Computer Help and Support

KG

(28,797 posts) Sat Oct 23, 2021, 10:48 AM Oct 2021

got a free 28in non-smart TV, I'm wanting a bigger smart TV, was curious if I could

use the VGA connection to make it a computer monitor.?

TIA

5 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

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got a free 28in non-smart TV, I'm wanting a bigger smart TV, was curious if I could (Original Post) KG Oct 2021 OP

Sure Timewas Oct 2021 #1

Yes and no FBaggins Oct 2021 #2

yes, but resolution and refresh rate may disappoint...... getagrip_already Oct 2021 #3

You will want to use HDMI Hokie Oct 2021 #4

You certainly can canetoad Oct 2021 #5

Timewas

(2,776 posts)

1. Sure

Reply to KG (Original post)

Sat Oct 23, 2021, 10:49 AM

Oct 2021

Do it al the time, VGA or HDMI

FBaggins

(28,762 posts)

2. Yes and no

Reply to KG (Original post)

Sat Oct 23, 2021, 11:00 AM

Oct 2021

It likely will work (in the sense of displaying the image). But most TVs are unsuitable for the kind of long-term up-close viewing of a computer monitor.

There’s a reason why computer monitors cost about twice as much as a comparably-sized TV - yet the TVs haven’t replaced them in the market.

On edit- if your primary use is to watch streaming movies - it’s fine.

getagrip_already

(17,802 posts)

3. yes, but resolution and refresh rate may disappoint......

Reply to KG (Original post)

Sat Oct 23, 2021, 11:12 AM

Oct 2021

Does it have an hdmi or other type of input?

Hokie

(4,368 posts)

4. You will want to use HDMI

Reply to KG (Original post)

Sat Oct 23, 2021, 11:13 AM

Oct 2021

With HDMI you can get the best resolution and sound too. I use my 56 in Samsung QLED TV as a monitor and it works well. I am using it to type this. I use a wireless keyboard and mouse from my recliner.

canetoad

(21,021 posts)

5. You certainly can

Reply to KG (Original post)

Sat Oct 23, 2021, 03:12 PM

Oct 2021

I may have had the world's first 'smart' tv - a micro computer connected to any old flatscreen tv, wireless mouse controlled, using accessibility magnifying features!

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