Yes, it can be done. I bought a 19 inch Sharp LCD TV last summer and experimented with feeding a signal from an older laptop to it. The RGB video connection was used sucessfully. (An RGB cable is much lower in cost than a HDMI cable plus many older laptops do not have a HDMI output. The cost range of an HDMI cable is from $45 to $120.) On the laptop, I set the "display" to both screen and external device. On the TV, I entered its menu and changed its input to the RGB port. Both worked well. I intend to use this combination for a rock-hound club show to demonstrate gem cutting software. I can sit behind a table facing people who come forward to view the display. I can operate the laptop and monitor the results on its screen while the viewers can observe on the larger TV screen facing them. I plan a live demonstration, but as an option, I could also prepare a Power Point presentation and let that run when I take a break.

After seeing how many broken LG TVs came back for service at the store I used to work in, I wouldn't touch one.

Monitors don't a tuner, which would be needed for your coax hook-up, unless your big TV (or cable box) has a video/audio output. Goodwill stores usually have an assortment of used TVs (some under $10)

I’m debating between a long TV console and wall shelves for a small living room. Wall shelves seem lighter and make the floor feel more open. But a TV console with storage seems much better for hiding the things that usually make a TV area messy. Things I need to store: Cables Remotes Game controllers Media devices Blankets Small living room items A long console could make the room feel more organized, but I worry it may look too heavy in a small space. Shelves look cleaner at first, but they might not solve the clutter problem. What would you choose for a small living room: hidden storage under the TV or lighter wall shelves?