Can A TCL TV Be Used As A Computer Monitor?

three monitors and a laptopthree monitors and a laptop

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There are many advantages to using your TV as a computer monitor. You can wirelessly cast your PC to the TV or you can build a dual-monitor setup without having to purchase another monitor. If you have a TCL TV, you’re in luck.

TCL offers a wide range of Smart TVs, supported by Roku, Android TV, or Google TV operating systems. These streaming devices allow you to cast content from your phone or PC onto the TV. Alternatively, the 3 HDMI  ports are well-suited for wired connections.

In the sections below, you’ll learn how to use your TCL TV as a computer monitor. Stay tuned for guidance regarding which TV models are best for these purposes.

Can You Use A TCL TV As A Computer Monitor?

Yes, you certainly can use your TCL TV as a computer monitor.  There are many advantages to this, such as a larger screen, and you can make good use of any extra monitors that you have laying around.

Stay tuned for more info on the best TCL TVs for doubled use as computer monitors.

How To Use A TV As A Computer Monitor

Depending on how you plan to use your monitor you can go with either a wired connection or a wireless connection. You are encouraged to continue below to learn how to use your TV as a computer monitor.

How To Wirelessly Connect Your PC To Your TV 

You can cast your PC onto your TV. This is all thanks to modern streaming devices such as Roku or Chromecast.  The process is quite simple.

For example, if you have a Roku, then you can connect your PC to a TV by:

  • Go to the system settings menu and make sure that the Screen Mirroring mode is set to “Always allow”.
  • For Windows users, do a left mouse on your Home Screen to enter Display Settings.
  • Scroll down to Connect To A Wireless Display and follow the prompts.

There are many advantages to wireless casting. For one thing, it’s a lot better for your eyes if you are seated several feet away from the screen. It’s also a whole lot easier.

However, you may have trouble casting your PC to the TV monitor, or perhaps it’s a dual monitor display that you’re after. If this is the case, then you need to wire the PC to the monitor using the steps below.

How To Connect Your PC To Your TV With A Wired Connection

Using modern TVs as a computer monitors is relatively easy since they all have HDMI ports. The transition will be nice and smooth, just as long as your computer’s graphics card has an HDMI output.

You’ll be able to connect your PC to the monitor using an HDMI cable. For older graphics cards, you will need to use a DVI-to-HDMI cable. Luckily, these are easy to find and also affordable, such as the one here.

You May Need To Use A DisplayPort-to-HDMI Connection

Rather than using the HDMI output of your graphics card, you may need to route through the DisplayPort output. To do this, you’ll need a DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable. This type of connection is capable of carrying both video and audio signals.

Check Your Graphics Card

You’ll also need to know the maximum screen resolution your graphics card is capable of supporting. This number can be found within a settings menu on your computer.

If you have Windows, follow these steps:

  • Open the Start menu
  • Navigate to Settings, then System, Display, Advanced Display Settings, Display Adapter Properties For Display 1
  • A window will pop up. Click List All Modes.

Once you click List All Modes, a list of a bunch of screen resolutions will show up. If your graphics card is capable of handling the resolution of your TV monitor, then the resolution will be on this list.

Best TCL TVs for Use As Computer Monitors

There are several details to pay close attention to when selecting a TV as a PC monitor. You need high resolution and a PPI (pixels per inch) rating of at least 80.

Here’s why TCL Smart TVs make great computer monitors:

  • Dual-Band Wi-Fi Support
  • HDMI ports- every TV listed here has at least 3 HDMI ports
  • Alexa, Siri & Hey Google Voice Control (TV)
  • 4K Ultra HD Resolution
  • At least 80 PPI (pixels per inch) in every TV listed here.

TCL 43-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV

The TCL 43-inch 4K UHD Smart  TV is equipped with High Dynamic Range (HDR) Technology. This means that the contrast between the brightest and darkest colors is optimized for your viewing pleasure. This monitor also supports 4K Ultra HD resolution.

PriceClick Here
HDMI Ports3
Resolution3840 x 2160
PPI (Pixels Per Inch)103
Additional FeaturesPrivate Listening (TV), Stand included, Weighs 15.4 lbs.

TCL 50” Class 4-Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV

The TCL 50” 4K Android TV comes with Chromecast already built-in. This should make it much easier to cast media from your phone or PC. Google Assistant allows you to stop thumbing through commands on the remote and control the TV with your voice.

PriceClick Here
HDMI Ports3
Resolution3840 x 2160
PPI (Pixels Per Inch)89
Additional FeaturesPrivate Listening, Chromecast Built-In, TV Stand Included, Weighs 21 lbs.

Final Thoughts

TCL TVs can be used as computer monitors. They are equipped with screen mirroring capabilities for wireless connections and multiple HDMI ports for wired connections. There are several other desirable features, including the PPI (pixels per inch) ratings of the TCL TVs listed above.

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