Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a 60-inch computer monitor? Imagine the immersive gaming and movie streaming experience you will enjoy.
Unfortunately, the standard monitor size is 24 inches, and if you are a Mac user, you get a maximum of 16-inch monitors.
What are your options? The solution is to use your TV as a computer monitor. Connecting Mac to TV wirelessly or your Windows PC to your television is not a big deal. You can use Google Chromecast. Alternatively, you can get a cable to connect your computer to your TV.
However, if you are in a dilemma about using your TV as a computer monitor or creating a dual monitor setup by purchasing an external monitor, here are the pros and cons you must weigh.
Pros of using your TV as a computer monitor
Cheaper alternative than buying an external display
Since you already have a TV, you don’t have to spend more on expanding your computer’s display. Instead, you can use the TV as your computer’s monitor and save money.
Good speakers
Modern televisions come with good speakers. So if you seek an immersive movie-watching experience, using your TV as your Mac or PC’s monitor can be a great idea. In addition, you can utilize the TV’s speaker without investing in additional speakers for your computer.
Enhances movie or video-watching experience
If you enjoy watching movies or videos, you will love watching them on a 50 or 60-inch screen. However, even if you create a dual or multi-monitor setup, you cannot get more than a 16-inch or 24-inch monitor. Also, the experience of watching a movie or video on a single large screen and multiple smaller screens is not the same.
Cons of using your TV as a computer monitor
Neck strain
Televisions are typically bigger than computer monitors. On the other hand, monitors are kept on the desk and are generally one or two feet away from the users’ eyes. So when working on your computer, you can easily fit one corner of the monitor to the other with little effort.
However, if you want to use your TV as a computer monitor and complete your tasks, you must turn your head to see the entire screen. If you do this for hours, your neck will not be happy.
Complications during setup due to the difference in connections
Monitors and TVs have HDMI input that helps transfer the videos from your laptop or computer to the television. Since HDMI is the industry standard, you will find it on most computer monitors and gaming consoles.
But the problem is that not most monitors are built with HDMI. Instead, some of them feature DisplayPort, or there might be other connections.
Therefore, these differences in connections may lead to complicating your setup.
Monitors are built for interactivity
Interactivity is one of the primary reasons why users are wary of choosing their TV over their computer monitor.
Televisions are mainly used for consuming TV shows, movies, documentaries, videos, and other pre-recorded content. That’s why TVs are designed as large screens for viewing. High-quality pictures are a top priority for TV brands, but they don’t pay much attention to refresh rate or input lag.
Computer monitors, on the other hand, are built for interactivity. The picture quality might be incomparable to TVs, but the input lag, response time, and image processing are much faster than a TV.
Therefore, if interactivity is a part of your daily requirement, it is best to stick with computer monitors.
When is it best to use a TV as your computer monitor?
Using a monitor is typically the default pick for computer users. However, there are instances when you may have to use your television with your computer so you can extend the display.
Some of the situations where you can use your TV as your computer monitor are:
- While watching movies and TV shows
- Playing games that are not too intensive
- When you are editing images or videos and need to see how they look on a bigger screen
- When you don’t want to invest more money in purchasing an external monitor
Final thoughts
When you want a bigger screen or need to extend the display of your computer or laptop, you can use your TV. However, before you decide, you must weigh the pros and cons of using your TV as your computer monitor.
The primary reason most people prefer using their televisions as their computer monitors is cost-effectiveness. They don’t need to spend more right away on setting up a dual monitor or multi-monitor setup when they can use their TV. But if your work demands it, you may have to consider other options than using your television as a computer display.
