The Ultimate Guide to Using a TV as a Computer Monitor

Connecting your desktop or laptop to a TV can provide you with an immersive big-screen experience on a budget. With some simple cables and settings changes, you can start using a TV as an external display in no time! In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know to set up a TV monitor for work or play.

Why Use a TV Instead of a Regular Monitor?

There are some great advantages to hooking up your computer to a TV:

• Size and immersion – TVs come in much bigger screen sizes than typical monitors, with many families having 50-65 inch screens in their living rooms. That huge real estate will make work and games feel more engaging.
• Cost savings – Dollar for dollar, you can get a larger TV screen for less money compared to a similarly specced monitor.
• Entertainment versatility – A TV hooked up to your PC can pull triple duty for monitor, streaming, and couch gaming needs.
• Big screen real estate – Having your computer display on a large TV lets you comfortably view multiple windows and apps at once.

According to Statista, the average TV screen size has steadily grown from 36 inches in 2011 to over 50 inches today. With prices as low as $250 for a 50 inch 4K TV, shoppers are opting for larger screens for more immersive viewing.

Meanwhile, a 27 inch 4K gaming monitor from a brand like ASUS or Acer still costs $300 or more. For the price of a standard monitor, you can get a much bigger screen for your computer by using a TV.

Connecting a Computer to a TV Monitor

Modern TVs can easily be connected to desktop PCs and laptops using the right video and audio cables. Here are your best options:

HDMI

HDMI is the ideal choice for hooking up your computer to a TV. HDMI carries uncompressed digital video and audio signals over a single cable. For the best 4K resolution at 60Hz, choose certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables. HDMI 2.1 cables support the highest bandwidth up to 48Gbps.

Make sure to connect your PC to one of your TV‘s HDMI ports, usually labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc. Select the TV input your HDMI cable is connected to on your TV or receiver.

DisplayPort

DisplayPort is a modern digital video standard found primarily on high-end gaming monitors and GPUs. With an inexpensive passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, you can connect your DisplayPort computer to any TV HDMI input.

Active DisplayPort adapters also allow you to keep DisplayPort‘s higher resolutions and refresh rates. DisplayPort supports up to 8K resolution and beyond at 60Hz.

DVI

DVI is an older digital video connection that can adapt to HDMI inputs using simple passive adapters. However, DVI only carries video signals, so you‘ll need a separate 3.5mm audio cable to get sound.

VGA

The old analog VGA connector can be found on some older PCs and TVs. You‘ll need a VGA cable plus a separate audio cable for sound. Video quality will be degraded at higher resolutions compared to digital inputs.

For the cleanest video signal, HDMI is your best bet. But with cheap adapters, you can get any modern PC video output type to connect to a TV HDMI port if needed.

Choosing the Optimal TV Size for a Monitor

What size TV should you use for a computer monitor? Here are some guidelines:

• 32-43 inches – This size range is ideal for use as a desktop PC monitor. It‘s large enough for immersive viewing without excessive head movement needed.
• 49-55 inches – For a TV that will be placed on a desk or table, this is the maximum size I recommend. Any larger starts to get uncomfortable.
• 65+ inches – TVs larger than 65 inches are best suited for use across the room as a living room display. Trying to use extremely large screens up close can cause headaches and eye strain.

In general, you‘ll want to sit at a distance equal to 1 to 1.5 times the diagonal screen size. So for a 32 inch TV, sit around 3.5-5 feet away. For a 55 inch screen, 5-8 feet is ideal. This allows you to comfortably view the entire area of the screen without excessive eye and neck movement.

Don‘t just grab the biggest TV in your house to use as a monitor. While nice for streaming movies across the room, huge TVs can cause eye fatigue and other ergonomic issues if placed on a desk. Aim for 43 inches or less for the best monitor use case.

Configuring Display Settings for a TV Monitor

To gain the best picture quality from your TV monitor, you‘ll need to adjust your computer‘s display settings:

Resolution

Set your computer‘s resolution to match your TV‘s native resolution – usually 1920 x 1080 (1080p), 3840 x 2160 (4K), or 720p for smaller screens. This prevents image distortion from upscaling.

Using the native resolution also gives you maximum screen real estate for fitting multiple windows on your TV display. With 4K resolution, you can comfortably have 4 or more app windows open on a 43 inch screen.

Aspect Ratio

For monitor use, set the aspect ratio to 16:9 landscape mode. TVs are designed primarily for widescreen computer and video display.

Refresh Rate

A 60Hz refresh rate is recommended for TV monitors. While high refresh rate gaming monitors exceed this, TVs have limitations around 4K/120Hz support and input lag at higher refreshes.

Stick to 60Hz for regular desktop usage. You can create a custom resolution at the TV‘s native refresh rate if needed.

Overscan/Underscan

Adjust overscan and underscan settings to get a perfect 1:1 pixel mapping and avoid clipping around the edges of your desktop.

With the proper resolution, aspect ratio, and overscan settings, your TV can precisely mimic a computer monitor with full screen real estate. Connecting via HDMI typically auto-configures the optimal resolution and refresh rate, but double check your graphics card settings just in case.

Getting Computer Audio Through Your TV

To send your computer‘s audio signal to external speakers, here are some options:

HDMI

When connecting your PC and TV via HDMI, audio is transmitted alongside the video signal. Just set your PC‘s default audio output to the HDMI device.

3.5mm audio cable

If using analog VGA or DVI, connect a 3.5mm audio cable from your PC sound card line out or headphone jack to the corresponding audio input on your TV.

AV receiver

For surround sound, connect your PC audio via HDMI to an A/V home theater receiver, then run HDMI video directly to your TV.

