I have a computer and my monitor is doing something funny. So, I want a new one and a bigger one. I also have HD Satellite service and a connection in my kitchen, where I also hang out a lot. Which would be the better option to get: a) a LCD computer monitor that I can move to my kitchen to watch tv; or, b) a LCD TV that I can also bring to my den to hook up to my computer. Because I already have a giant tv, I’m partial to big screens, so I’d like to see something that’s at least 24". Which is cheaper to get? I’m willing to explore all solutions, including sling boxes, etc.
Monitors have better resolution, right? Will a monitor be able to read my HD signal? Won’t I have to buy an adapter, too? I need to consider TCO. I would like for it to be as cheap as possible. Also, I plan on moving the monitor a lot, from kitchen to den and back. So, weight will also be an issue. Which is the best overall solution? Thanks for the help.
They do make HDTV’s that are made to be a TV or a computer monitor. Infact, I got one for my mother-in-law not that long ago. I remember when I was looking they were mostly in the 15" to 24" sizes. I’m sure you can find some good TV’s that are also Monitors.
Edit: Here is an example of an HDTV/computer monitor I just found.
There are many excellent LCD TVs/Monitors that work great as both.
In my family room I have a 37" Westinghouse 1080p monitor with every hookup imaginable. This is hooked up to my Comcast DVR and a computer. The Computer reproduction is awesome. The TV & DVD viewing is perfect.
There are now some inexpensive Visio/Vizio LCD panels of 32" & 37" size that are running between $500 and $800. They are 720p which should be good enough for Hi-Def TV use (1080I is standard and 720p handles this well) and as a monitor.
I have a 40" Samsung LCD tv with VGA connection and it works really well, but not at all resolutions. Since it’s a widescreen tv, 1368x724 works well, but if I try to change the resolution in Windows to 1280x1024, the screen goes blank. IOW, it depends on the graphics card in your computer: what resolutions can it handle and is it compatible with the tv you’re about to buy?
Hmmm…I’m not sure. I have a NVIDIA GeForce7800 GT OC. Won’t I be hamstringing my graphics card if I just buy a regular LCD TV (because the tv doesn’t have as high a resolution as a monitor)?
Check out the specs on the LCD tv. Don’t just look at phrases like “HD ready” or “1080p”. Look at what resolutions it supports and check your video card.
It really depends on where you are and what tv service you have. Most tv around here is still broadcast at 4:3, making my 16:9 tv look really stretched. A lot of wide faces on the news. AFAIK, there is no universal sollution, you’re gonna have to check your hardware carefully and compare it to the software / tv provided.
Usually, yes. TV signals, even HD, are well below what your graphics card is capable of creating. So TVs tend to have lower resolutions.
You can use a monitor as a TV. We have a computer with a TV tuner, run to a 22" LCD monitor. With the right cable box/cables/monitor, you can even run straight from a cable box to a monitor. But you probably won’t have any sound. Computer monitors usually don’t have speakers on them.
I also have to ask, how badly do you want to lug a 24"+ monitor or TV around, every time you change rooms? It’s probably going to weigh around 25lb, and have cords trailing behind you.
I am typing this on my Olevia 437 TV (on my keyboard, really, but you know what I mean). Works like a charm. That said, I started with my laptop hooked up to the TV. A VGA connector has to be screwed in, that made it a pain pulling the laptop away. You will be facing the same when you lug around that TV. And then there are all the other cords hooked to the TV (at least cable and power). Do you really want to do that? (I ended up getting a new desktop and leaving it on the TV while my laptop tours around the house).
It’s definitely possible, as all the above posters have mentioned, but I don’t think there’s anything for cheap that will do both roles well. Sure, you can get affordable 720p LCD TVs these days, but that resolution is pretty inadequate for a computer display. At the other end of things, I just bought a relatively cheap 22" Westinghouse widescreen monitor that has the basic range of TV inputs. It’s perfectly adequate for me to use with my playstation 2, but I feel it would be pretty crappy as a TV. For example, screen adjustment is very limited, meaning whatever you have watch on TV will probably be stretched and have black bars around the border.
If you’re willing to lay down a good deal of money (around $600 or so) you can get 24" monitors that are perfectly good with HDTV. There are also 27" and 30" monitors that do excellently in both roles, but (going by Dell prices) that’s gonna cost you over $1k.
