Is your computer monitor resting on a corner of your house? Do you have no use for this monitor? Are you resorting to the option of selling or throwing it away? WAIT.
Before you throw your monitor, consider it for alternative use. Just like me. I relish watching channels that my Spectrum TV package offers on my old computer monitor. You can too. Just follow these easy steps.
Step 1
See if your monitor has a component or S-video port. If not, check if there is any other port available on your computer monitor beside the VGS computer port. This port is a standard that comes in all computer monitors. Your concern is the extra port.
In case you succeed in locating a port that matches your cable box’s output port, your job’s done. You can use this port to connect the two devices i.e. your computer monitor and the Cable box.
Step 2
There is a chance that you won’t be able to connect the cable receiver directly to the monitor. In that case, you should connect the cable receiver to an external TV tuner. If you see a port on both devices i.e. the cable receiver as well as the monitor, use the S-video slot to connect both of them.
You should use the RCA composite or RF coaxial cables for connection purposes (in case you are wondering).
Step 3
Now comes the speakers. You would need them for a clear voice. Two options are available to you in this case. You can either use the cable box or the TV tuner to connect the speakers to either of the two. This is in case the monitor does not have its speakers.
You will need to connect the speakers to the audio output that you see on the video box. Again, you will have to use the RCA composite cable for this purpose. Only the cables with red and white plugs are your need.
Step 4
Connecting the speakers is not enough. You should connect other things with your computer monitor as well. These include the likes of a DVD player or your gaming console. Do not worry as to how you will connect these devices to the monitor. Hunt for input ports that match with the devices’ ports. If there is a match, you can easily connect your desired devices to your monitor.
You might have to resort to an external tuner for this purpose. As it will offer you an option of multiple ports. In case your cable box has a couple of extra input ports, you won’t need an external tuner.
Step 5
It is now time for you to connect your monitor to the external tuner. For this purpose, you will need a VGA connection. To make it easy for you to understand, this is the same cable that connects the monitor to the computer’s desktop.
Step 6
You are now all set to enjoy watching TV on your computer’s monitor. Turn your cable box as well as your monitor on. Select the right option on your tuner box. You can swap through the channels through your cable box’s remote.
Factors to Consider when Purchasing a New Monitor
The above-mentioned steps are for people who are considering throwing or giving away their monitors. In case you are purchasing a new monitor and want to enjoy watching TV on it too, consider the following when making the purchase:
- Ensure that the monitor supports HDMI input
- Choose a monitor that comes with in-built speakers so that you do not have to go through the hassle of connecting speakers externally.
- Confirm if the monitor is HDCP compliant or not.
Local Broadcast TV on Your Monitor
In case you want to opt for local broadcast on your monitor, you will have to subscribe to satellite TV, an antenna, or a TV tuner box. If you only want to surf Netflix or any other online streaming options on your monitor, then you do not need to go through this hassle.
There are plenty of options available to you. Some people ditch the basic TV or monitor for Roku TV or the like. However, these devices have their challenges. Like at times people complain about the Spectrum app not working on Roku.
Whichever technology you opt for, it will have its pros and cons. It is upon you to make an informed decision. And one that comes with the minimum amount of inconveniences.
