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💻Use Your TV as a PC Monitor Without Extra Costs

Turn your big-screen TV into an affordable monitor

TL;DR

Connecting your computer to a TV via HDMI or wireless options like AirPlay and Googlecast can turn it into a secondary display. Be mindful of potential input lag and resolution issues.

You can now use your TV as an extra monitor for your PC without buying additional hardware, simply by connecting with an HDMI cable. If your computer uses Thunderbolt or DisplayPort, you might need to pick up a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter. Wireless options like Apple's AirPlay and Googlecast are also available but may introduce input lag and resolution issues. This setup can provide more screen real estate at a lower cost compared to buying a dedicated monitor. For instance, the Alienware 34-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor costs around $750 with a 240Hz refresh rate, while the Hisense A4 TV offers 4K resolution for just $110 but only has a 60Hz refresh rate.

Use Your TV as a PC Monitor Without Extra Costs — ZDNET

Key Points

1

Connect with HDMI cable; Thunderbolt/DisplayPort users may need USB-C-to-HDMI adapter

2

Wireless screen mirroring: Apple's AirPlay, Googlecast; beware input lag and resolution issues

3

Newer Samsung and LG TVs support remote PC access through dedicated apps

4

Find IP address on Windows with 'ipconfig', Mac with System settings search, Linux with 'hostname -I'

5

Match computer and TV resolutions for clarity: adjust via Settings > Display or Picture > Device preferences

Why It Matters

If you're looking to expand your workspace without breaking the bank, using a TV as an additional monitor can be a game-changer. For example, setting up a Hisense A4 TV at $110 provides a high-resolution secondary screen for less than many dedicated monitors would cost. However, ensure compatibility and resolution matching to avoid issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

If you're looking to expand your workspace without breaking the bank, using a TV as an additional monitor can be a game-changer. For example, setting up a Hisense A4 TV at $110 provides a high-resolution secondary screen for less than many dedicated monitors would cost. However, ensure compatibility and resolution matching to avoid issues.

What happened?

Connecting your computer to a TV via HDMI or wireless options like AirPlay and Googlecast can turn it into a secondary display. Be mindful of potential input lag and resolution issues.

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