How can you use a monitor as a TV?

If you need a TV, you can make one from any old or just a spare monitor. Find a description of how to do this below.

Do you need a new TV for another room, a cottage, or a garage? You don't have to go to the store and buy new equipment. If you have an old PC monitor at home, you can use it to watch TV. To do this, you do not have to perform complex manipulations, such as re-soldering the motherboard. It's simple - 5 available ways. Read below.

Using your monitor as a TV

Many are sure that such a “magical rebirth” of the monitor is unrealistic. This opinion is erroneous: to carry out this “transformation”, you will need: desire, a minimum of free time and certain knowledge.

Experts have carefully analyzed how monitors work. Before converting a TV from a monitor, it is useful to learn about the results of expert research and draw the appropriate conclusions:

1. The well-known South Korean brand “Samsung” is rightly considered the leader in converting a monitor into a TV.
2. Two global brands can boast of second place: Sony and LG. They offer their fans updated screens with exclusive designs.

Attention! When using a monitor as a TV, you should take into account such an important parameter as screen resolution. In the case of high resolution, the picture quality of the future TV receiver will be high quality.

If you want to carry out such a remodel, you should understand that the main problem will be the lack of specialized skills. For example, not every person knows how to work with a soldering iron, connect components, etc. To avoid annoying mistakes, experts recommend strictly following the instructions for remodeling, or asking for help from specialists.

Necessary knowledge to decide whether to redesign a monitor

Before you turn your monitor into a TV receiver, you need to understand: how do they differ from each other? Why, in general, is it necessary to redo anything, since both devices have a video signal? Understanding the differences between a monitor and a TV will help answer these questions:

• TV receivers are distinguished by the presence of a wider range of sizes;
• In order to clearly see what is happening on the monitor, you need to sit directly next to it. And, TV – the receiver is convenient to watch even from a very decent distance from the screen;

Monitors have higher resolution. They are capable of supporting a much larger number of formats than TV receivers.

• the display boasts the most advanced frame scanning;
• Monitors cannot be controlled remotely.

They are much cheaper than TVs. Therefore, if you decide to convert your monitor into a TV, you will be able to save money. This kind of alteration is especially cost-effective for a summer residence. To implement this, you need to understand some details, as well as know the principles of the display.

Helpful information! You can not only convert a monitor into a TV receiver, but also use the TV as a monitor. Budget Mystery TVs are perfect for this (for example, SMART TV Mystery MTV-2429LTA2). These TV receivers are quite inexpensive, but at the same time, they have a computing core with the Android operating system.

Connection via HDMI

Connecting to a TV via an HDMI cable is the easiest and most convenient way. The vast majority of TVs are equipped with a connector for an HDMI cable. The main snag is the presence of the wire itself, which, unfortunately, does not come as standard to either the TV or the laptop.

Fortunately, HDMI cable is a fairly common product, and you can see a huge number of varieties in your first electronics store. The cost of the simplest cord is low, only 150 rubles. Moreover, this device is universal and suitable for absolutely any equipment.

The main advantage of the HDMI connection method is not only due to the simplicity of the process. This method also allows you to transfer the image to the TV screen in its maximum resolution, so projecting video onto the screen in this way is not only simple, but also pleasant, as you will get real pleasure from watching it.

What advantages does this method have?

• Every laptop and every TV has an HDMI connector.
• Connection is as simple as possible.
• The cable is absolutely available for everyone to purchase.
• You won’t have a question about how to connect sound, because the cord transmits it too.
• You can view files in Full HD resolution.

There is only one drawback of this method. Very often the cord spoils the aesthetic appearance, but there is no escape from this.

So, find the HDMI cable connector on the back of the TV. If it suddenly happens that there is no such connector (this only happens if you are trying to use very old equipment), you will have to purchase an additional adapter.

On the other hand, the cable is inserted into a special connector on the laptop.

Next you need to configure the connection correctly. You must connect via a laptop. To do this, select the “screen resolution” context menu button by simply clicking on the desktop. Open a special window in which you need to select the method of using an additional monitor in the form of a TV that is acceptable to you. Several options will appear in front of you.

