How to Convert an LCD Monitor to HDTV

LCD monitors can double as HDTVs with the proper equipment

Liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors are similar to LCD high definition televisions (HDTVs) in terms of resolution and inputs, which allows them to be used as HDTVs with the proper equipment. A properly configured LCD monitor can provide picture quality that rivals similarly priced LCD HDTVs. LCD monitors can be connected to either an external TV tuner or to a TV tuner card installed in a desktop computer, which allows LCDs to receive over-the-air (OTA) or subscription HD channels.

Things You'll Need

• External tuner box or TV tuner card
• Video cable

Instructions

Installing a TV Tuner Card

1. Turn off your desktop computer and open up the case. Each case opens differently, and some require a Phillips screwdriver. Consult your owner's manual if you are unsure about how to open the case.

2. Physically insert the TV tuner card into a free slot on your motherboard, as directed by the card installation guide. Some tuner cards must be installed into specific slots in order to function properly, so it is crucial to follow the installation guide for this step.

3. Close the desktop case and power the computer back on. Insert the TV tuner installation software into your optical drive and follow the onscreen setup instructions. Connect the monitor to the tuner card when prompted with a VGA, DVI, or HDMI cable.

Connecting an LCD Monitor to an External TV Tuner

1. Check the video inputs on the monitor and the video outputs on the TV tuner to determine which video connections are shared by both components. Video connections common to both LCD monitors and TV tuner boxes include DVI, VGA, HDMI, and S-Video.

2. Connect the LCD monitor to the TV tuner box by plugging one end of the appropriate video cable into the tuner box and the other end into the LCD monitor. If your LCD monitors have internal speakers, connect the audio input on your monitor to the audio output on the TV tuner box.

3. Connect a pair of stereo PC speakers to the headphone jack. If the tuner box lacks a headphone jack, purchase a stereo RCA to 3.5mm cable and connect the stereo RCA end of the cable to the TV tuner box, and the 3.5mm end of the cable to the PC speakers.

Tips & Warnings

• If your LCD monitor lacks internal speakers, an additional connection will be necessary for the audio signal to work properly.

References

• CNet: Ask the Editor: LCD Monitor as TV
• Smart Computing: Is that a TV or a Computer Monitor?