LCD TVs as monitors

Maestro · Posted: Mar 03, 2005 1:19 pm Post subject: LCD TVs as monitors

So next year I'm getting my own place for school with some friends. We're going to have a lounge area with a big TV, but I want a smaller TV for my room as well. I also need to get a new computer monitor. Now, rather than spend $400 for a monitor and $400 for a TV, I figure I might as well get an LCD around the 20" mark and use it as both a monitor and TV.

The LCDs I've been looking at have been around $650 CDN for a 20" one. Seems like a decent deal, but I've noticed that some have a resolution limited to 640x480. I like using at least 1280x1024 on my PC (if not higher), so will I still be able to do this with an LCD claiming to be 640x480? And along the lines of contrast ratio, what would I be looking for? It seems most of the LCDs I've seen are 450:1 or 500:1 - is this pretty standard?

Is anyone running an LCD tv as a monitor as well? And if so, how does it work? I just thought of doing this last night, so I haven't researched it a lot, so if anyone has suggestions or tips I'd love to hear them.

Thanks

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

I think Sceptre has a reasonable LCD TV/monitor. Could be wrong on this though...

chavez · RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006

Maestro, when I run the TV tuner card in my home PC, it looks fine. This is on a 15" LCD that is only capable of 400:1.

So I say, just add a TV Tuner card to your PC and have both in the one, just like you are looking for. Wink

Mariognarly · Addict Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Posts: 853

chavez,

Tv Tuner card is a great idea

I have thought about getting a new LCD Monitor just for my computer and I have noticed a few things. The higher the contrast ratio, usually the better color and picture quality you have. 400-500 is average...much like JVC and Samsung IMO are average for TVs. Although I think the picture of a Sony WEGA is much higher quality. And thus you'll pay a bit more for a Sony than a JVC or equivalent.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=1&sku_id=0665000FS10054418&catid=22334&newdeptid=1

Notice the LG monitor has a 700:1 contrast ratio and even though is the same size and has the same max resolution as a BenQ, its a couple hundred dollars more.

Although you may not be able to tell the difference, Im still not sure if I can, but I would go check out some LCD monitors side by side and compare their pictures for yourself.

chavez · RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006

Mariognarly, not to mention it opens up the possibility of a full blown media center PC.

Maestro, in your situation it makes perfect sense!

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

I'd either get one of those TV/Monitors like Nor*Cal mentioned or the ATI Radeon All in Wonder VE card. My roomate had one of those and it's awesome. Like chavez said it's like having a media center. It's got this great TIVO functionality built in and online guides that you can pick out. Plus it downloads directly to your harddrive so you can archive, burn on DVD or whatever so you can watch your favorite shows. I highly recomend those video cards.

Maestro · Posted: Mar 07, 2005 9:33 am Post subject:

The TV Tuner does sound sweet... I'll have to look into that...

JamesWatts · Addict Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 685 City: Santa Monica

get a projector. then you can have like a 8foot tall "screen"

Maestro · Posted: Mar 07, 2005 1:35 pm Post subject:

Yeah, that would be cool, but that kinda defeats the purpose of trying to economical...

JamesWatts · Addict Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 685 City: Santa Monica

im sure your school has PLEANTY of projectors on "Sale"........

hahahha

-James