• For example, use two screens at once as the only space.
• The TV will serve as a second monitor, which means you can work and watch a movie at the same time.
• You will be asked to clone or duplicate the picture, which means that on the TV screen you will get exactly the same image as on the monitor screen.
• Also, your laptop may offer additional options.

Select the resolution that will be displayed on the screen. Maximum 1920 by 1080 pixels

Setting up the TV is also carried out according to a certain algorithm. You need to open the software menu and check the box next to the required signal source. You need to select the HDMI connector that your cable was connected to. At this point, the preparatory steps are completed and you can enjoy watching TV.

Which monitors can be converted

According to experts, to make a TV out of a monitor, liquid crystal monitors with a seventeen to twenty inch diagonal are suitable. The highest quality images can be obtained from products from the following manufacturers:

1. "Sony".
2. "Samsung".
3. "LG".

It is necessary that the display has a wide viewing angle, otherwise it will be possible to watch TV shows only in one position: sitting directly in front of the display. Computer monitors do not always have a viewing angle of sufficient width, so it is necessary to give an objective assessment of this factor before remodeling.

Attention! For transformation, it is advisable to take even an old CRT monitor, with a seventeen to twenty inch diagonal. Rework is possible only in one case: if the screen image has not yet lost its brightness and clarity. It is wiser to simply throw away a monitor that has a cloudy picture.

Alteration: its advantages and disadvantages

Any alteration has arguments with plus and minus signs. When starting to “transform” a PC monitor into a TV, you need to consider the following:

pros	Minuses
An outdated display gets a second life, bringing usefulness. It is not thrown into a landfill	The screen will have a small diagonal
There are real money savings	You will get a much smaller viewing angle compared to TV
The quality of the screen image will be worse than in a purchased TV receiver
Monitors often do not have built-in speakers, so there will be no surround, high-quality sound. There will be a need to purchase powerful speakers
To make a TV out of an old monitor, a person must have at least basic skills in repairing electronics/household appliances

Connecting the power supply and monitor inverter to the scaler.

Everything here is so simple that it even became somehow sad ((

All you need to do is connect: power to the scaler, control of the inverter and the brightness of the lamps.

We need 4 contacts: plus, minus, contact for turning on the inverter (backlight lamps) and controlling the intensity of the lamps. On the power supply itself these are the contacts:

BLON

- everything that is written ON is turning on the inverter.
BRI
- brightness control, often referred to as
DIM
.
+14V
- it’s clear that it’s + power supply, but don’t forget that we have a scaler of 12 - it needs to be lowered, more on that later.
GDN
- minus (ground).

Where should I solder all this on the scaler?

Scaler contacts and signal matching.

We find the inverter connector itself.

And according to the marking we connect.

Don’t forget that 14 volts is a lot of power for a scaler; I recommend installing a voltage stabilizer at 12 volts (for example, L MC 7812

) into the power supply section (any other 12 volt can be used, according to its connection diagram). In my case, the connection diagram for the stabilizer is as follows:

Old CRT monitor

Everyone knows that the cathode ray tube (CRT) display has long been a thing of the past, giving way to liquid crystals. But many Russians still have these “rarities”, stashed away for later. If this copy is preserved in your home, it can be turned into a TV receiver. We invite you to find out how to make such a transformation.

The easiest way is to remove the control unit, along with the board responsible for the graphics. You also need to buy additional components (they are sold in specialized stores).

The main condition is the presence of a VGA connector: otherwise it will not be possible to transform an ancient CRT monitor into a TV receiver. But there is no reason to worry: all outdated screens are equipped with such a port designed to connect a computer system unit.

Attention! If there is no understanding of fundamental computer technologies, then it will be difficult to remake your old CRT - monitor with TV - receiver on your own. You should still have basic skills/knowledge.

To use a CRT as a TV, you will need to purchase a number of components/components:

• This module is a key device of television equipment. He is responsible for the color of the image. The quality level of the broadcast image will depend on its functionality:
• This radio channel is designed to separate intermediate frequencies from all other signals that are necessary for television broadcasting:
• This is a control unit - a part responsible for the ability to configure/control the TV, both manually and remotely:

To assemble a home TV from a CRT monitor on your own, you should:

• first connect all missing nodes;
• then introduce these units inside the screen body, not forgetting to combine them with harnesses with other modular elements.

