Did you know you could use your Smart TV as a computer monitor?
Quite frankly, it’s easy and there are multiple ways to do it.
Are you curious to find out? Then this is the right article for you.
Keep reading to learn:
- How to activate Game Mode for less lag.
- 5 easy steps to set up your Smart TV as a computer monitor.
- A cool bonus step which is wireless and a lot of times overlooked.
- And a lot more…
Can I use my smart TV as a computer monitor?
You can use your Smart TV as a computer monitor via an HDMI connection. This would be the most common way. Another way would be via a DP- or VGA- connection. And if you have a Chromecast or Miracast you can even connect wirelessly.
How to use your smart TV as a computer monitor – 5 ways
#1: HDMI connection
The most common connection would be via an HDMI connection.
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface.
To help you out, here’s what an HDMI port looks like:
Try to look for it on your Smart TV and computer.
If you have more than one, then this is a bonus of course.
To connect your Smart TV and computer, you connect the two ports via an HDMI cable.
Here is an example of an HDMI cable:
If you don’t have one, you can place an order here.
Then connect the TV and computer with the HDMI cable.
Make sure that your TV is on the right HDMI Source.
To do this, use your TV remote and choose Source.
After that select the right HDMI source on your Smart TV.
To clarify: let’s say you put the HDMI cable in HDMI port #1, then your TV source should be as well on HDMI #1.
Finally, we need to duplicate your computer screen to the Smart TV.
In the following example, we use a Windows 10 computer.
Here are the steps:
- Go to Settings on your computer.
- Choose System.
- Select Display.
- Scroll down to Multiple Displays and you will see a drop down menu.
In the drop-down menu you can choose between:
- Duplicate these displays.
- Extend these displays.
- Show only on 1.
- Show only on 2.
Choose Duplicate these displays and you are done.
You might also want to check out: How To Connect A Non-Smart TV To Your Phone? 3 Proven Ways
#2: DisplayPort connection
The bigger brother of HDMI is DisplayPort.
It’s not as popular but has the capacity of transferring more signals than HDMI.
This will load the image faster on the Smart TV.
Also, another advantage of a DP connection is that you can set up many monitors.
#3: VGA connection
Old…but gold.
This will be the oldest connection of the group and dates from 1987.
VGA stands for Video Graphic Array.
Since it’s kind of old, it has its disadvantages.
It’s not able to send the same amount of signals as HDMI or DP.
This means slower loading of the image on the Smart TV.
Also, it doesn’t carry sound. To fix the sound issue, the later cables are equipped with an audio cable.
#4: DVI connection
This is the rarest of them all.
DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface and is the predecessor of HDMI and DP.
Just like VGA, it doesn’t carry sound.
This means you need to add a sound cable to make sound available on your Smart TV.
#5: Adapters
So, now we covered some basic physical connections.
‘But I don’t have all these connections on both of my devices!’
We totally understand this issue, and luckily there is a solution for this.
Option 1: HDMI to VGA adapter
Let’s say you have an HDMI port on your Smart TV, but none on your computer.
Instead, you only have a VGA port on your computer.
In that case, you will need an adapter that solves this issue.
This creates a bridge between various connections.
So you can use an HDMI to VGA adapter.
Option 2: HDMI to DVI adapter
The same goes for HDMI to DVI.
Option 3: HDMI to DP adapter
And of course, for HDMI to DP.
Option 4: 4-1 HDMI adapter
If you really want to go all the way with these adapters and include multiple various ports, then consider a 4-1 HDMI adapter.
This one has VGA, DVI, Audio, and HDMI all in one adapter.
Based on your situation, choose an adaptor that suits you the best.
Bonus: Casting
If you read this, it means you made it all the way till here.
Very cool, since the last option we will discuss is Casting.
This is a very easy way and is wireless.
Make sure your Smart TV and computer are connected to the same WiFi.
By the way, in the following example, we use a Windows 10 computer.
Via Windows 10, you can wirelessly connect with a Chromecast or Miracast.
They make it possible to stream content between your Smart TV and other devices like a computer.
Miracast and Chromecast are installed on the most recent Smart TVs.
In case you have an older Smart TV without Miracast or a Chromecast, then you can buy them as a Dongle.
You can plug them into an HDMI port from your Smart TV.
Once you’ve installed Miracast take these steps:
- Turn on your Smart TV and computer.
- Make sure they are both connected to the WiFi.
- Go to the end of the taskbar and select Action Center on your computer.
- Select Display .
- Choose Connect .
- Select the correct display.
- Follow the instructions and you’re done.
If you have trouble with finding the Miracast, Microsoft made a troubleshooting guide. Click on this link if needed.
And for the Chromecast take these steps:
- Turn on your Smart TV and computer.
- Make sure they are both connected to the WiFi.
- Have Google Chrome as your web browser.
- Open it and go to the 3 dots in the upper right corner .
- Click on it and select Cast.
- Choose a Source .
- Select a source and after that click on the name of the Chromecast.
- Then it’s done and you should see it on the Smart TV.
The small disadvantage with casting is that it’s a bit slower.
You will notice a small delay.
If this really bugs you, you can always try the other connections mentioned above.
They are faster and have less delay.
Benefits of activating Game Mode on Smart TV for optimal experience
There is an option most Smart TVs nowadays have: Game Mode.
Activating Game Mode on your TV will cut all the unnecessary processing effects to lower the amount of lag.
And this is exactly where Game Mode is designed for.
This will benefit your gaming experience since ‘what you see is what you get’, so you can respond faster when playing the game.
Keep in mind that what you will see on the screen is less fancy than ‘normal’.
Please check out if your Smart TV has Game Mode and see if it suits you.
Depending on the manufacturer of your Smart TV, check the manual instructions to activate game mode on your TV.
Note: the best connection for Game Mode is HDMI or DP since these connections can transfer the most amount of data in a short time.