A huge bright TV in the living room does not allow any rest: I would connect it to the computer as a monitor... Actually, the task does not represent difficulties.
In the presence of the right accessories and a few minutes of free time, your TV will turn into an additional monitor for a PC or laptop.
Let's deal with what is necessary for this.
We find out which types of connections are available
To allow the computer to transmit the image to the TV, there must be connections for transmitting the video signal in both devices. Typically, there are no problems with it, since in all modern TVs there is a minimum of one common audio / video connector called HDMI. It is located behind or on the side and has an appropriate letter.
Is HDMI in the PC - here as lucky. In most desktop computers, it is present on the rear panel and belongs either motherboard or discrete video card. As for laptops, HDMI is far from everywhere. It is usually devoid of ultra-thin models. There is no it in MacBook. Manufacturers expect that owners of such devices instead of HDMI video outputs will use USB-C with the appropriate adapter (what to do in such a situation, let's tell later).
There are two types of HDMI. The most common scenario is HDMI "Mom" on PC and HDMI "Mom" on a TV, to connect one cable with HDMI "dad" connectors at both ends. One end cable connects to a PC, to another TV - and in principle, everything. If several HDMI ports are present on the TV, the connected computer is selected using the remote control Du.
Sometimes miniHDMI is present on the computer side, which is less than standard. In such a situation, you need to look for another type cable - HDMI / miniHDMI (standard TV connector, reduced to a computer). Connect - and the case is done.
Be sure to consider at what distance the device is from each other. The cable must be sufficient length and connect without tension.
HDMI is not. What to do?
It happens, users encounter the fact that the necessary interface is not on the computer, TV or on both devices immediately. Nothing terrible, you can always get out.
On old TVs and PCs, instead of HDMI, there is a DVI port. It was he who was the main connection for video transmission to the appearance of a more advanced standard. Depending on what interfaces are present on devices, look for a DVI / DVI cable in stores or an HDMI adapter to DVI for use with HDMI / HDMI cable.
When using the adapter, the signal transmission rate may decrease. The probability of delays, the worsening of video quality and the appearance of similar problems increases.
If only DisplayPort connection is present on the computer side (unlikely, but happens), it will be either a traditional DisplayPort or its MINI version. Both standards are distributed on monitors, but rarely come across on TVs. In this case, the only output will be constructed by the DisplayPort / HDMI cable for desktop or USB-C / HDMI for a laptop.
For desktop PCs with a video output DVI suitable for another way to connect to TV: Install a modern discrete video card with HDMI. A similar option also exists for laptops, only in this case an external graphics processor is required (easier and cheaper to use an adapter).
And how to bring the sound?
HDMI supports the transmission of the sound signal, however, a lot depends on the capabilities of the computer.
Most modern graphics processors have audio codes compatible with HDMI and DisplayPort. Thus, one HDMI cable is able to transmit both video and audio data, but for this in the settings of the operating system you need to specify the transmission of sound through this connection, and not through the motherboard audio shots or the built-in speakers.
Sometimes the S / PDIF cable is also included with the PC video card. It allows you to skip digital audio data through a graphics card and display them through the HDMI port. This solution eliminates the need for a separate S / PDIF cable connection between the computer and the TV. However, for such an connection, you must open the PC body to connect the motherboard and the video card.
On a PC with an outdated type of video output, for example, DVI, the sound can be launched through headphones. The second option is to display the sound through an audio cable with a PC to the TV. In some cases, for example, for laptops, you may need a cable with a standard 3.5 mm plug at one end and analog connectors ("tulips") for the TV on the other.
What restrictions can be encountered?
A good televisions are not intended to work as monitors, which means that when connecting to a computer, their capabilities may not correspond to the declared. Most likely you will come across the input delay, slow motion movements, poorly readable text and incorrect resolution.
Not each of these problems is solved easily, but the information below will help qualitatively improve the PC connection with the TV.
What is the color subdiscretion of Chroma 4: 4: 4?
Color subdiscretion is a compression standard used to send video data with a decrease in color resolution. Chroma 4: 4: 4 Technology allows the highest possible compression to transfer the highest number of color data via HDMI. The standard is ideal for connecting a TV to a computer, scaling text and images. More information about the support of Chroma 4: 4: 4 can be found in the description of the technical capabilities of the TV or manufacturer.
There are several HDMI generations. This also take into account?
preferably. You can achieve the best quality compound if all devices and cables will support HDMI 2.1. This is the most actual version of the interface, it is suitable for transmitting any video data with the exception of 4k and more at elevated frame frequency.
For not the highest, but acceptable signal quality, there is enough HDMI 1.4 or 2.0 on all devices and accessories.
Does something depends on the processor in the computer?
Old desktop processors with performance do not shine. But much depends on the type of task: the harder they cope with the games, and simple office applications and browsers work on them completely tolerant. From the fact that you connect to a computer TV, the game "Fly" will not be. For game purposes, it is primarily to pump the PC itself, in particular to put a good modern processor.
How to place a TV?
Method Installation and the placement of the TV does not affect the image quality, but it can affect your health, first of all in the state of the eyes and neck. It is important to choose a TV such a position in which you can look at it, keeping the right posture. We strongly do not recommend placing it high on the wall or at an angle. It is best to put on a solid smooth surface.
What kind of maximum image quality can be obtained from the TV?
The last of the formats of the television picture is HDR10. It provides exceptional image quality when watching video, games, etc. It is widely available in new models, and therefore we recommend not to ignore this option when you buy a new TV.
