The question of the advisability of using TVs as monitors arises against the backdrop of a steady trend towards a reduction in the cost of the former and an improvement in image quality and diagonal size. Let's try to find the answer to it.
It must be said that in addition to its main purpose - broadcasting television programs, modern televisions are used as multimedia players (a screen in a home theater), as well as devices on which images from game consoles are displayed. And models that support SmartTV can generally be an alternative to a computer. And all this is good, is the TV capable of providing full-fledged work with text files, graphic images or video editing?
The majority of TV models do not require a person to remain in front of their screen for a long time. A picture characterized by extreme brightness, contrast and saturation has a tiring effect on the eyes. And the presence of all kinds of enhancers, the purpose of which is to give the image maximum realism when viewing it from a considerable distance, leads to a deterioration in the clarity of the text on the display. In addition, the presence of embellished color rendition, and in addition the narrow gamut of sRGB color spaces, not to mention AdobeRGB, prevents video and photo editors from working correctly.
Of course, the whole aspect of the capabilities of TVs opens up when watching movies on the Internet or active gaming. This statement especially applies to televisions that have a large screen diagonal, which significantly increases the realism of everything that happens on the screen. Below we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of televisions when used as computer monitors.
Positive aspects
1 - The absolute trump cards of TVs include their cost, taking into account the size of the screen diagonal. Purchasing a TV will allow you to save a lot, as its cost is significantly lower than that of monitors of similar sizes.
2 - TVs have special operating modes that allow, for example, dynamic mode to backlight dark scenes when watching movies or while playing games. Actually, this technology was first used on televisions, and only much later it began to be used on monitors.
3 - The large screen allows you to comfortably work with small details, which is important when editing video. Many videographers have to use two monitors for this, which are installed back to back. And of course, it’s much easier when all the same things can be done on one TV with a large diagonal.
4 - An important advantage of a large television screen is the effect of immersion into what is happening, regardless of whether you are watching a very interesting film or an action scene in a computer game.
Negative sides
1 - TVs with an IPS matrix have an increased level of contrast, and this inevitably leads to a loss of detail in black shades. This is especially noticeable if the screen is located at a great distance.
2 - For embellished pictures on TVs, the saturation is excessively raised, and this has a negative impact on the ability to perceive colors and does not allow you to work in photo editors in the correct mode.
3 - The TV does not provide the same clarity as on the monitor if you are surfing the Internet or working with texts. As a rule, the culprit is a system designed to process images in order to embellish them. On some models, it is possible to solve this problem by disabling text smoothing.
4 - If a model with a large screen is installed at a close distance, then on the screen you can see individual pixels that are components of any image. It is for this reason that for TVs whose diagonal exceeds 32″, it is recommended not to use a screen resolution lower than FullHD (1920x1080).
5 - If you work for a long time using a TV screen, your eyes get very tired. This is also greatly facilitated by the need to constantly move the gaze left and right across the surface of the large screen, and moving the eyes down and up is even more tiring.
6 - A large number of TVs have an image delay (Input Lag). Incident lag (not to be confused with the time required for the matrix to respond) is the length of time it takes for the TV to display the signal sent to it on the screen. Simply put, with each action taken, there will be a delay by the amount of Input Lag, which can last from 30 ms to 150. While watching a TV show or movie, this function is practically unnoticeable. The majority of modern TVs have special modes, the use of which can significantly reduce the output delay. In addition, today there are models, such as the Sony KDL-32WD603, in which it was possible to reduce this effect to a minimum level, due to which there is almost no effect on the perception of the picture.
How can you connect your TV to your computer?
Connecting a TV to a computer can be done using one of the three main interfaces: VGA (D-Sub), DVI and HDMI. And if with the help of the latter you can broadcast in FullHD quality, then the use of the first two is recommended only when other pairing scenarios cannot be implemented.
1 - Connection using a VGA connector. The main interface that allows you to connect the monitor to a computer is the analog VGA port. Therefore, if you decide to use a TV as a device through which information will be output, you can use this connector. However, we must remember that you should not expect the maximum resolution of the broadcast image to be FullHD, as it will be equal to 1600x1200 pixels. In addition, you will have to additionally use a cable with “tulips” (RGA) or “minijack” (3.5 Jack) to transmit sound.
2 - Connection via DVI interface. The majority of computer video cards have a DVI port - an upgraded version of the VGA interface. It can be in three types:
The analog version of DVI-A, which is almost impossible to find, as it is characterized by low image quality, which is due to the need to convert a digital signal to an analogue signal.
The digital version of DVI-D is perhaps the most common type, characterized by high signal quality. The two-channel Dual Link subtype provides a resolution of 2560x1600 pixels at a frequency of 60 Hz, and the single-channel Single Link provides 1920x1200 pixels, a frequency of 60 Hz.