Perhaps, to enhance the picture quality, you will also need resistors, but they will have to be soldered. After final assembly, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive check of the quality of operation of all functions of the resulting TV receiver.

Converting an LCD monitor into a TV

The world is actively abandoning desktop PCs. And this is not strange: after all, today it is easy to buy much more compact devices with greater functionality. If you have an unnecessary LCD monitor, do not get rid of it. It can be converted into a good TV receiver.

First of all, you need to buy all the necessary components to convert an LCD monitor into a TV:

• You need to buy a TV tuner:

• You need to purchase a splitter, as well as a cord for digital television:

• You need to buy an antenna, as well as a cable to connect it:

A high-quality connection to a new TV requires at least two sockets:

1. One socket is for powering the tuner.
2. The second socket is for powering the adapter.

First you need to connect the antenna cable, and then the plugs into the socket. In this case, you need to attach the tuner with the adapter responsible for power supply to the back.

Note! The tuner has built-in speakers, so its sound will suit only the undemanding listener. But, if you are an esthete and a music lover, you will have to get an external speaker system: the sound will expand, you will immediately feel the difference. For example, a soundbar or standard speakers would be appropriate.

A TV made from an LCD monitor will pick up channels perfectly. But television broadcasting in HD format will be unavailable. This point can be considered the main drawback.

We use a smartphone/tablet

Modern smartphones and tablets can also act as a source of television signal. By default they are equipped with microUSB or Type-C. In such a situation, you can use an MHL adapter. On one side it has an output suitable for a smartphone, and on the other it has HDMI. The adapter is connected to the device, an HDMI cable is connected to it, and the other end to the monitor. So the mobile device will become the signal source. As in the case of a smart set-top box, you can watch content via the Internet.

MHL adapter

A few years ago, tablets with micro/miniHDMI output were on sale. In this situation, the problem can be solved even easier - buy a cable from micro/mini to standard HDMI.

It looks like a small flash drive, plugs into the corresponding connector on the tablet, and has an antenna input on the back. All that remains is to connect an indoor or outdoor antenna, and you can watch channels not via the Internet. In this case, the tablet receives the image from the antenna and transmits it to the monitor via HDMI.

DVB-T2 receiver with microUSB plug

The method is quite complicated, since you need several adapters and additional devices, which entails certain expenses. The second disadvantage of this method is that viewing time is limited by the autonomy of the mobile device. Due to the connector being occupied by the tuner, it will not be possible to charge it during the process.

Purchasing an external set-top box

A simple way to turn a monitor into a TV receiver is to purchase a special set-top box.

Attention! Today, choosing analogue broadcasting models is absolutely pointless: from 2022, analogue TV has been replaced by digital.

This means the following: the best option is to purchase a DVB-T2 or Smart TV model, which can operate via the Internet via Wi-Fi. We suggest considering these two options separately.

• DVB-T2 set-top box

Choosing this particular technique, which allows you to convert a monitor into a TV, has a number of obvious advantages:

• affordability. It’s easy to choose a very inexpensive option, costing about nine hundred rubles;
• ease of connection/combination with HDMI connectors. Every LCD monitor that was released in the 2010s has such connectors;
• support for more than twenty channels. If necessary, you can buy a DVB-C set-top box - this will provide the ability to watch cable TV, or a DVB-S - this will provide the ability to watch satellite TV.

Attention! When an old monitor does not have an HDMI port, the problem is solved by a special adapter. This will increase costs slightly, but there is no other solution.

The problem of lack of sound can be easily solved by purchasing audio speakers. But now many modern monitor models, even at the factory production stage, are equipped with a system of built-in, but very weak speakers.

• Smart TV set-top box

A Smart TV set-top box designed for a TV receiver can also be connected to a monitor. Using devices such as the Mini PC Smart TV Box MXQ 4K Android, costing no more than two thousand rubles, they can provide not only TV broadcasting via the Internet, but also record video on the built-in storage device.

