TV Screen VS Computer Monitor: Which Is Better?(For Gaming)

In the 21st century, we all have got used to having multiple devices and appliances in our homes.

In fact, there are so many of them available that it makes it difficult to decide what we really want and need.

Is a TV screen or monitor better for gaming? Definitely the monitor. It is just the right size for gaming, has a faster response time, lower input lag, crisper video quality, the monitor can also be adjusted and rotated. You can sit close to it without putting a strain on your eyes.

Today we’ll talk about the dilemma connected with choosing what to use: a TV screen or a computer monitor, which of them is a better and healthier choice for gaming, and why it is so. 

Is It Bad To Use A TV As A Computer Monitor?

It mostly comes down to your personal preferences.

Monitors are designed for gaming while large TVs were created to watch movies on, making them not the most desirable option in terms of response time and input lag.

If you wish to operate a bigger screen as a monitor, you can easily connect your TV screen to your computer.

Most modern-day computers and TVs can easily connect using an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) or a DP (Display Port) cable.

The intuition behind utilizing a TV screen as a computer monitor is to upgrade your setup.

But hold on, we want to make a case for you to stick with your existing setup. So yes, it may not be ideal to use a TV as a computer monitor.

Is It Better To Have A TV Or Monitor?

The choice of buying a TV screen or a monitor depends on the way users consume their computers.

Monitors have a faster response time than TVs, along with lower input lag and higher refresh rates.

These attributes make monitors faster than TVs usually and consequently making them a better choice for gaming.

On the other hand, TVs have a larger size, making them ideal for watching movies and TV shows in a family environment.

There are many differences between the specifications of TV screens and monitors.

Therefore, it is best to decide after evaluating what kind of content you will be streaming.

How To Use A TV Screen As A Computer Monitor?

The process of using a TV as a computer monitor is a reasonably simple one. The process involves connecting your devices with an HDMI or DP cable and then switching your TV to the correct source. The following steps have explained the process in more detail:

1. Determine what kind of connections are supported by your TV and computer. HDMI connections support most modern TVs and computers.
2. Get a suitable connecting cable to connect your computer with the TV screen.
3. Connect one end of the connecting cable (HDMI) into the output port of your computer and the other end in the input port of your TV. You are most likely to find the HDMI ports on the backside of your TV.
4. Make sure to set your computer at the same resolution as your TV.
5. Now switch your TV to the correct input/source using its remote.
6. Finally, switch your computer to the TV display. Most Windows computers have a display key that you can press to set your computer to the TV’s display. Set it to the “Projector Only” option for the best experience.

If your computer comes without an HDMI port, use RGB-to-HDMI or other appropriate connectors to establish a connection successfully.

Is Using A TV As A Monitor Bad For The Eyes?

Using a TV as a monitor can be strenuous on the eyes because it wasn’t designed with the idea that you will be sitting close to it.

Monitors have a design that ensures you can sit closer to the screen.

You have all the information right in front of you. In this case, you only require to move your eyes around the screen as you comfortably sit in your seat.

Conversely, when you are using a larger TV screen, you need to sit at a certain distance and adjust your head to see things on the screen.

It can potentially cause strains to your eyes and muscles in the long term and lead to wearing out.

TV screens are also more spacious. They have lesser pixel density, creating a relatively fuzzier picture and less optimal color reproduction.

This relative lack of clarity can be fatiguing on the eyes, too.

Can You Use A TV Screen As A Computer Monitor For Gaming?

Yes, you can use a TV as a monitor for gaming. Simply connect them with an HDMI or DP cable.

But average users often prefer using TV screens for console gaming since it is more convenient.

Since users use TV screens for console gaming, they can play PC games on TV as well.

Once we have established a connection between the computer and TV, we can do everything we regularly do with a computer monitor.

However, whether a TV screen provides the optimal gaming experience is a separate debate.

Is A TV Or a Monitor Better For Gaming?

Our verdict is that a monitor is better than a TV screen for PC gaming.

The most important factor which makes monitors better for PC gaming is the minimal input lag from your mouse.

Monitors are customized to have an instant response time, which also feels more natural for a conventional user.

On TV, this response time is slightly longer, which creates a slight input lag.

Any moves you have to make in the game are somewhat delayed on a TV screen, making gamers unhappy.

All this leads to a less than optimum experience of gameplay on a TV screen.

Monitors also have crisper images because of their smaller size and greater pixel density, usually.

They are customized to have regulated brightness to remove the burden from your eyes as much as possible.

The typical monitor design helps make your gameplay experience more comfortable.

This comfort translates into longer gameplay hours.

Think of sitting in the front row of the cinema as an analogy.

The larger your screen is, the farther you have to sit, making your gameplay experience a very anxious one.

So why buy a larger TV screen for gaming when you can buy a smaller monitor?

Is It Better To Play PS5 On A TV Or Monitor?

The gameplay experience is not exclusive to PC games, but it also includes PS5 and Xbox One games.

Although newer TVs are trying to bridge slower response time and refresh rates, you would need a lot of money to buy a larger screen with similar specifications.

In our experience, gaming monitors are far cheaper than gaming TV.

So our verdict is to use a gaming monitor for both console gaming and PC gaming.

Conclusion

So, here is a quick recap of the article.

If you want to take our advice, go for a gaming monitor over a standard TV screen. Computers usually work best when you pair them with a computer monitor.

While a larger screen sounds like an attractive concept, it comes at its cost.

If you can afford a gaming TV, you may enjoy the privilege of a cinematic experience.