How to turn your TV in a computer monitor in 3 easy steps - and for free
Breathe new life into an old TV by setting it up as a monitor for your Mac, Windows, or Linux laptop with gear you may already have around the house.
Turning your television into a computer monitor can be an affordable alternative to purchasing a dedicated monitor, especially if you require a large screen for gaming or creative tasks. This method allows you to utilize your existing TV without spending money on a new monitor. Here's how to do it:
1. Connect your computer and TV using an HDMI cable. If your computer uses Thunderbolt or DisplayPort, you will need an appropriate adapter, which costs around $10-15. However, note that the TV will still rely on HDMI, so you may experience slower data transfer rates compared to a monitor with a DisplayPort or Thunderbolt connection.
2. For a wireless connection, many modern smart TVs support AirPlay or Googlecast screen mirroring. Keep in mind that this method might introduce input lag or resolution issues due to the compression and transmission of data between your computer and TV. Some newer Samsung and LG TVs offer remote PC access through their settings, allowing you to connect your laptop or desktop using the device's IP address.
3. If you want to use your TV as an additional display in your existing PC setup, access the display settings on your computer to reconfigure the monitor arrangement. On Windows, right-click the desktop and select Display Settings. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Displays > Arrangement. For ChromeOS, click the clock and then the gear icon, then select Device > Displays. In Linux, you can use the GUI option or run xrandr in the terminal to adjust the settings.
Written by urgent.news from ZDNet's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
