How to use Monitor as TV (even as Smart TV)

You may wonder that you can also use your computer monitor as TV and even as Smart TV. In this post we will tell you how to use monitor as TV. Earlier, options to convert Monitor into TV were less. Now due to advancement of technology there are lot options are available to convert your monitor into Smart TV.

If you want to use your TV as computer monitor, that is also possible using some tips and tricks and some special type of cables.

How to use monitor as TV -1a

We will discuss these options one by one on how to use monitor as TV and even smart TV. Generally, monitors are come with VGA and DVI port. VGA (video graphics array) is an analog based video port and DVI (Digital Video Interface) is digital form of video port. Nowadays some monitors also come with HDMI port with audio out to connect external speakers.

Let’s discuss one by one all the options on how to use Monitor as Smart TV

How to use Monitor as TV with HDMI input and Audio output port

Now modern monitors are coming with HDMI port as input and with audio out port (head phone jack) to connect external speakers. Your work become very easy to use these monitors as TV and Smart TV. You need to just plug in HDMI input of your devices.

You can connect DTH set top box, Chromecast , Amazon Fire Stick, Android Box and Laptop to these monitors and connect some good quality speakers for audio.

Monitor rear panel with audio out
Reference – Samsung.com

Some of examples of these monitor are given as below:

1. BenQ 27 inch IPS Monitor

Benq 27 inch IPS monitor

 

2. LG 22 inch IPS Monitor

 

lg monitor with HDMI and audio out

 

3. BenQ 24 inch LED monitor

 

Benq monitor with HDMI and audio out

Monitor with VGA Port but No speakers

Most of monitors and projectors of old generations are having VGA port only for video. Further there is no audio out feature. But you need not to worry, we will tell you how to use these monitors as TV.

You will need two types of adapters those are available at very cheap price on amazon. One is HDMI to HDMI female adapter and another one is HDMI to VGA adapter with audio out jack.

 

hdmi to hdmi female adapter

HDMI to VGA adapter

 

how to connect chromecast with VGA monitor

In this tutorial we will show you how to connect Chromecast to monitor. Same way other devices can be connected like DTH set Top Box, Android Box, Amazon Fire Stick etc.

Steps for connecting Chromecast to monitor

1. Connect Chromecast to HDMI female to female adapter at one side

connect Chromecast with HDMI female to female adapter

2. Connect another side of female HDMI port to HDMI to VGA adapter

connect other end of HDMI female port to HDMI to VGA adapter

3. In the HDMI to VGA adapter connect your monitor using a VGA Cable

how to use projector as Smart TV

4. Also connect your speakers to audio out port of HDMI to VGA connector

5. Now connect micro USB charger to Chromecast for power and switch on Chromecast, and you are done.

How to use monitor as TV -2

Play any YouTube video for testing, Chromecast video will display on Monitor and audio will come on the speakers.

Monitor and Projector with HDMI or DVI port only

If your monitor or projector having only HDMI port or DVI port than this is slightly difficult situation. As there is no audio out signal available from monitor. You have to purchase additional adapter that is HDMI to HDMI adapter with audio out. The cost of this adapter is slightly higher.

If you want to connect DTH set Top box, Laptop or Android Box than audio ports are also available along with HDMI out port. For example, DTH STB are having AV connector along with HDMI. And Laptop are having headphone jack along with HDMI.

In this case video can be connected using HDMI cable and speakers can be connected with audio out port of these devices.

In case you want to connect Chromecast, Amazon Firestick than you will need HDMI to HDMI adapter with audio extractor. This can be purchased from Amazon around Rs. 2500.

HDMI audio extractor

Now connect Chromecast to one end of HDMI to HDMI adapter and connect another side of adapter your monitor or projector with HDMI cable. Speaker can be connected using audio port of this adapter.

In case your monitor having only DVI port for Video input you have to buy HDMI to DVI cable to connect DVI based monitor or projectors.

How to connect DTH Set Top box to Monitor

We will tell you how to connect DTH set top box to your computer monitor. If your monitor has VGA port only than follow the steps described above with the use of HDMI to VGA adapter with audio out port. Connect monitor with VGA cable and audio with your Speakers or home theatres that have audio in using 3.5mm headphone female jack.

 

airtel xstreme box back ports
Image Credit: Youtube

Steps for connecting DTH box with Monitor using HDMI Port

  • Connect HDMI to HDMI cable with set top box to Monitor
  • Connect sound bar or home theatre using Optical out port
  • If your speakers have RCA sound input than you can use male RCA to RCA cable
  • If your speakers have headphone female jack use RCA to male headphone jack cable to connect

Steps for connecting DTH box with Monitor using DVI Port

  • Connect DTH set top box with monitor using HDMI to DVI cable
  • Connect sound bar or home theatre using Optical out port
  • If your speakers have RCA sound input than you can use male RCA to RCA cable
  • If your speakers have headphone female jack use RCA to male headphone jack cable to connect

See the YouTube video how to convert Monitor into TV or Smart TV

Conclusion

As explained above you have learned many ways on how to use Monitor as TV and Projector. Even you can convert your monitor as Smart TV using Streaming devices. You can watch movies, web series, cricket match over big screen using Projector.

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