Desktops forum: Computer monitor Vs. LCD TV as monitor

Big advantage!

by Brianstech - 2/13/09 6:38 PM

In Reply to: Computer monitor Vs. LCD TV as monitor by ayan_b23

First thing of course is the larger size. Next is you are also getting a HDTV tuner built right in. You should save money by not purchasing a TV and monitor separately.

I also agree with ramarc about resolution. With my recent purchase of an LG 37" LCD @ 720p, I had absolutely no reason to spend more on 1080p as far as picture quality. The one I got is amazing, BUT! When I switch sources from one of my 22" monitors at 1680x1050 to the TV's native 1366x768, all my web pages need resized (CTRL+Scroll). Some programs even lose the bottom of their GUI's until I resize or move them. It's not a big deal, but I'm now considering a much larger panel with 1080p, partly so the resolution matches my 22" monitors a little more closely.

Another important thing to consider is timing. Most of the cheaper LCD TV's I looked at a few months ago had an 8ms GTG (gray to gray) delay time that would cause visual tearing, ghosting, and/or artifacts during games and even possibly with movies and TV. That factor narrowed the search for me down to Aquos at 6ms, or the LG at 5ms. The LG cost a little more, but I preferred the 3 HDMI inputs over the 2 that most others had.

I say go for it! My next TV/monitor will be 65-67"!

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depends

by porsche10x - 2/14/09 3:42 PM

In Reply to: Computer monitor Vs. LCD TV as monitor by ayan_b23

In spite of the other comments, for any given size, an LCD monitor will usually have higher resolution than the same size LCD TV. As soon as you get into the 22 to 24 inch size, monitors will usually have 1920 x 1200 wide screen resolution, which is higher than 1080p. The same size TV will probably be 720p. This is partly because computer monitors are designed to be used much closer to you than a TV would be. As mentioned, monitors have no tuners, but the newer, larger ones usually have HDMI connectors and can often be used with a cable box, DVD player, etc. Then again, you're looking to use a TV as a monitor, not the other way around. The next question would be why? Monitors are usually half the price of a TV, sometimes a lot less than half, for a higher resolution image, better optimized for desktop use. I wanted both a TV and a computer in my kitchen, so I bought a TV-to-VGA converter and an LCD monitor. Both together were still half the price of a cheap TV, and I have both TV and a computer on the same display. I don't even have to turn on the computer to watch TV.

If, on the other hand, you're looking for a fairly large display, then an LCD TV might be cheaper, but the resolution will be much lower. A 30 inch LCD monitor with dual link DVI at 2560 1600 resolution might cost the same as a 42 inch LCD TV with 1080p, but the monitor has twice the number of pixels. You can even get monitors with 3840 2400 resolution.

I guess it all depends on what you're trying to do. If you want a small multipurpose display, a 1080p TV would work well, but brobably not be the cheapest solution. If you want a really big display, A TV would work and be cost effective, but not great for up close work.

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Big Screen Gaming Machine

by Johnny577 - 8/2/10 11:32 PM

In Reply to: Computer monitor Vs. LCD TV as monitor by ayan_b23

Hi I am going to buy a big screen TV around 50 inch , just wondering what I have to look for if I'm hooking a laptop to it so I can play fast action games on it with out it being blurry or distorted . Do I look for low Ms or is it High MHz any information would help is this makes sense.

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Sitting too close

by bbcarver71 - 8/5/10 1:16 PM

In Reply to: Big Screen Gaming Machine by Johnny577

How far away would you have to sit to see the picture clearly?

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Want more desktop

by robpannell - 11/1/10 5:03 PM

In Reply to: Computer monitor Vs. LCD TV as monitor by ayan_b23

I want to use a 42" Samsung as a computer montitor. The reason is i want to have a 42" monitor is for more desktop space. I hook up the tv and it just makes everthing huge. I would like to have a desktop space where i can have outlook up and see it regular, along iwth an internet explorer and work with excel, so basic breakin it up into 4 areas so they are on top at all times......is this possible?
thanks, Rob

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No. Here's why.

by R. Proffitt - 11/1/10 6:02 PM

In Reply to: Want more desktop by robpannell

Almost all HDTVs top out at 1080p. So no more pixels than a 32 inch or a 20 inch.
Bob

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YES! See our guide titled - BIG Screen LCD as PC Monitor

by Ron_Ellis - 2/13/11 12:58 AM

In Reply to: Want more desktop by robpannell

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to sit in front of high quality a 40" LDC TV as your regular computer monitor. I've been wondering for a year or more and finally made the leap. The transformation was instant. I'll N-E-V-E-R go back! (See the rest of the guide at: http://reviews.ebay.com/BIG-Screen-LCD-as-PC-Monitor_W0QQugidZ10000000020621958)

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