI, this is not necessary.

  • Switch the TV to receive a signal from the appropriate socket. To do this, use the "Source" or "Input" button on the remote control. The connector you select must match the connector to which you connected the cable.

  • Set up your computer to display the picture on your TV screen. This can be done in different ways depending on the type of computer you have.

    • Many laptops have a Display key that allows you to switch between connected displays. You may need to press the Fn key to activate the Display key; Moreover, this key may be indicated by an icon rather than the word "Display".
    • In Windows 7 (and later versions of Windows), press Windows+P to open the Project menu. In it, select the desired mode for displaying the picture on the TV screen (“Computer”, “Duplicate”, “Expand”, “Projector”).
    • On any version of Windows, right-click the desktop and select Screen Resolution or Properties. In the “Multiple Displays” menu, select the desired mode for displaying the picture on the TV screen (“Computer”, “Duplicate”, “Expand”, “Projector”).

  • Adjust the display resolution (if necessary). The resolutions of your computer monitor and your TV may differ, resulting in blurred images on your TV screen. In the Screen Resolution or Properties window, use the Resolution slider to set the correct resolution and increase the clarity of the picture on your TV screen.

    • Most TVs have a resolution of 1920x1080. Select the recommended resolution (if available).