When looking for a new display for your media setup or entertainment center, the common question of whether gaming monitor can be used as a TV arises. The short answer to this question is, yes, a gaming monitor can indeed be used as a TV. However, before making a purchase, it is important to understand how these two differ and what you need to consider when using a gaming monitor as a TV.
Gaming Monitor Advantages
When compared to regular television sets, there are many benefits to opting for a gaming monitor when using it as a TV. To begin with, gaming monitors tend to have faster response times, meaning that motion will look smoother on them than on a typical TV set. In addition, gaming monitors typically come with more inputs, making setup easier and more efficient. Lastly, many gaming monitors support FreeSync or G-Sync, ensuring that gameplay stays smooth and free from screen tearing and stuttering.
Another advantage is that gaming monitors generally have higher resolutions than regular TVs, meaning sharper, clearer picture quality. Additionally, due to their smaller and flatter sizes, gaming monitors tend to be more space efficient. Lastly, many gaming monitors are VESA mountable and support both vertical and horizontal orientation, so they can be set up in optimal positions.
Gaming Monitor Disadvantages
Of course, using a gaming monitor as a TV has several drawbacks as well. For one, gaming monitors lack the full-array local dimming found on many modern TVs, making them less capable of producing deep black levels or bright highlights in HDR content. Additionally, most gaming monitors lack the ability to interpolate lower frame rates, meaning that for some types of content, the picture quality can suffer. Lastly, gaming monitors usually have poor implementations of Motion Smoothing or Motion Estimation, making fast-moving content look unnatural or choppy.
In addition, gaming monitors generally have limited inputs and outputs, making them not ideal for use with soundbars or other audio equipment. Additionally, they lack the advanced signal processing and video upscaling capabilities of modern TVs. Lastly, most gaming monitors lack a smart TV OS, meaning that streaming apps and other content are not as easily accessible.
What to Consider
For those looking to use a gaming monitor as a TV, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, gamers must make sure that the gaming monitor’s size and resolution are appropriate for their needs. It is also important to ensure that the monitor has the appropriate ports and inputs to connect gaming consoles, media streamers, and other equipment. Furthermore, gamers must make sure that the gaming monitor supports the resolution and refresh rate of their console. Lastly, gamers should make sure that the gaming monitor offers the features and performance that they need from a TV set.
Connections and Audio
When using a gaming monitor as a TV, it is important to make sure that it has enough connections for all your devices. This can include HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, or USB-C ports for connecting consoles or media players. Also, many gaming monitors come with audio outputs, such as 3.5mm headphone jacks and even built-in speakers. If a dedicated sound system is desired, however, gamers may need to invest in an audio receiver and some additional cables.
Picture Settings
When using a gaming monitor as a TV, gamers should tweak the picture settings to suit their needs. While this varies from monitor to monitor, most gaming monitors allow for adjustments to the gamma, brightness, color temperature, saturation, and sharpness. Additionally, gamers should lower the Response Time setting for smooth motion, as well as any Motion Smoothing or Motion Estimation settings for the best picture quality.
Advance Image Processing
Modern TVs come loaded with advanced video processing features, such as upscaling low-resolution pictures, improving colors, and enhancing contrast. Unfortunately, many gaming monitors lack such advanced video processing capabilities, meaning that picture quality may suffer. Consequently, gamers must be aware of the limitations of the gaming monitor when using it as a TV.
