You have probably seen more than once how Vizio TVs can work as general TVs, and at another moment they can be used as huge monitors for games or work on a PC. The fact is that it all depends on what input source you choose.

For example, in order to play a game, you should connect the game console to the TV through an HDMI cable to the appropriate HDMI port. However, not only HDMI ports are available in modern TVs.

As soon as you press the Source key on your remote control, you’ll be confronted with a variety of input options, which can be confusing if you haven’t worked with these things before. However, don’t worry, it’s much simpler than it looks, and changing the input source is easy. The main thing is to know exactly what you want to connect or disconnect from your Vizio TV.

What is the input source in TVs

To start with, you should probably understand the types of inputs and what they can receive, what source, etc.

The old TVs had only one input – analog, antenna, high-frequency. Now modern TVs have more than one TV input and it seems like overkill, especially for LCD TVs. However, all this is for the convenience of users.

Optimal for CRT TVs is 3 TV inputs. In the back, for example, for satellite or digital (which have appeared comparatively recently) receivers and a DVD player, and in the front or on the side for a video camera.

LCD TVs have even more inputs, in addition to analog, they have a digital input. Analog inputs include:

• RF input. It’s an antenna input. This type is used to connect antennas, VCRs, sometimes cable and satellite “boxes” and DVDs to the TV. The reception quality through this connector is the lowest.
• A/V, composite. The type of connection is most known as “tulip”. Usually a yellow and white + red triplet. Allowing for better picture quality. Audio and video information is not transmitted through a single channel as a whole, but separately for audio (white – red) and separately for video (yellow).
• S-Video. This isn’t available on all TVs. Color and contrast information is transmitted here separately. S-Video is an analog contact that is still in use today and is often found on DVD panels, game consoles, etc. It’s also quite often used as an alternative output by computer video card manufacturers. It’s also quite often used as an alternative output by computer video card manufacturers.
• SCART. This input, which holds 21 pins, is now common almost everywhere in Europe. Today both audio and video, analog and digital signals can be transmitted via SCART, depending on specific specifications.
• VGA. Occurs mostly on new TVs, because the main function of this input with 15 holes is the same – to serve as a contact for connecting a personal computer. Therefore, the VGA input option on a TV is usually identical to the input on an analog computer monitor (D-sub 15-pin).

Simply put – the input in the TV is designed to connect smartphones, PCs, game consoles, and other devices. You just need to select the right input and it’s better to do it through the OSD with the remote control. However, remotes are unreliable and what to do in case they break?

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What about digital input ports

For sure, there are also digital input ports – DVI and HDMI inputs. These inputs are designed to transmit HDTV-quality digital video without the slightest bit of compression. HDMI differs from DVI primarily in that it can transmit multi-channel digital audio in addition to digital video.

And, although there are many variations of both interfaces, most of them are perfectly incompatible and can be used together with the simplest of adapters. In addition, both interfaces are great for connecting a computer to a PC. DVI and HDMI are notorious for supporting the HDCP protocol – protecting licensed content from unauthorized rewrites.

Thus, Vizio TV and other brands can use these inputs and you can easily connect and charge devices in most modern TVs thanks to these technologies.

Is there an option to switch inputs on Vizio without remote

If your remote control is malfunctioning or broken, it’s a shame, but there’s a way out of this situation. Just so you understand, there are three ways to access the Input Source Settings menu. The first is the easiest.

Simply look for the “Menu” button on the side panel of your VizioTV, or perhaps buttons are located on the back of your TV (depending on your model). When you find the Menu window, it’s likely that the adjacent buttons will help you to switch between the options in the Settings menu. That way you can enter the Input Source Settings and follow the instructions there in order to change the input source.

Is smartphone can replace your remote

There are cases where the buttons on the panel may not work for a variety of reasons. How can you do anything when nothing works? There’s still a second option – and you usually have it at your fingertips. This is your smartphone. Yes, a personal smartphone can replace the remote control. Technology evolves and the ecosystems of popular operating systems don’t stand still either. The fact is that many smart TVs now sync with other devices very easily. Your smartphone is no exception.

Quite simply you can download a special application like Univeral Remote Control (it’s available for Android OS and iOS) or the official VIZIO SmartCast Mobile™, which has a remote control option.

In addition, before you use these applications, make sure that your smartphone supports IR. It’s usually written in the specifications of the smartphone.

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What to do if nothing above helps

The third method is, however, for those who can’t control the TV via smartphone or simply don’t have an IR blaster – it’s to consider buying a universal remote or find the same remote that you used to have. The first option is much easier because universal remote controls are sold in general stores and you don’t need to look for a specific remote control for your model. Moreover, such remotes are inexpensive.

If you have the case that the TV does not respond to any remote control and buttons on the TV – then perhaps the problem lies in the TV and you should contact the dealer where you bought the TV or the manufacturer’s support. These experts will be able to help you.