A set-top box is a miniature PC specifically designed to interact with a TV. All this gadget needs to work harmoniously with the monitor is the presence of an HDMI output.

Choosing this technique, which allows you to convert a monitor into a TV, provides a number of advantages:

• you can enjoy not only television programs, but also any streaming video from the Internet;
• providing support for working with many applications (Android OS, etc.);
• You can, through TV, enjoy communication on social networks;
• You can correspond using email, etc.

Many smart set-top boxes are equipped with spots so that you can install microSD cards. This increases the storage capacity for video recordings, etc.

You should know! One of the few disadvantages of this transformation of a monitor into a TV is that the sound from the built-in speakers is too weak, requiring the use of audio speakers.

How to connect a mobile phone to a TV?

What to do

1. Open your TV's network settings and turn on Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On your smartphone, go to Settings → Wireless & Networks → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. After scanning the available devices, select your TV.
4. Use the Send menu on your smartphone to transfer photos, videos and audio to your TV.

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Connecting a special board

A very difficult, but convenient way to convert a monitor into a TV receiver is to install a built-in board, such as the “Universal LCD Driver Board”.

Equipment may have different names depending on the manufacturer. But, the principle of operation, advantages, and connection sequence of all devices are similar. The use of boards provides a number of advantages:

• reproduction of digital broadcasting, on a par with analogue broadcasting;
• sound output without any adapters;
• the ability to control the gadget via PU;
• compact dimensions of all detailed internal contents (they easily fit in the monitor case box).

Note! The main disadvantage of this option can be considered the difficulty of placing the board in the case of most modern monitors.

Why is it wiser to entrust the placement of the board to a specialist? It will be difficult for a non-professional to handle the internal installation of the board. And, if you place it outside, the appearance of the monitor will deteriorate.

Turning a monitor into a TV: practical instructions

We provide detailed instructions on how to turn a second monitor you don’t need into a TV using a board. Remodeling stages:

• The first stage is to purchase all the necessary tools: a screwdriver with a soldering iron, a pre-purchased board, wires with solder:

• The second stage is to free the monitor from the “roof” by unscrewing the fasteners. They must be responsibly placed in some container to prevent loss before completion of assembly:

• The third stage is to find the expansion board and carefully disconnect it from the cable. If the cable is damaged, you will not be able to remake the monitor:

• The fourth stage is to check the markings of the screen matrix: using it you can easily find the necessary firmware for the device in order to select the proper voltage:

• The fifth stage is installing a new board. When carrying out the soldering process, it is necessary to observe the pinout of the display cable:

• The sixth stage - after attaching the Universal LCD Driver Board, you need to set the required voltage using a jumper (information about it should be found by reading the instructions accompanying the board). Usually twelve volts is enough.

The manufacturer equips such boards with IR radiation receivers. This makes it possible to control the TV using the remote control.

Attention! Before you begin assembling the monitor, you need to make sure that the sensor is turned on and find the location where exactly it is located. Often the infrared module is located on the outside of the case.

• The seventh stage (final) is the reassembly of the monitor, followed by turning it on.

other methods

Don't forget about installing a tuner, but in your computer. Unlike the stand-alone device described above, there are three types of tuners that cannot be connected directly to the monitor - they require a computer or laptop to work.

1. Built-in TV block. This tuner is inserted inside a computer system or laptop.
2. External receiver. Connects to your computer via ExpressCard.
3. Network tuner. The device is connected to the router, and the software is installed on the PC. The connection is used both wired and Wi-Fi.

If you connect a smartphone or tablet to an old monitor, you can also get a TV. This procedure requires an HDMI or VGA cable with adapters to your mobile device. If connected to the Internet, online television will be received on a smartphone or tablet and displayed via wire on the display. If there is no network, the mobile device will work like a regular player. And on the big screen the video that is recorded on the memory card will be demonstrated.

It’s even easier to watch TV online via a computer or laptop using IP technologies. To do this you need:

• download IPTV player and install it on your computer;
• then you should load the channel playlist in m3u format into the player, but this must be done through the “Channel list address” item;
• then you need to save everything and use it for its intended purpose.