Watch TV on a PC Monitor

When we purchase a new computer that comes with a monitor, we often stick our old PC monitor into storage where it collects dust. But an old computer monitor can be used for a new purpose--as a TV. When you convert a PC monitor to a TV, you not only save money, but you also help the environment by repurposing an old electronic device. Here is an easy step-by-step guide to watching TV on a PC monitor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• PC monitor
• External TV tuner box
• Cable box
• S-Video cable
• Audio cable
• VGA cable

1. Connect the video output on your cable box to the video input on the TV tuner box using the S-video cable.

2. Connect the audio outputs on your cable box to the audio input on the TV tuner box using audio cables.

3. Connect the VGA output on the TV tuner box to the VGA jack on your PC monitor with the VGA monitor cable.

4. If your monitor has built-in speakers, connect the external TV tuner box's audio output to the PC monitor's audio input. If your monitor does not have speakers, connect the tuner box's audio output to external media speakers.

5. Turn on the cable box and monitor. Use the external TV tuner box remote control and click the "Mode" button until you can select the source for the television. Use the remote control for the cable box to switch through channels.

Tips & Warnings

• Before buying an external TV tuner box, double check your PC monitor to see if it already has a S-video input jack. If it does, you can directly connect the monitor to the cable box through video and audio cables. Both digital and analog TV tuner boxes are available. Choose the one that best suits your TV and cable needs.