What can be done from an old monitor: two ways to make your old monitor TV, smart mirror, private monitor.

Computer technology is evolving so rapidly that the common man in the street is not keeping pace. Yesterday a new beautiful modern monitor today is not relevant. Were replaced by improved models. Of course, you can sell this junk on the cheap, without receiving any profit or satisfaction. Or you can show imagination and, figuratively speaking, to give new life to an old monitor.

Two ways to make your old monitor TV

Good tv receiver is obtained from a CRT or LCD screen. The main thing is that it is equipped with a VGA connector. Through it are transmitted to the video receiver. There are two ways to implement its plans:

1. With Smart TV set-top boxes.
2. Using the TV tuner.

Consider both options in detail.

Smart TV set-top box

Simple and, most importantly, multi-method, which provides the user with a lot more chips. Top box connected to a monitor via HDMI to VGA adapter. If the screen is not equipped with built-in speakers or audio jacks, buy an adapter with a 3.5mm output.

IMPORTANT! Implement Smart TV using a set-top box does not work, if the house is no Internet connection. Option will not work if you need to configure the TV in "extreme" conditions (for example, in the country).

Pros:

• support for additional features: access to YouTube and social networks;
• great picture - monitors equipped with a high-quality computer graphics than standard TVs.

Minuses:

• It does not work when there is no internet in the house;
• high cost of smart console (can reach several tens of thousand);
• You need to buy an additional adapter with audio output.

TV tuner

This is a complete TV receiver, which is available in different variations. In this case requires a separate console that is connected to the display via a wired interface.

ATTENTION! When buying, choose a TV tuner, equipped with the motherboard. To watch digital channels, you need a model with additional outputs DMI and VGA.

The process is simple to connect the machine. All cables included, is connected to the monitor. Also included is the remote control for convenient control.

Pros:

• ease of wiring and installation - after connecting with wires automatic synchronization;
• having its own audio output - eliminating the problems with sound;
• Portable and compact design - for work do not need the Internet, the device can be taken to the country, which is especially important during the summer.

Minuses:

• per-view digital video will have to pay;
• to view films from removable media need to buy an additional adapter.

Smart Mirror of monitor

Old display can serve as an excellent mirror. But it will be much more interesting if you make it "smart." It can not only display the face, but also to show weather, photos, time and other information.

For this you will need a monitor frame and single board computer Raspberry Pi. Monitor understands, it is removed from the screen, which is placed in the frame. Further, the whole structure is connected to the computer.

Private monitor

This device will help to hide from prying eyes, what do you do on the computer. Outsiders will see a white screen. You can also do anything, wearing special glasses.

Creates private monitor via the old screen and the polarizing film. As the available tools used a penknife, a screwdriver, a pair of scissors.

To dream, you can also make out the unnecessary display large photo frame or a lightbox. You can use an old CRT screen as the beautiful flower pots, stands for newspapers, house for a pet or aquarium.