If you recently upgraded your monitor setup, you might now have an extra screen you don’t think you can use. Alternatively, maybe you’d like to get a bit more out of your displays.
Either way, I have good news: You can reuse that old monitor as an over-the-air TV or a dedicated screen for streaming with just a few easy steps, using some stuff you might already own.
Also: Turn your TV into a computer monitor in 3 free, easy steps
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To qualify, your monitor needs to have at least one HDMI input. You’ve also got some affordable audio solutions if your monitor doesn’t have built-in speakers, Bluetooth, or a 3.5mm audio jack.
If the thought of buying anything new in this economy gives you a fright, here’s the equipment you need to turn your monitor into a second screen for an office, garage, or bedroom.
How to use your monitor as a TV
Streaming and physical media
The fastest and simplest way to re-use an aging monitor is to use a streaming device like the Amazon Fire TV Stick or Roku Ultra. All you have to do is plug it into one of the available HDMI ports on the back of your monitor and power everything on for instant access to your favorite apps.
Just check whether your monitor is compatible with High-Bandwidth Digital Copy Protection (HDCP) software; otherwise, you may not be able to stream copy-protected shows and movies. If it doesn’t support HDCP, don’t lose hope; you can skip down to the next option for using your monitor as a TV.
Also: I tested a 1440p OLED monitor against a far pricier 4K model – and the cheaper one won
If you’re like me and are building a physical media collection in protest of the state of streaming, a PC monitor can be a great dedicated screen for playing movies: just plug your DVD/Blu-Ray player into the HDMI port and select your favorite film. Since even many older monitors are capable of at least 1080p resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, you’ll get a picture that’s at least on-par with a budget-level smart TV.
Digital tuner boxes
While TV antennas use RF connections, you won’t be able to directly plug it into your monitor since it won’t have a digital tuning device built in. However, with the help of a digital tuning box, you’ll be able to access free over-the-air channels.
Also: Wireless HDMI vs. wired: What to consider for your TV setup
Since OTA channels don’t use HDCP protection, you’ll have a better chance of actually getting to watch the news, sports, and shows you want. Some devices, like the Tablo Gen 4, also allow you to record and store video so you never miss an episode of your favorite shows.
Audio solutions
Your monitor might not have built-in speakers, but getting great audio from your monitor-turned-TV isn’t a problem. If you’ve gone the streaming route (or if your monitor has native support), you can easily connect a Bluetooth-enabled speaker like the Anker Soundcore 2 or Sonos Era 100 SL for clean, high-def sound.
Also: Your LG TV is constantly collecting your data – how to stop it
But if you’re ditching apps in favor of OTA TV, you can pick up a cheap pair of PC speakers like the Amazon Basics USB for basic sound or the Logitech Z313 if you want something more robust without breaking the bank.
