FERNSEHER ALS MONITOR VERWENDEN: SO GEHT ES

USING A TV AS A MONITOR

With large screen diagonals at low prices and modern 4K technology, using a TV as a monitor is becoming increasingly popular. However, there are several things to consider.

Whether in the home office, for watching movies, or relaxed gaming – a TV device can perform many tasks of a PC monitor. In this blog article, you will learn how to use your television as a monitor, what requirements you need to meet, and what to watch out for to achieve optimal image quality, low latency, and ergonomic comfort.

Using a TV as a Monitor

Many users ask themselves: Is it worthwhile to purchase a large 4K TV as a PC monitor? The answer depends on your individual requirements. While you are still better served by a specialized PC monitor for professional image editing or competitive gaming, large TVs can offer a cost-effective alternative for office work, multimedia, and occasional gaming. Below, we explain the technical basics in detail, provide practical tips, and answer frequently asked questions.

Connection & Compatibility

To get your PC’s video signal to appear on the TV, you need the appropriate connection technology:

  • HDMI as the standard: Almost all modern TVs have HDMI inputs; DisplayPort is the exception. For 4K resolution at 60 Hz, an HDMI 2.0 cable is sufficient; for 4K @ 120 Hz or more, use HDMI 2.1.
  • Adapter solutions: If your graphics card only outputs DisplayPort or USB-C, adapters (DisplayPort→HDMI, USB-C→HDMI) can help. Make sure to choose adapters with HDMI 2.1 support to take advantage of high frame rates.
  • Wireless video transmission: Miracast (Windows), AirPlay (macOS), Chromecast, or Apple TV enable wireless streaming – sometimes convenient, but usually associated with latency and quality loss.

Image Quality & Display Settings

Large TVs differ from PC monitors in several respects. However, with the right settings, you can achieve the best results:

  • Pixel density & scaling: A 55-inch 4K TV achieves around 80–100 ppi. This leads to small font sizes at close range. Use Windows scaling (125–150%) or macOS HiDPI modes to make icons and text readable.
  • Disable overscan: Many TVs crop the image by default (overscan). Activate “PC Mode” in the menu or turn off overscan to ensure 1:1 pixel mapping.
  • Chroma subsampling 4:4:4: Make sure your TV supports 4:4:4 subsampling and activate it in PC or monitor mode. This ensures sharp text and fine details.
  • Turn off image processor: Disable noise reduction, motion interpolation, or other image enhancers. These features can introduce artifacts and reduce image fidelity.
  • Panel type & reflections: TVs usually use glossy IPS or VA panels, which reflect strongly in bright environments. Monitors more often feature matte anti-glare surfaces. If you have a lot of daylight in your workspace, check whether the TV location is suitable.

Input Lag & Refresh Rate

Gamers in particular pay attention to response time and smooth motion portrayal:

  • Game Mode vs. PC Mode: Activate “Game Mode” or “PC Mode” to reduce input lag to under 20 ms. Values under 16 ms are ideal for competitive gaming.
  • Refresh rate (Hz): Many TVs operate at 60 Hz. Current models (OLED, HDMI 2.1) offer 120 Hz or more – provided your graphics card and cable support these frequencies.
  • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): HDMI 2.1 TVs offer FreeSync or G-Sync Compatible to avoid tearing and minimize stuttering by dynamically matching the frame rate of the graphics card.

Ergonomics & Viewing Distance

The size of a TV brings ergonomic challenges:

  • Viewing distance: A rule of thumb is 1.5× the screen diagonal. For a 55-inch (~140 cm) diagonal, you should sit about 2 m away to comfortably take in the entire image. This is rather difficult to achieve at a desk.
  • Work comfort: For text work (office, spreadsheets), a large TV is less practical than a 24–32 inch monitor with high pixel density. Tiny icons and menus must be scaled, which can slow down work.
  • Burn-in risk with OLED: If you display static elements (taskbar, window frames) for a long time, burn-in can occur. Use screen timeouts, blue light filters, and rotate content regularly.

Power On/Off & CEC

A television does not automatically respond to an HDMI signal like a PC monitor:

  • No HDMI wake: You must turn on the TV manually with the remote control.
  • HDMI-CEC: With CEC-compatible devices (e.g., an HDMI-CEC adapter), the TV can switch on or off automatically, but this requires additional hardware and setup.

Audio & Additional Devices

Modern televisions offer flexible audio connections:

  • HDMI audio: Transmits both video and sound. You can connect a soundbar via HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or use the optical audio output to feed external speakers.
  • Recommended soundbars: Models like the Nubert nuPro AS-2500 or Teufel Cinebar 11 deliver significantly better sound than built-in TV speakers and are ideal for multimedia use.

Cost & Panel Alternatives

  • Price/performance: TV sets offer more inches per euro but are less suitable for graphic and color professionals.
  • HDR & brightness: TVs support HDR10 or Dolby Vision but usually reach only 300–500 cd/m² brightness. Monitors for content creation offer >600 cd/m² and precise color gamut coverage (AdobeRGB, DCI-P3).

Additional, Often Missing Tips

  • Color calibration: Use ICC profiles or hardware calibrators (Datacolor Spyder, X-Rite i1Display) for accurate colors.
  • PIP/PBP & multi-input: Many TVs feature picture-in-picture or picture-by-picture functions to display multiple sources (PC, console) simultaneously.
  • USB-C with Power Delivery: While modern monitors often support USB-C with laptop charging, televisions generally do not offer this convenience.
  • Windows scaling & HiDPI modes: Rely on Retina-compatible scaling for razor-sharp interfaces on large 4K TVs.
  • Adaptive sync profiles: Check the TV menu to see if FreeSync Premium/Pro or G-Sync Compatible can be selected directly.
  • Cable quality & length: Use only certified HDMI 2.1 cables for high resolutions and refresh rates; long extensions can cause signal loss.

Questions and Answers

Is a monitor better than a television?

For professional applications, image editing, and competitive gaming, a PC monitor is usually the better choice. It offers higher pixel density at smaller screen diagonals, higher refresh rates, better ergonomics (height adjustment, tilt), matte anti-glare surfaces, and often precise color calibration. A television, on the other hand, scores with a large screen, HDR functions, and a low price per inch.

Why are televisions often cheaper than monitors?

Manufacturers produce televisions in higher quantities and optimize production costs for large volumes. TVs also have less demanding requirements for pixel density, color precision, and ergonomics than PC monitors, which lowers the price per inch. Monitors for professional graphics applications, on the other hand, are equipped with more expensive panels, specialized interfaces (USB-C with Power Delivery), and ergonomic features.

Is a television also suitable for PC gaming?

Yes, many modern TVs support HDMI 2.1 with 120 Hz, Game Mode, low input lag (< 20 ms), and Variable Refresh Rate (FreeSync/G-Sync Compatible). For relaxed gaming or single-player titles, a 4K TV with 120 Hz is perfectly suitable. For hardcore e-sports titles where every millisecond counts, however, gaming monitors with 144 Hz or more and input lag < 5 ms are the first choice.

Conclusion

Using a television as a monitor can be an attractive and cost-effective alternative – especially if you prefer large screen diagonals for movies, office work, or occasional gaming. Pay attention to HDMI version, PC mode, 4:4:4 subsampling, low latency, and the correct viewing distance. For professional content creation, ergonomic multi-user workstations, and demanding e-sports, however, a specialized PC monitor remains unbeatable. This will make your decision between TV and monitor easier in the future, and you can make optimal use of your hardware.

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