If you have a spare computer monitor, you may be able to avoid the expense of purchasing an additional television. Flat panel LCD monitors can replace expensive flat panel televisions. However, even a CRT computer monitor may be useful as a television. To use your computer monitor as a TV, you will need to connect it to a TV tuner. The type of tuner you should purchase will be different depending on what type of monitor you have.
Most computer monitors don't have a coaxial connector. This means you must use another connection interface. If you have an older monitor with only a standard VGA connector, you'll need an external PC TV tuner that will work with your computer monitor. However, if you have a newer, flat panel monitor, you may be able to connect it either to a PC TV tuner or to a television receiver box. Check on the monitor for interface methods such as S-Video, HDMI, RCA and component video. Make sure that you look for corresponding connectors when you shop for a television tuner.
There are two types of TV receivers; digital and analog. A
digital TV receiver will be necessary if you plan to watch free over-the-air television programming on your computer monitor. You will also need an antenna to pick up the television signals. Make sure you select a tuner with a coaxial input so that you can connect the antenna. However, if you have cable or satellite service, chances are you will need an analog tuner. An analog tuner will also integrate better with your analog VCR than a digital tuner.
If both your TV tuner and your monitor support HDMI, you'll be able to watch TV on your monitor in high definition. S-Video is also a good choice for connecting a computer monitor to a TV tuner. However, if HDMI and S-Video aren't available, composite video is your next best bet. Composite video is connected using a three-pronged RCA connector with color-coded audio and video plugs. If possible, use component video, which divides the video into separate channels for a clearer picture. In most cases, you should match the color of the plugs to the color on the inputs and outputs on your equipment. Keep in mind that some connection types may require you to connect the audio from the source of programming to the TV tuner separately. Connect other equipment, such as your
VCR, DVD player or DVR, to the TV tuner using a separate connection. If you want to use your VCR's internal receiver for timer recording, connect its coaxial input to the TV tuner's coaxial output. This will ensure that the radio frequency (RF) signal can reach the VCR's receiver. If you use any other type of connection with your VCR, you'll need to change channels using your TV tuner or cable or satellite receiver box rather than on the VCR before recording.
Connect your monitor's speaker connection to the TV tuner's audio output jack. If your computer monitor doesn't have built-in speakers, you'll need to attach separate speakers to the audio output. Test the computer monitor and speakers to see if they're displaying the video and audio properly and make any adjustments necessary. These tips should get your computer monitor working as a TV relatively quickly. If you experience difficulty, consult your equipment's documentation.
Sources:
"How to turn your monitor into a TV,"
CNET.com"Definition of: composite video,"
PCMag.com
