Monitor without speakers into TV?

[rekhyt]

Looking to convert a computer monitor (without speakers. Uses VGA/DVI) into a TV.

I've had a look at all the options available–Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick–and none of them support audio out from the device itself, which I need since my computer monitor doesn't have a speaker and doesn't have HDMI.

What should I do?

 

[DeltaMac]

Find a 3G AppleTV (previous model should be easy to find) , which does include an optical audio output.
Or, sell your old monitor, and purchase an actual TV, or at least something with an HDMI. Those TV streaming devices kinda expect that you will have HDMI.
I was also going to point you to an actual tiny computer barely larger than a flash drive, that plugs into the HDMI port on any TV, but then you don't have HDMI. That's the key to your solution, eh?

 

[rekhyt]

Find a 3G AppleTV (previous model should be easy to find) , which does include an optical audio output.
Or, sell your old monitor, and purchase an actual TV, or at least something with an HDMI. Those TV streaming devices kinda expect that you will have HDMI.
I was also going to point you to an actual tiny computer barely larger than a flash drive, that plugs into the HDMI port on any TV, but then you don't have HDMI. That's the key to your solution, eh?

I've seen some splitters where you can go HDMI --> VGA + audio.

Wondering whether that might work for me.

 

[Boyd01]

I have a device that splits off audio from HDMI, I use it with a Sony professional monitor for video editing so I can send the audio to studio monitors. There are a variety of similar devices, like the splitter you mentioned to give you VGA and audio. This company has a pretty big assortment, and B&H Photo also has a bunch. https://sewelldirect.com

But you also have to wonder whether it isn't better to just get a new TV that has HDMI input. They have gotten really inexpensive with nice 24" screens available between $100 to $150.

 

[rekhyt]

nice 24" screens available between $100 to $150

Any examples?

I've got a spare 21" monitor available, so I was thinking about mounting it on a Vesa mount, and attaching it to a floor stand, so I can use it as a TV.

 

[Boyd01]

I replaced a couple LCD screens that were over 10 years old last month. Both of them came from Best Buy (I want to see a screen in person before buying). One is a Samsung 720p 24" screen - I wanted 720p for my specific application. The other is a Vizio 24" 1080p smart tv, although I just use it as a monitor and have never even tried the "smart" features. Each of these cost about $130 and I've been very happy with them. Quite a lot has changed in the 10 years since I bought the screens I replaced, both of those cost over $100 each!

Oh, I also recently got a 19" Best Buy Insignia (store brand) screen that I use on a VESA mount next to my bed. This one really impressed me, especially since the price was only $80.

 

[JRobinsonJr]

Any examples?

I've got a spare 21" monitor available, so I was thinking about mounting it on a Vesa mount, and attaching it to a floor stand, so I can use it as a TV.

With Black Friday coming up you should be able to find many great TV's in this price range... or less.

 

[Dark Dragoon]

I have my AppleTV connected to a computer monitor, it does have speakers but they are terrible.
I'm also not about to switch it out for a TV as that would be a downgrade.

My solution is to use a sound bar with Bluetooth input which works well,
as a bonus the remote for the AppleTV can also control the volume of the sound bar.

The only current downside is that with tvOS 10 there is a bug where you have to reselect the audio control for the Apple remote to get volume control working each time it's restarted. Unlike with previous versions where it worked fine.

Another option may be to use an Airport Express or airplay enabled speakers, which would allow you to stream the audio.

Buying a TV screen may be an easier option for you, but there are alternatives if needed even with the limited connectivity on the current AppleTV.