Using Your Computer Monitor as TV Instead of Buying HDTV

There are many people who want to know how they can use their computer monitor as a TV since computer monitors have always been high definition displays. If you want to use your computer monitor as a TV then you have to understand a few basics. The monitor is connected to the computer through a VGA, HDMI, or DVI interface. Depending on which one you have then you will be able to take different routes when trying to use your computer monitor as a TV.

If you have a normal computer monitor that only has VGA sockets then you will have to watch TV through the computer. The computer will act as the "cable box" in this case. You will need to by a TV tuner for this to work. If you use your computer a lot then you should get a USB TV tuner. Many of the TV tuners are actually PCI-E TV tuners. If you buy these then you may not be able to use that slot for upgrading you graphics in the futures for games, Blu-rays, or other graphic intensive programs.

Also, the DVI interface usually falls under the same category as VGA. Even though it is a digital interface, it is really not supported by too many devices. It is highly unlikely that you will find any new cable box or satellite receiver using the DVI interface. In fact, it is probably the hardest interface to deal with. If you are forced to use it then you may also be forced to buy a DVI to VGA converter or a DVI to HDMI converter. The good thing is that these converters are not really that expensive online.

If you have a computer monitor with HDMI sockets then you will have more options. In this case, you can simply connect your computer monitor to TV interfaces that also have HDMI sockets. You wouldn't connect it to a TV itself. Instead, you would be able to connect your computer monitor to HDMI cable boxes, DVD players, HD satellite boxes, Blu-ray players, and even your PS3 console. You won't need the computer tower at all for this to work