# Converting flat screen computer monitor to TV monitor **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 14, 2003, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-flat-screen-computer-monitor-to-tv-monitor/181717 "2003-06-14T01:22:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Truth\_Seeker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/5fc32e/32.png) [@Truth\_Seeker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Truth_Seeker)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2003, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-flat-screen-computer-monitor-to-tv-monitor/181717/1 "2003-06-14T01:22:15Z")
How difficult would this be to do? (I have a sneaking suspicion that it would extremely simple as I once had a computer monitor with a “video in” plug on the back.) Would it just be a matter of buying/building the appropriate cable adapter? ---
**Author:** ![bbart4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/51bf81/32.png) [@bbart4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbart4)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2003, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-flat-screen-computer-monitor-to-tv-monitor/181717/2 "2003-06-14T01:54:57Z")
I think you would need a TV tuner such as this: [http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/tv-tuner.html](http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/tv-tuner.html) (I haven’t used the product and can’t vouch you on the quality) ---
**Author:** ![Shalmanese](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2003, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-flat-screen-computer-monitor-to-tv-monitor/181717/3 "2003-06-14T04:17:03Z")
Some LCD’s and computer monitors have a built in TV Tuner meaning you could plug a TV straight into it. Most dont requiring you to buy a special card for your computer or buying a video card that accepts TV input. There might also be a discrete version which doesn’t require a compute but I’m not aware of it. ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2003, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-flat-screen-computer-monitor-to-tv-monitor/181717/4 "2003-06-14T14:50:31Z")
Planar Video EX S-Video & TV Tuner Input Accessory Expand the Video Capabilities of any Monitor The VIDEO-EX S-Video and TV tuner accessory expands the video capabilities of any monitor. The S-video input is great for viewing signals from DVD players, VCRs, and video game systems. The VIDEO-EX is easy to set-up and install. It also includes a full function remote control. For viewing TV signals it includes a complete channel auto scan and memorize function. $99 > **[LCD & LED Digital Wall Displays & Signage Solutions](https://www.planar.com/)** > > Planar's commitment to high quality, leading-edge display technology is unparalleled. With innovations in LCD display, video walls, large format displays, and touch interactivity, Planar offers the best visualization solutions for a variety of... [http://www.the-best-in-town.com](http://www.the-best-in-town.com) ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2003, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-flat-screen-computer-monitor-to-tv-monitor/181717/5 "2003-06-14T17:00:34Z")
If you want to leave your computer connected to the monitor, you can just get a TV tuner card for your computer. There are many brands available with varying price and quality. I have an ATI All-In-Wonder video card which combines a TV tuner card with a video card. You can also get a card that just works as a TV tuner. However it may not look as good as a real TV. I’ve noticed that most computer monitors are darker and have lower contrast than TVs. I have a real TV next to my computer, and broadcast TV looks much better on the real TV.