If you have just gotten your hands on a shiny new flat-screen TV, congratulations. You have got a world of possibilities at your fingertips, and we are here to help you explore them. From streaming your favorite movies to creating a home theater, there are so many cool things you can do with your flat-screen TV.
The newly-invented television was once seen as an expensive sign of status – a single set proudly displayed in the family living room for all to enjoy. Fast forward to today, and Nielsen data suggests the typical household now boasts 2.3 TVs.
With advanced, feature-filled models now ushering in an era of affordable entertainment, the question of what to do with the flat TV inevitably arises. But fear not, for a spare flat screen could open the door to a host of possibilities.
8 Creative & Cool Things to do with a Flat-Screen TV
From turning it into a Daylight Panel to using it as a Retro Gaming Station, here are 8 cool things to do with a flat-screen TV.
1. Daylight Panel
Transform your TV into a remarkable source of daylight with a few simple steps. All you need is a screwdriver and some courage to disassemble your television. Take it apart, piece by piece, until you can access the interior of the set. Then, pry out any internal components with caution as there may be residual electricity holding a charge.
Let the TV sit for a while after unplugging, for extra safety. Once you’ve cleared out the inside, you’ll be left with the display panel, and you’ll have uncovered a great way to bring the sky indoors. With these layers of technology, your TV can be turned into an impressive light panel, giving off the illusion that you are looking at a distant sky from afar.
Unlock the secrets within to discover a sandwich of Fresnel lenses, reflectors, and diffusion panels. Peek behind the curtain and you’ll see the backlight.
These various layers combine to spread out the light, making it look far away in a way that’s demonstrated in this video. Finding a way to power the backlight may prove difficult, so experts recommend swapping it out for a strip of LEDs. Replace one of the diffusion layers and the Fresnel layer, and voila as you can box it up and call it a day!
2. Second Monitor for Your Computer
In the current day and age, there is scarcely any distinction between a contemporary (or even not-so-contemporary) flat-screen TV and a computer monitor.
Fundamentally, it’s the same thing, just intended for different primary purposes. The most significant variation between a TV and a computer monitor lies in the input. Chances are, your TV will have some additional RCA ports that you possibly won’t need.
You don’t need to be a tech wizard to connect your old TV to your computer, upgrade your monitor, or add a second display, just a few minutes and potentially an accessory or two.
Chances are, you already have everything you need to get started. For an HDMI output, all you need to do is connect your TV to the HDMI cable and power it up.
But if your computer utilizes a display port, you’ll need to get an HDMI adapter to convert the signal. If it’s DVI, even with an adapter, you’ll only get video and not audio, so you’ll need a separate set of cables to get sound. Once you’re connected, switch your TV to the right input and you’re all set.
3. Smart Mirror
Mirrors have taken a new turn with the introduction of smart mirrors! Now you can have all your digital media right in the comfort of your own bathroom.
But beware as these technological wonders come at a cost. Prices can range from hundreds of dollars to upwards of $1000, depending on size and features. A perfect mix of luxury and convenience.
Two Way Mirrors have put together a comprehensive guide to help you construct a budget-friendly, personalized TV. All you need is a TV and the materials you have to hand and you’ll have a state-of-the-art Smart Mirror in no time! It’s time to leave behind the days of costly, pre-made Smart Mirrors, and create your own.
So now just transform your bathroom mirror into a two-way display with a semi-transparent reflective material! Instead of simply slapping your TV behind your existing mirror, opt for a mirror film applied to the glass. It’s economical and will stand the test of time.
When the TV is off, the mirror will appear ordinary, but when it’s on, you can see the picture through it. Choose what information you want to be displayed and use either Chromecast or Raspberry Pi to customize the display.
4. Digital Dashboard
Your old flat screen could be something more than just a place to watch movies and shows. With a bit of effort, you can transform it into a digital dashboard that can display any info you need.
Whether you want something simple or something more intricate, you can make the transformation you want. If you need some inspiration, take a look at Thomas Sanladerer’s tutorial. Your old flat screen can become something new and useful!
Bringing your viewing experience to the next level is as easy as flipping your TV 90 degrees and letting the Raspberry Pi take the wheel. With just a few steps, you can mount your Pi and connect it to your TV for a completely customized setup.
Whether your goal is to keep tabs on your calendar, notifications, or the weather, the Raspberry Pi has got you covered.
All you have to do to get started is follow the user-friendly guide on this website. you can find all the information you need to get your Pi up and running. So, why not take the plunge and see the difference this tech-savvy setup can make?
5. Futuristic Transparent Display
The future of technology is often portrayed in science fiction movies and series as transparent phones and video displays so you can see the world beyond them, right through the screen. It’s an exciting concept, though we’re not sure how practical it could be in real life.