The combined version of DVI-I consists of one digital and one analog transmission channel (Single Link). It can also consist of two digital and one analog channel (Dual Link), which operate independently of each other. In cases where this port is not among the TV connectors, if it is available on the computer’s video card, you can use special DVI-VGA or DVI-HDMI adapters.
3 - HDMI connection. This port is considered the most optimal in cases where the TV is connected to a computer. With its help, it is possible to transmit high-resolution video (up to 3840x2160 pixels) and multi-channel audio using a single cable. Often, TV interfaces have two to three HDMI connectors, making it possible to simultaneously connect several devices. Today, the disadvantages of an HDMI connection include the limited cable length (no more than 10 m) and a fairly high price.
The disadvantage of connecting using DVI and VGA cables is that the connectors are screwed together. This means that if someone accidentally touches these cables with their foot, damage occurs to both the TV and the computer’s video card.
When planning to purchase a TV for use as a monitor, you need to clearly understand what scenarios it will be intended for in the first place. So, if you plan to actively work with office applications and surf the Internet, then you can limit yourself to a 32-inch TV. But for gaming or watching videos with maximum immersion, you should choose models whose diagonal is in the range from 36″ to 50.
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After purchasing a new computer monitor, the question arises: what to do with the old one? The old monitor can be:
- convert into a TV;
- sell;
- throw away.
The decision depends on the quality and condition of the display. And also on whether the owner has a need for a summer house or a garage.
Which monitors are suitable for conversion?
Modern LCD displays with a diagonal of 17 - 20 inches are best suited for transformation into a TV. Products of the following brands have especially high-quality images:
- Sony.
- Samsung.
It is important that the display has a wide viewing angle. Otherwise, you can only watch TV programs while sitting right in front of him. Computer monitors do not always have wide viewing angles, so in order to understand the feasibility of the modification, it is important to evaluate this factor.
For transformation, you can also use a CRT monitor with a diagonal of 17 - 20 inches. But only if the image on the screen has not lost its brightness and clarity. A copy with a cloudy, fuzzy picture should not be used; it’s easier to just throw it away.
If the display released after purchasing a new one is modern, of high quality and has a large diagonal, then it is more profitable not to remodel it, but to use it as a monitor on another computer or sell it. And the proceeds from the sale will be used as partial payment for a new TV.
Advantages and disadvantages of remodeling
The advantages of the alteration include:
- The old display is not thrown into a landfill, but is useful.
- Saving money.
Minuses:
- Small screen size.
- In most cases, the viewing angle is smaller than that of TVs.
- The image quality is worse.
- As a rule, monitors do not have built-in speakers. And if there is, their sound is weak. There is a need to purchase speakers.
- Experience in repairing electronic appliances is required.
Remodeling methods
In order to convert a monitor into a TV, you need to:
- A device that receives a TV signal and transmits it to the display.
- Active speakers.
- Cables, adapters.
The device receiving the signal can be of 4 types:
- DVB-T2 set-top box;
- console ;
- built-in TV tuner board;
- mobile device.
DVB-T2 set-top box
This is a receiver that receives a radio signal and transmits it to the monitor. Since the era of analog television is over, you should purchase a device that receives digital TV signals.
Advantages of this device:
- Low price (the most inexpensive models cost from 850 rubles).
- Receives more than 20 channels.
- Easy to connect, compatible with (many monitors produced 10 years ago are equipped with this interface).
- Some modern models are equipped with built-in speakers.
The speakers built into the monitor or set-top box produce very weak sound. To watch TV comfortably, you should buy external active speakers and connect them to the set-top box.
Smart TV set-top box
The simplest and most popular method of converting a monitor into a TV with your own hands is to use one of the modern Smart TV set-top boxes. When connecting such a set-top box to a monitor, you must have an HDMI-VGA adapter. With its help, the signal from the set-top box will be transmitted to the monitor.
One of the main advantages of using Smart TV to convert a monitor into a TV is the ability to use modern smart TV features on an old monitor. Modern set-top boxes also support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection interfaces, and also allow you not only to watch television channels on the monitor, but also to access other multimedia Internet resources, such as YouTube, Vimeo, Hulu, etc.
TV board installation
You can make a TV from an LCD monitor yourself by installing a TV board. LCD monitors support LVDS I/O interface. In order to turn a monitor into a TV, you will need to purchase a television board with the same interface. These days, many similar Chinese boards are in great demand on AliExpress and other online electronics stores. Such boards, in addition to the ability to receive a TV signal, have VGA, HDMI, USB connectors, as well as a 3.5 mm output for connecting an external headset (stereo system or headphones) to the new TV.
IMPORTANT. When purchasing a TV card, be sure to read its instructions to ensure the correct connection to the interface of the display you are upgrading.
