Using PC monitor as a display device for DVD or VHS playback can save space and money. Given monitor has right inputs; you do not even need PC to show video. Attaching playback device to monitor, whether LCD or CRT, is as simple as attaching a few cables from VCR or DVD player to PC's monitor.

Instructions

Using a Compatible Monitor

1. Step 1

Decide what kind of output playback device is using. RCA cables are color coded yellow, red. S-video is a tiny plug with some exposed pins in connector. DVI cables have a little set of pins beside a proprietary connector.

2. Step 2

Attach playback device to monitor's input. Attach connector softly but firmly into input. Do not push too hard on an S-video cable, as bend the pins.

3. Step 3

Push "Play" or "Start" button on playback device.

4. Step 4

Hook and eye between inputs until you see a clear image from playback device. The button to toggle inputs differs crazily between makes and models, so ask your owner's manual for particular places.

Using a Video Capture Card

5. Step 1

Should monitor not be straight well-suited, remove side of PC's case to expose motherboard?

6. Step 2

Softly connect video capture card to a PCI slot until it is tightly in place. Attach any needed power connectors.

7. Step 3

If capture card is USB or Firewire friendly, attach it to proper ports. If capture card came with an installation disk, put it in optical drive and follow on-screen prompts.

8. Step 4

Attach proper cables to capture card inputs and run integrated software. Push "Play" or "Start" button on playback device.

9. Step 5

Run video capture software that was enclosed with capture card. Search for a "Play" or "Capture" button and choose it. Modify needed settings inside of software to get picture quality that you are searching.