How to Turn Your TV Into a Computer Monitor

use your TV as computer monitor!

Did you know that you can use your TV screen as a computer monitor? You can use your TV as a display device. To connect your computer to a television, it is important that your computer has a video port that matches one of your TV's inputs. Turning your TV into a monitor for your computer is very easy. Just follow these steps:

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• TV
• VGA cable or appropriate video cable

Instructions

1. 

   If you are using your computer and TV, turn them off before proceeding any further.

2. 

   Position your computer's system unit within easy reach of your TV. This makes it easier to work especially when you have shorter cables.

3. 

   Disconnect your computer monitor from the system unit by unplugging the monitor cable. Leave the mouse and keyboard connected.

4. 

   Identify the type of video cable you are going to use to connect from your computer's video port to your television. The most common is a VGA cable like the one shown on the left.

5. 

   Connect the VGA cable to the VGA port on the back of your computer.

6. 

   Connect the other end of the cable to the video port found on the back of your TV.

7. 

   Turn on your computer.

8. 

   Turn on your TV and select the appropriate TV In video source. You may need to refer to your television's user's guide on how to choose the source input. If the connection is working properly, you should see Windows displayed on your TV screen.

9. 

   You can now start working on your computer using your TV as a screen monitor.

Tips & Warnings

• If your TV doesn't have a VGA or DVI input that matches an output on your computer, you will need to use composite video or S-video cables. If your computer doesn't have any of these TV-compatible outputs, you may need to install a new video card that has the right connection.

• VGA, DVI, or component video cables provide the sharpest displays. Composite video and S-video connections result in displays that are not as sharp.

Resources

• How to Use a TV as a Monitor for a Laptop