You can use your Roku TV as a computer monitor by either connecting it to your laptop through an HDMI cable or by screencasting an image directly onto the device.
I have spent most of my life working with various laptops, computers, and Smart TVs. That gave me inherent knowledge of the way they work, how they interact, as well as the different ways to connect them together.
To expand on those points, the following guide covers the best and most effective ways to convert a Roku TV into a computer monitor. It does that by covering the two main methods and then going over how each of them works.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- It’s more than possible to use a Roku TV as a computer monitor, as long as you don’t need it for particularly graphics-intensive or high-load tasks.
- When turning your Roku TV into a monitor, you can either screencast straight to the device or hook it up to a laptop via an internet cable.
- Using a TV as a monitor can save you some money in the long run, and creates a lot more versatility when it comes to how you want to use your devices.
A TV to a Monitor
One of the biggest advantages of using technology in today’s world is its interchangeability. Many devices can be connected so that they work together, and nothing is a better example of that than TVs and monitors.
There are quite a few televisions that can work as computer monitors. Roku TV is no exception. The media streaming service serves as a great way to enjoy media, but it can easily move into a monitor as well.
That being said, you cannot directly use a Roku device as a computer monitor. There are a few steps you must take before being able to fully switch.
How to Turn Roku TV into a Monitor: Screen Mirroring
There are two ways to turn your Roku TV into a computer monitor, and the first is through a process known as screen mirroring. That term refers to when the image on a device’s screen gets projected onto a television or computer monitor.
To do that with Roku, you can install the Roku Screen Mirroring app on your Android or iOS device and then connect them to your TV through a Roku account. You can also use a Roku TV streaming stick, which supports up to 1080P resolution.
Either way, you first have to set up your Roku TV and press the home button on your device’s remote. Next, navigate to “settings” and scroll down until you see “systems.” Once you’re there, select “screen mirroring mode” and turn on “always allow.”
That will enable you to kick start the process. Then, exit the settings and click on the notifications taskbar in the lower right corner of your laptop. Hit connect and select Roku TV from the list of available devices. That will link the two together.
Once you’ve completed that process, your laptop will project onto your Roku TV and operate exactly like a monitor. You may see some frame losses here and there, but overall you’ll get solid results.
How to Turn Roku TV into a Monitor: HDMI Cable
If you don’t want to mess around with screen mirroring, you can also convert your Roku TV into a monitor with an HDMI cable. This is the easier of the two processes, and one that requires very little technological knowhow to work.
To go this route, get an HDMI cable that’s supported by both your laptop and Roku TV. Next, use the wire to connect both devices together. That will bring up a computer HDMI connectivity option alongside the usual channels like Netflix and Disney Plus.
Choose the “computer/computer HDMI” option to mirror your laptop screen to the Roku TV. Right click on the desktop and hit “display settings” to fully customize the exact way you want to use Roku TV as a monitor.
You can freely switch up the resolution and screen size to better suit your viewing experience.
Advantages of Using Roku as a Monitor
Turning a Roku TV into a computer monitor is a simple process, and one that’s often worth it. That’s because it’s easy to set up and allows you to watch movies or play games on a much bigger screen. Having more space to work is a big bonus too.
It also gives you a lot more choices. By getting a TV and turning it into a monitor you can use the machine as both a streaming and a work device. You can sit down and watch something on it to relax, and then switch to a more traditional computer when you need it.
The only time you would want a more dedicated device is if you’re someone who runs powerful programs that require a high refresh rate. Serious games should go with a more dedicated monitor as well. Otherwise, it’s a more affordable way to access your favorite things.
FAQs
This section answers some of the biggest questions users ask about using TV’s as computer monitors.
Is a TV Screen Better than a Computer Monitor?
It depends. Monitors tend to be better suited for a lot of tasks, which is why they have lower input lag, higher refresh rates, and faster response times than TVs. However, TV’s tend to be larger and crisper, which makes them better for watching media or playing console games.
What is the Best TV SIze for a Computer Monitor?
You can get a lot of use out of many different sizes, and it typically depends on what you find the most comfortable. However, it’s best to go with something between thirty and fifty inches to take strain off of your eyes.
Why Are Computer Monitors More Expensive than TVs?
Monitors have to perform at a much higher level than televisions. That means they are more advanced and undergo a lot more stress. Producing such electronics raises costs on the backend, which then translates to the final price.
Final Words
Not everyone uses a TV as a computer monitor, but it’s becoming more and more common with new devices. If you’re someone who wants a bigger screen but doesn’t want to shell out for a completely separate device, converting your Roku TV is a solid option.
Have you ever used a Roku TV as a monitor? Did you like it, and what were the results? Let us know in the comments below!