Sound bar

Instead of TV speakers, you can use a sound bar under your TV for stereo or 2.1 surround sound powered by your PC audio over HDMI or 3.5mm.

USB speakers

Alternatively, you can directly connect PC speakers via 3.5mm headphone jack or USB.

With HDMI, getting audio from your computer to your TV is as simple as video. For the best audio experience, I recommend connecting active speakers directly to your desktop or laptop PC.

Is a TV Monitor Suitable for PC Gaming?

TV monitors provide mixed results for PC gaming use:

Input lag

Input lag refers to the delay between an input from your controller or mouse and display of the result on screen. TVs average around 15ms of processing lag, versus less than 5ms for many gaming monitors. This can negatively impact competitive online gaming.

Refresh rates

TVs have lower maximum refresh rates than high speed gaming monitors. While monitors can reach 144-240Hz at lower than 4K resolutions, most 4K TVs top out at 60Hz.

Some HDMI 2.1 TVs support 4K resolution at 120Hz. But overall, TVs can‘t match the buttery smoothness of a high refresh rate gaming monitor.

Response times

Similarly, the pixel response times of TVs are slower than monitors designed for gaming. In fast paced titles, this can cause distracting motion blurring effects.

Console gaming

For more casual console gaming from your couch, a 4K TV provides excellent immersion and controller gaming works fine. PC gamers seeking high frame rates for shooters and racing games are better off with a high refresh gaming monitor.

So while PC gaming on a TV is possible, a monitor designed for gaming will provide much smoother performance. But for RPGs, strategy games, simulations and other slower paced titles, a TV monitor setup offers an engrossing experience.

Limitations of TV Monitors

While using a TV screen for your computer allows bigger screen sizes, there are some limitations to be aware of:

Pixel density

For a given screen size, monitors pack in more pixels per inch than TVs. This results in a sharper image quality when viewing up close. For productivity work requiring a lot of reading, a more dense 4K monitor will provide less eye strain.

Features

Monitors offer capabilities absent from TVs, like upstream USB ports for connecting peripherals, built-in webcams and card readers, multiple inputs, and Picture-in-Picture mode.

Ergonomics

Monitors offer more adjustability like height, tilt, swivel and rotation. Finding an ergonomic position is easier with articulating monitor mounts versus flat TVs.

Bezels

TVs tend to have thicker plastic bezels and frames around the display. For multi-monitor setups, thinner monitor bezels allow near seamless tiling.

So while you gain screen size, TVs do lack some dedicated monitor and desktop ergonomic features to be aware of.

Tips for Using a TV as Your Monitor

Here are some tips to create an enjoyable TV monitor workstation:

• Sit 1-1.5 feet away per 10 inches of screen size for ideal viewing distance.
• Use an articulating TV wall mount to optimize viewing angle and ergonomics.
• Angle the TV towards your sitting position to reduce glare on the screen.
• Turn off motion smoothing/processing features to minimize input lag.
• Match power saving and sleep settings on both TV and PC to avoid issues.
• Invest in a wireless keyboard and mouse for couch use.
• Use bias lighting behind the TV to reduce eye strain.

With a few tweaks like this, a TV monitor can become the centerpiece of a home office or entertainment setup.

Highly Rated TVs for Use As Monitors

Based on my extensive product research, here are some top-rated TVs well suited for double duty as PC monitors:

Samsung TU-8000 Crystal UHD TV

This 2020 Samsung 4K TV line provides excellent picture quality with HDR support, low input lag, and minimal motion blur according to RTings testing. It‘s a great choice for mixed gaming and desktop use.

TCL 5 Series QLED TV

With quantum dot technology for rich colors and deep blacks, TCL‘s 5 series offers outstanding 4K image quality at a budget price point. The Roku TV interface is also convenient for streaming and apps.

LG UM6900PUA 4K TV

For an affordable 4K monitor under $500, LG‘s UM6900 has superb color accuracy and IPS viewing angles according to CNET. It also has very low input lag, minimal blur, and an excellent contrast ratio.

Sony X750H 4K TV

This feature-packed Sony TV has enhanced gaming performance with a 120Hz native panel and variable refresh rate support. Reviewers praise its bright HDR visuals and highly customizable settings.

Vizio M Series Quantum

Vizio‘s mid-range M series uses quantum dot technology for pure, accurate color. Its ProGaming Engine and AMD FreeSync support provide a smooth TV monitor gaming experience.

I‘m happy to provide specific buying recommendations based on your budget and particular usage needs. With the right display settings and connectivity, these TVs can match monitors for desktop use.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of a TV Monitor

Pros	Cons
Much more affordable large screen sizes	Can‘t match pixel density and sharpness of monitors
Highly immersive big screen for work and play	Lack articulating ergonomics of monitor mounts
Convenient connectivity with HDMI inputs	Potentially higher input lag depending on TV model
Use as both PC monitor and 4K streaming device	Missing upstream ports for connecting peripherals

For shoppers seeking an expansive screen size on a budget, a TV used as a computer monitor can save hundreds of dollars compared to buying a dedicated high resolution monitor alone.

With the flexibility to also enjoy your large screen for Netflix, video calls, and couch gaming, a TV monitor creates an engrossing focal point for your home office or entertainment space. Just be sure to choose a TV with low input lag, high refresh rate, and ergonomic considerations for the best monitor use experience.

The Bottom Line

Connecting your desktop computer or laptop to a modern TV is straightforward process using the HDMI ports found on all sets. With a few tweaks to your display and audio settings, you can enjoy a much larger screen for immersed viewing.

While some limitations exist compared to dedicated monitors, the cost savings and versatility of a TV monitor make it an appealing option for both productivity and play. As long as you choose the right sized screen for your workspace, a TV can become the centerpiece of an maximally immersive home office setup.