Using TV As A Computer Monitor

Can I link my TV to my computer so I can watch movies I view via my high speed computer internet connection? It's a desktop computer, not a laptop, and I have a great TV and could watch movies all comfy if I could just use my TV as a monitor. Is this possible?

I have a subscription to a movie site to instantly watch movies on my computer, and my broadband internet carrier is also my cable TV carrier, if that matters. Am I making something up? Whenever I think I have an idea, it turns out someone's already been doing it for years.

Not too techno-savvy, not up with the times and my teenage son will probably laugh that I'm posting this dumb question, but I am capable of buying interface cables and following instructions, plugging in cables, installing software, etc. My son will reap the benefits too, if this idea is possible. Any thoughts or advice out there? Thanks.

Laura from Northern CA

Answers:

Using TV As A Computer Monitor

Well Laura, I don't have an answer but a suggestion.

1. Why not ask your cable company.
   Advertisement

   
   
2. You could also ask people at the Geek squad at Best Buy.They came to my house once to help me out.
3. Maybe someone in the TV department at Best Buy or another store that sells electronic gear could also help.
4. An electronic tech who repairs computers may also be a source for information.
5. A call to these folks could give you answers instead of physically visiting the store in person.

Good luck. (05/09/2008)

By Harry

Using TV As A Computer Monitor

You can also buy a TV card to plug into your computer, like a scanner card or a video card. Then you should be able to plug your cable or whatever right into the computer. (05/13/2008)

By Noella

Using TV As A Computer Monitor

If you have an "S video" output on the computer (a lot do) and an input on the TV just run a cable.

(05/13/2008)

By Johnny

Using TV As A Computer Monitor

Johnny (thanks everyone else too): I do have "S" video input on the TV. How do I know if I do on the computer? (05/13/2008)

By Laura

Using TV As A Computer Monitor

Funny you should ask. My TV has s-video, but my laptop doesn't so I just bought a PC to TV converter box last week. However, the A/V (audio video) cable doesn't seem to project the sound through the TV. Maybe someone knows the answer to this. Also, the resolution is a little fuzzy. Have to play with it to get it to be more clear. Great for movies if the sound works, but not that great for text.

I also got a wireless keyboard and mouse. Some of the PC to TV converters have remote controls. I paid about $50 for mine online without the remote. However, you would be able to have a personal video recorder so you could save your movies and TV shows to your computer just like your DVR or TIVO without the fees. So, does anyone know how to get audio to the TV? Even though it is a little fuzzy it is a keeper. (05/16/2008)

By Janene