Using a PC LCD Monitor as a TV?

March 20, 2006 7:42 AM

How can i use a PC LCD monitor as a TV, without using a PC? I found TV Tuners online, but they usually require a computer to be there.. I'm just thinking that, considering lcd tv prices, I might as well buy a bargain basement lcd monitor and hook it up to a tuner. and the cool thing is, the lcd monitor already has enough pixels to display HD!
posted by frenchbenj to technology (7 comments total)

What do you consider a bargain? I recently purchased a refurbished Magnavox 15" HD ready TV with VGA, Component, Composite, S-Video and a built in regular TV tuner for $220.00
posted by Gungho at 7:49 AM on March 20, 2006

i already have a 17" LCD monitor, and don't need it with my PC anymore...
posted by frenchbenj at 7:54 AM on March 20, 2006

Viewsonic sells a couple of products that might fit the bill. I've seen similar knockoff products on the market, too.

I'll second Gungho, though. I don't know that you'll save any money.
posted by kableh at 7:54 AM on March 20, 2006

If it has composite (not component) or a S-Video inout, just use an old VCR - they have tuners in them.

If it only has a VGA input, you'll need something like this, which isn't really all that cheap - $200 for that one. Oh, but here's a cheaper one for $50.
posted by GuyZero at 7:57 AM on March 20, 2006

I do this with a Dell 2405, though I run the cable audio output through the PC's soundcard, since the monitor doesn't come equipped with speakers. The 2405 takes composite, component, and S-video inputs, and displays HDTV signals as well. (The 2405 also allows me to display the TV as picture-in-picture, overlapping one corner of the monitor when the monitor's used in PC mode.)
posted by orthogonality at 8:54 AM on March 20, 2006

I have seen Fry's Electronics selling standalone HDTV tuner for about $150 with remote control and everything. All you need to do is to hook it up with your monitor. will that work for you?
posted by dy at 1:07 PM on March 20, 2006

I bought this: ADS TV Station 100 PTV-360-EF

Works pretty good.
posted by soatari at 12:54 AM on March 22, 2006