In order to install a TV tuner in the display, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Pay.
- Plume.
- Soldering iron.
- Screwdriver.
When everything is prepared, you should do the following:
- Unscrew all mounting screws and remove the monitor cover.
- Carefully disconnect the expansion board from the cable. At this stage it is very important not to damage the cable wires.
- Install the TV tuner in place of the original one. When soldering, take into account the pinout of the cable.
- Set the required voltage using the jumper, checking the board's operating instructions. Typically this is 12 V.
- Make sure that the infrared port sensor is turned on and set it in the required direction. In some cases it is taken outside.
- Close the monitor case by tightening all fasteners.
Connecting mobile devices
Phone or tablet
How to use a monitor as a TV using a phone and tablet? This option will also not be difficult compared to the previous ones. If your monitor uses an HDMI interface, you can connect it to your phone using a regular HDMI-MicroUSB adapter cord. If the monitor is older and supports only the VGA interface, then the connection procedure will look like this:
- purchase of an AV adapter (“tulip”) and a VGA cable;
- connect them together, paying attention to the colors of the “tulip”;
- connect your phone or tablet to a power source;
- output sound to an external headset using the 3.5 mm output.
And tablets support many applications for online viewing of your favorite TV channels. After connecting the monitor to such a gadget, it will become a full-fledged TV.
Computer or laptop
With the development of technology, watching TV channels on a regular monitor has become incredibly easy. And IPTV technology helps us with this. The question of how to connect a monitor instead of a TV when using IPTV disappears by itself.
When connecting to a computer or laptop monitor to watch television, you will only need the following:
- download any player that supports IPTV (for example, VLC Media Player);
- download a playlist with your favorite TV channels (it must be in the form of a file with the extension .m3u);
- open the playlist using the selected player;
- save the settings and go to watch television.
Useful functions of IPTV, in addition to watching TV through a monitor, are also the ability to simultaneously turn on several TV channels, as well as “rewind” and pause the broadcast.
Laptops break down and become obsolete, but some components in them remain working and can still serve. If the laptop screen is working properly, you can take it out of the case and turn it into a monitor. How to do it?
Disconnect the laptop from the power supply and remove the battery (if it is external and not installed inside the case).
Disassemble the body. Opening different models of laptops is carried out in different ways, but in general there is nothing difficult about it: you need to unscrew all the bolts (including those hidden, for example, behind the DVB drive) and carefully open the cover. Then remove the elements that prevent you from removing the panel and unscrew its fastenings. Do not touch boards, microcircuits or wires under any circumstances. Static electricity can damage components that are still working and may be useful.
Connect the matrix to a universal LDC controller - for example, LA.MV29.P or its equivalent. It can be bought in online stores (AliExpress, Banggood, etc.)
This controller is powered by a 12-volt adapter and supports almost all LCD models. The image can be supplied to the controller from a computer, laptop or tablet via the HDMI, VGA or AV port; the supported resolution is up to 1920x1200 pixels. In addition, this board can serve as a TV tuner and display TV channels on the screen. The package includes a remote control and an infrared sensor.
Before placing an order, you should tell the seller the model of your matrix so that they can select a controller that is guaranteed to suit you. An important point: you must find out what voltage the matrix operates with, this will be required for the correct pinout of the cable. Look at the model on the back of the matrix, go to datasheet4u, find that model and look at its characteristics. Move the jumper on the universal controller to the appropriate position: 3.3, 5 or 12 volts. Be extremely careful: if you set a higher voltage than required, the matrix controller may burn out.
The controller will need to be flashed. To do this, copy the file lamv29.bin from this archive to the root of the flash drive, insert it into the USB port of the turned on controller, wait a minute, turn off the power, disconnect the flash drive, turn on the controller again and check if the matrix is working correctly. In the menu you can change the language from Chinese to Russian.
To configure the matrix to automatically turn on when power is applied, go to settings and enter 1147 on the remote control. The service menu will open. Go to the Advanced Setting sub-item and switch the AC on Mode option to On mode.
The controller can be hidden in some kind of case or simply glued to the back of the matrix. You can use a laptop or monitor case as a housing for the matrix. Of course, you can leave it as it is, although such a design will not look very aesthetically pleasing. If you use a matrix without a housing, it can be installed in a tablet holder with the ability to adjust the tilt angle.
Over the years, many people have accumulated a large amount of junk, which takes up a lot of space in the garage or on the balcony. In order not to turn the room into a landfill, it is worth regularly conducting an “audit”, which will decide the fate of many things from one heap. Many users are very fond of interesting solutions for using old equipment, since new electrical appliances today are quite expensive. So why not create something new from the old? If you have an old monitor lying around, then we hasten to please you, because now we will look at how to make a TV out of a monitor with your own hands.
