Many homeowners have old analog TVs lying around their home, outdated and seemingly useless. However, what many people don’t know is that with just a few connections and some tweaking, you can easily turn those old TVs into a functional computer monitor. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step procedure of how to use analog TV as computer monitor.
To use an analog TV as a computer monitor, connect it to your PC using a VGA or HDMI cable, and configure display settings on your computer for proper resolution and refresh rate compatibility.
How To Use Analog TV As Computer Monitor | Step By Step Procedure
Step 1: Check the compatibility
Before you jump into the process, ensure that your analog TV is compatible with your computer. It should have an S-video input, which will be used to connect the TV to your computer.
Additionally, check that the computer has an S-video output connection or a VGA-to-S-video adapter. You can purchase this adapter at your nearest electronics store.
Step 2: Connect the wires
Once you have the adapter or the S-video output connection, connect it to your TV as follows: Plug one end of the S-video cable into the computer’s output port, and the other end into your TV’s input port. If your TV doesn’t have an S-video input, you can use a VGA-to-S-video adapter to connect.
Step 3: Configure your computer
Now that your analog TV is connected to the computer, it’s time to configure the computer’s display settings. Go to your computer’s control panel and select “display.”
Then, click on “settings,” and you should see two screens displayed: your computer monitor and the TV. Choose the TV, then adjust the resolution according to the TV’s maximum resolution.
Step 4: Set your TV to the right channel
Once the resolution is set, and the cable is connected, you have to set the TV to receive the signal. Ensure that you have selected the right input channel on your TV, which can be done using the TV remote. This channel should match the input port to which you connected your S-video cable.
Step 5: Start computing
Now that everything is connected and configured, you’re ready to start using your analog TV as a computer monitor. At first, you may experience some low-quality display issues, but you can quickly fix this by tweaking some settings. Try adjusting the brightness, contrast, and color settings on the TV to improve the display further.
Also Read: How Long Does It Take To Fix A Tv Screen?
Why Can’t I Use A Tv As A Computer Monitor?
With many of us working from home, having a reliable computer setup has become an essential part of our daily routine. While some people are satisfied with working on a small laptop screen, others prefer a larger display that can only be achieved through a computer monitor or a TV. Many people assume that since TVs and computer monitors are both displays, they should be interchangeable.
However, as you may have already discovered, there are multiple reasons why using a TV as a computer monitor may not be the best idea. Now, we will discuss why this is the case.
1. Resolution
The most common issue people face when using a TV as a computer monitor is resolution. Unlike a computer monitor, which typically has a higher pixel density, a TV’s resolution may not be suitable for computer usage.
This may be particularly noticeable when working on a big document or attempting to work on multiple windows side by side. The result may be blurry text and unsatisfactory picture quality, making it challenging to read and work on for prolonged periods.
2. Screen Size
Although having a large screen may seem like a bonus, it can make your computer usage experience inconvenient. With a TV, the distance between you and the screen is more significant than what’s recommended for working on a computer.
This means you’ll need to move your head to view different areas of the screen, which can lead to neck and eye strain.
Also Read: Can You Put A Normal Tv In Bathroom?
3. Response Time
TV’s response time is slower than a typical computer monitor. The time it takes for the screen to transition from one color to the next, known as response time, is measured in milliseconds (ms). For computer monitors, it is common to have a response time of under 5 ms, whereas for a TV, it is usually 20-50ms or more.
This prolonged response time may lead to “ghosting,” where fast-moving objects on the screen leave behind a permanent shadow that makes it hard to keep up with dynamic events on your screen.
4. Input lag
In addition to response time, input lag could be a significant issue when using a TV as a computer monitor. When you are typing on a keyboard, the input lag can slow down your typing speed.
Likewise, input lag can be a hindrance when playing games or even scrolling through web pages. A TV may accept inputs slower causing a delay before the screen reflects a user’s actions.
5. Scaling
Another issue is scaling. Generally, desktop resolutions fit perfectly on computer monitors. On a TV, however, there can be black borders or over scanning. This means you may be missing out on essential desktop real estate, which can make multitasking challenging.
Also Read: How Much Gold Is In A Flat Screen Tv?
Bottom Line:
Now you know how to use analog TV as computer monitor. With just a few easy steps, you can transform your old analog TV into a fully functional computer monitor.
It’s an excellent way of repurposing and saving a couple of dollars instead of buying a new monitor. We hope that this step-by-step guide has provided you with all the information you need to make the most out of your analog TV. So, go ahead, dust off your old TV, and bring it back to life as a computer monitor.