Evan and Katelyn have embarked on an ambitious journey, to bring a transparent display to life. Setting out to dismantle an old TV, they have embarked on a mission full of risk and excitement.
In the process, they must carefully break down the components of the television, taking caution not to damage any of the electronics.
It’s time to take your TV apart and peek inside! With a few precise actions, you can remove the liquid crystal display from its housing and create a window to the world beyond. Carefully dismantle the television and don’t damage the delicate electronics.
When you’re done, your modified display will be able to project a layer of light, diffracting the light and providing anti-glare.
To really improve the picture, wet paper towels can be used to soak the anti-glare filter, and then remove it. Finally, your new display can be placed between protective glass and put in a new frame, creating the perfect window to the world.
6. LCD Curtains
Your screen has the capability to provide a vivid image, but it needs something to tell it what to show. When powered off, a black opaque screen is all you can see, but this is due to the casing behind the display.
With the backing removed, the screen has a transparent quality, even without the anti-glare filter. When a signal is received, the transparency is replaced with a picture. This allows you to control the amount of light that passes through and ultimately reaches your eye.
Now there is no need to go through the hassle of hanging curtains or blinds in order to make your room dark; Artem Litvinovich over at RibbonFarm has come up with a revolutionary way to keep out the light.
By stripping down an LCD screen and then isolating the LCD panel, he was able to create electronically controlled curtains to fit over a window.
The panel works by allowing light to pass through when powered down and then blocking out light when given power. You can even control the level of opacity with the amount of voltage sent to the panel.
With just the touch of a button, you can have digital curtains to keep out the light.
7. Upgrade It to a Smart TV
It may seem like your current flat screen is stuck in the Stone Age, but there are still ways to bring your TV into the modern era.
If your television is older than 2007, then you may be missing out on the incredible features that smart TVs offer when connected to the web. Upgrading your set is an easy way to jump into the current streaming revolution, but there are still other methods to get your old television up to speed.
Bring your entertainment with you wherever you go! Whether it’s the living room, bedroom, garage, or bathroom (no judgment here), you can upgrade your old setup to become just as smart as your new TV.
If you have a used game console or laptop lying around, you can use an HDMI cable to connect it to the TV, providing access to a seemingly endless array of online content.
On the other hand, you can opt for small streaming dongles such as Google Chromecast, Apple TV, and Roku. All you need to do is plug it into the right USB or HDMI input.
8. The Ultimate Retro Gaming Station
Sometimes the best thing to do is go back to basics, and there’s no better way to do this than by converting that aging TV set into a dedicated gaming station for the classic video games of old.
Breathe new life into the relic of times past and enjoy those games the way they were meant to be played.
Instead of wasting away in a landfill, your Raspberry Pi can act as your personal gateway to the entire retro game universe, from Atari to Nintendo 64 and beyond.
Harness the infinite potential of the Raspberry Pi to turn your TV or any display connected to it into a retro game emulator and enjoy your own library of game ROMs on the big screen with Retropie.
6 Fun Things To Do With A Broken Flat-Screen TV
1. Use it as Wall Art
If you have a broken flat-screen television, consider using it as a piece of art. You can hang it on the wall, or use it as an accent piece in your living room, bedroom, or office. You can even paint it in a unique way to make it stand out.
2. Create a Wall-Mounted Shelf
You can take the broken flat-screen television and use it as a wall-mounted shelf. This can be used to store books, magazines, or DVDs. You can also use it as a floating shelf to display pictures or small trinkets.
3. Plant Pot
Transform a broken flat-screen television into an eye-catching planter. All you need is a scoop of soil and some vibrant plants to give your home a unique twist. Let nature lend a hand to your decorating.
4. Home Theatre System
You can take the broken flat-screen television and turn it into a home theatre system by hooking it up to a gaming console. This can be a splendid way to turn a broken flat-screen TV into an entertainment center.
5. Table
Transform your outdated flat-screen TV into a conversation-starting piece with a unique twist – use it as a coffee table. Place some books or decorative items on it and marvel at the stunning new look your home will have.
6. Light Fixture
A broken flat-screen television can be more than just an eyesore. Transform it into a show-stopping light fixture that will add a unique and eye-catching look to your home.
Hang a pendant light from it or use it as an interesting lampshade. Get creative and let your imagination light up your home’s design.
Closing Thoughts!
From educational programming to captivating gaming visuals, flat-screen TVs have the potential to transform your home into a world of entertainment.
With the right equipment, you can explore a universe of possibilities, from movie night to immersive gaming. Dare to be creative and experience thrilling results.
Whether you’re looking for a theater-like experience or a source of educational programming, your flat-screen TV has the power to bring it to life. So don’t be afraid to experiment with new ways to use this.
You never know what incredible experiences you’ll discover. So go ahead and get out there, discover what your flat-screen TV can do, and have a blast.