Second life for an old display
In order to make a small TV from an old screen, you will need the screen itself. There is no difference in the manufacturer and type of equipment. The most important thing is the presence of a VGA input on the device body. The overwhelming majority of older display models have such a pin for establishing a connection with a computer. If the device has a modern HDMI output, then there is no need for further instructions at all.
How to make a TV out of a monitor with your own hands? In order to find the answer to this question and achieve your goal, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with two ways to solve the problem.
We use a converter and a digital receiver
We mentioned the VGA output above and we did it for a reason. It is to this pin that we will connect the television receiver of the classic DVB-T2 standard.
Important! This standard is the main one in many countries. Signal transmission will be carried out only with the help of a simple indoor antenna. It is worth noting that the antenna itself can be made with your own hands; for this it will be enough to acquire a coaxial cable.
The cost of the receiver is unlikely to hit your pocket, since you will have to pay no more than $30.
Important! If you have made the final decision to make a TV yourself or want to save on connecting channels to your existing one, the information will be useful for you.
Connection features
All receivers of the above standard are equipped with a modern interface (HDMI). This interface can be used immediately for connection if the monitor is equipped with an identical connector. But if circumstances are not on your side, we hasten to please you - you can use a special converter.
Important! The converter is a very common adapter that will allow you to establish a connection between two devices. This component does not require any power supplies as it uses the aforementioned TV receiver interface for this purpose.
The receiver itself must be connected to the converter, which, in turn, is inserted into the monitor. Next, you need to supply power via the network. All that remains is to configure the receiver for TV programs and you can start using the old screen as a TV.
Important! Digital television is gradually replacing analogue channels. To understand the details of the differences, read all about.
Sound
You can immediately solve the problem with sound output, since neither the monitor (in most cases) nor the receiver have speakers. For this case, the converter has a special audio output to which you can connect any sound sources. This same output can be found in a digital receiver.
Important! You can also connect to our monitor via a converter any device equipped with an HDMI output, be it a mobile phone, tablet, Xbox or other device. The cost of such an interesting solution is around $35.
External TV tuner
If you are wondering how to make a TV out of a monitor with your own hands in another way, then you can resort to using the simplest external TV-Tuner. If the latter is equipped with a VGA output, then the task becomes much easier.
Important! It is worth noting that this device is equipped with a good speaker, so you don’t have to come up with any ways to connect speakers.
Included with the receiver you can also find a power supply, a remote control, and all the necessary components to establish a connection with the screen. The device works very well with the signal, so viewing channels should not be a problem. The only drawback is the lack of Full HD quality, but the sound will be reproduced without any distortion.
Important! If the sound is not enough for you, then no one forbids you to use some high-quality acoustics for output.
To avoid any problems setting up your TV tuner, use the information we have prepared for you in the article
The computer and television industry market offers a wide selection of televisions: from budget to expensive options. However, a person does not always have the opportunity to purchase new television equipment, especially when the old one suddenly breaks down. In these cases, you can use your ingenuity and make a TV at home using improvised materials.
TV from a CRT monitor
After switching to LCD screens, many people are left with a CRT type monitor. If it hasn't already gone into the trash bin, now is the time to give it a second life.
To answer the question of how to make a TV from a monitor, you need to carefully examine the CRT model.
The old monitor must have a video channel board and a control unit. They should be removed. You need to purchase the missing components:
- color module;
- radio channel;
- Control block.
New blocks must be installed on the frame of the monitor case and connected to the modules with a harness. Its laying should begin from the power source to the required places.
The unit board may require installation of additional resistors: R1 and R2.
All that remains is to make complex adjustments, and you can use the monitor as a TV.
TV from LCD monitor
Sony is more suitable for the role of a television receiver. The widescreen LCD has excellent characteristics, so it guarantees viewing of TV programs in high definition. In addition, it has a stylish “TV” design.
LG offers improved monitors. The newest matrix provides a richer and more saturated image and conveys a “live” TV picture.
TV inside the computer
You don’t have to worry about how to make a TV out of a monitor, but combine two useful functions in it using a tuner.
There are 2 types of tuners - stand-alone and USB.
The latter is designed to connect to a computer. The standalone tuner is the latest development. It can be installed between a computer and a monitor, allowing you to watch TV shows in full screen mode. This will allow you to work on the computer and simultaneously watch TV in the designated window.
Standalone tuner models are equipped with various audio inputs and outputs. If necessary, you can connect additional equipment and devices to them, such as a DVD player.
You don’t have to look for the answer to the question: “How to make a TV with your own hands?” - and buy a combined monitor-TV. Currently, digital equipment stores are increasingly offering improved models of monitors. They perfectly combine the functions of TV and computer screen.
