Can I Use Samsung TV As A Monitor? 3 Facts (Updated 2023)

Sleek design, wonderful picture quality, gigantic.

These are some of the features that identify Samsung Smart TVs.

And given their impressive size and resolution…

You start to ask yourself…

“Can I use mine as a computer monitor?”

I’ve got amazing answers for you.

Keep reading to find out:

3 facts about Samsung TVs’ capacity as monitors.
How to use your Samsung TV as a monitor for PC and Mac.
11 amazing Samsung TVs that can easily be used as Mac monitors.
And so much more…

Can I use a Samsung TV as a monitor?

You can use a Samsung TV as a computer monitor because it has HDMI support. More than that, Samsung’s latest Smart TV models rank much higher than the competition. Their most recent TVs have features that can function like monitors. These models can also support high-resolution gaming.

Using a Samsung TV as a monitor – 3 facts

#1: All current models support Chroma 4:4:4

TVs have horrible pixel density.

That’s the number of pixels in a given area.

So a display with higher pixel density can show more detail.

But since TVs generally have a pixel density of 1080p on a screen of 30-50 inches (76.2-127 cm)…

Text is difficult to read.

However, Smart TVs that support Chroma 4:4:4 can fix the appearance of text.

It’s an image encoding method used in websites and games.

Without it, a TV would be useless as a monitor because the text would blur.

So, while old Samsung TVs didn’t support Chroma 4:4:4…

The TV models that they’ve released since 2020 do.

Here’s how to enable Chroma 4:4:4 on your Samsung TV:

Click “Home.”
Go to “Settings.”
Press the center button.
Click “General” and “External Device Manager.”
Click “HDMI UHD Color,” then enable it on all HDMI ports.

#2: Most models have advanced Game Mode

Input lag is a movement delay between your screen and the input device.

Imagine moving your mouse and seeing your cursor move a second later.

It’s a computer monitor’s priority to keep input lags to a minimum.

But TVs don’t do this.

TVs minimize slow video processing instead.

Which makes TVs lousy monitors for competitive gaming.

When gamers play PC games on TV, the input lags affect their response time.

But Samsung has this problem covered.

Most, if not all, of their Smart TVs come with an advanced Game Mode.

This is a configuration that takes away video processing from the TV.

And it’s much more advanced than the same option in other Smart TVs.

Sure, activating it may decrease picture quality.

But you won’t notice it, and it’ll improve the whole gaming experience.

So to enable “Game Mode” in your Samsung Smart TV, follow these steps:

Find “Settings” and click on “Picture.”
Go to “Special Viewing Mode” and turn on “Game Mode.”

And to enable “Game Mode” when your game console is connected:

Find “Settings” and go to “General.”
Click on “External Device Manager.”
Select “Game Mode Settings” and turn on “Game Mode.”

Note: Game Mode will instantly activate in some models. When you finish your game and decide to watch a film, you can restore image quality by clicking “Standard” or “Movie” mode.

#3: A gamer’s heaven

NVIDIA RTX is the new standard of AI Technologies in:

Realistic graphics.
Streamlined gaming.
Cutting-edge AI features.

The new graphic card is called NVIDIA GeFORCE RTX 30 Series.

And it has changed the way people play and create.

With this, you can join your TV and PC.

And you’ll experience high-resolution, streamlined gaming, and ideal software design.

Note: HDMI 2.1 technology must be supported by your TV to use the NVIDIA GeFORCE RTX 30 Series graphics card.

Moreover, the card includes the following extra but useful features:

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

This enables fluid gameplay.

Display Stream Compression (DSC)

This one has very fast refresh rates, such as 4K at 120FPS, and great depths of color at 8K.

Fixed Rate Link (FRL)

This can make uncompressed resolutions in 8K and use ultra-high-speed bandwidth at 48Gbps.

Compatible TV models

Not all Samsung TVs support the new HDMI 2.1 technology…

Which you need in order to use the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series graphics card.

Here’s a list you can use to check if the TV you own or planning to buy is compatible.

How to set up your PC and TV with NVIDIA RTX

Install the graphics card into your PC.
Add any necessary drivers for games.
Check if you’ve updated your TV software.
Use a certified HDMI 2.1 cable to connect your PC to your TV.
Activate Game Mode.

Reading recommendation: 3 Easy Steps To Find The USB Port On A Samsung TV

Is it OK to use any TV as a monitor?

Any TV is OK to use as a monitor.

As long as it’s a Smart TV with HDMI, DVI, or VGA support.

But that doesn’t mean that it’ll function well….

If you’ve noticed…

Most Samsung TVs that can perform as well as monitors are new.

And they’re not exactly budget-friendly.

Remember that a monitor is designed to optimize your computer’s functions.

So it’s still recommended to use one over a TV.

“Should I forget using my Smart TV as a monitor if it’s an old model?”

That depends on a few things.

First, let’s make a few assumptions:

Your TV is a 2019 model or older.
You’re going to use the TV on a desk.

Based on that, here’s a list of things to consider before using your TV as a monitor:

Connectivity options.

If your computer uses HDMI, your TV needs to have an HDMI input. The same goes with DVI or VGA. If your connection isn’t compatible, you need to spend money on adapters.

Is the TV a comfortable size?

A TV bigger than 32 inches (81.28 cm) is too large for practical use. It’ll damage your eyes if used on a desk.

What are you going to use it for?

If you’re going to use your TV for the following reasons, it should be okay:

Light gaming.
Watching videos.
Slide presentations.
A supplement screen.

But graphic design and competitive gaming might be a disaster.

Still, giving it a try isn’t a crime.

Not all Smart TVs are made the same.

And what didn’t work for others might function well for you.

How can I turn my TV into a monitor?

To turn your TV into a monitor, follow the comprehensive methods below:

#1: Turning a Samsung TV into a PC monitor

Method 1: Using a connector cable

Step 1: See if your PC is compatible with your Samsung TV by checking the inputs and ports.

Step 2: Remember to use certified cables when connecting. HDMI ports need HDMI cables, and so on. Use an adapter if necessary.

Step 3: Run Samsung’s installation CD on your PC. This will help you use your Samsung TV with ease and guide you through the setup options.

Step 4: On your TV’s Smart Hub menu, click “Source” and then pick “PC on TV.”

For visual instructions, check out this video:

Method 2: Activating Screen Share

In the notifications taskbar of your Windows PC, find “Management Center.”
Pick “Connect” and choose your Smart TV.

Method 3: Using the PC to TV Function

In your TV’s Smart Hub menu, go to “Source” and click on “PC on TV.”
In the “PC on TV” menu, choose Windows PC.
The Windows PC Guide will appear. Download “PC on TV” to your PC.
Use the same login details as the Samsung TV account.
Wait for the PC icon to appear on your TV and then click on it.

#2: Turning a Samsung TV into a Mac monitor

Method 1: HDMI connection

Use an HDMI cable and an adapter. Mac devices don’t support HDMI, but this is the simplest and most stable option.
Be sure to connect the cable correctly. One end must be the HDMI cable, and the adapter plugged into your Mac. You should plug the other into your TV.
In your Apple device, look for “System Preferences” and click on the “Display” tab.
Deselect your monitor and choose Samsung TV.
Click on “Mirror Display.“

Method 2: AirPlay

Click on AirPlay on your Mac.
A list of devices will appear. Find your TV and select it.
Click “Allow” when prompted. Your screen will load right after.

“Which Samsung TV models support Airplay?”

I’m glad you asked.

Most Smart TVs released after 2018 support Airplay.

Here’s a list of Samsung TVs that do: