Q&A for How to Use Your TV as a Second Monitor for Your Computer

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Does the VGA cable transmit audio as well as video?

Community Answer

VGA cables do not transfer audio. For the best quality image and easy audio transfer, use an HDMI cable. If you have to use VGA, you'll need a separate audio cable.

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Question

Can I use the USB ports on the TV the same way as I would on my computer?

Community Answer

Depending on the type of TV you have, you can usually insert a flash drive or external hard drive and use it to view pictures and movies. However, if you want to use it as a second monitor for the a computer, you will have to connect it to your computer with a VGA or HDMI cable and use the controls on your computer. Change your computer display settings to identify the TV as a second monitor and either duplicate or extend the displays. You most likely won't be able to use the TV USB ports as USB connections to your computer.

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Question

I want to give a presentation using my laptop and the TV as my monitor. The TV is new and has not been connected to watch television. I have connected the laptop to the TV via the proper cable. What do I have to do so the DVD in my computer shows on the TV?

Community Answer

Once you've connected your TV and the screen is showing the extension of your desktop, start the DVD in your laptop's media player, then drag the window onto the TV screen. When you set the video to full-screen, it will fill the TV display. You can also mirror or duplicate your display so that the TV displays exactly what the laptop screen displays.

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Question

I have a new smart TV. I want to know if I can buy a tower and keyboard and turn it into a computer that I can use for school. Is this possible?

Community Answer

Yes, it's possible to use a television as your primary monitor. You may need an adapter cable if the video output on your computer doesn't have HDMI or your TV doesn't have a VGA port, but adapter cables are inexpensive and readily available in your local electronics store or online from places like Amazon and eBay.

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Question

Can you split the screen and watch TV and work on the computer the same time?

Community Answer

This depends mostly on the capabilities of the TV. If it supports picture in a picture or similar functions then most likely you can.

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Question

What do I do if I connected an HDMI cable between my PC and TV, but nothing is showing up on my TV screen?

Community Answer

Press the Windows key, hold it down, and press the P key on the keyboard. Keep doing this until it duplicates or extends the computer screen.

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Question

Can I use my TV as a monitor via a Bluetooth connector?

Community Answer

If it is a smart TV, then you should be able to. However, some cheaper TVs will need to be connected with a cable.

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