Question about using my television as a monitor

nonjingus · Mar 30, 2005, 06:28 PM

I am looking to get a new monitor, but thought it might be cool to get a new TV. It would be good for my xbox and ps2 also, so it would serve as a double bonus. Is there anything in particular that I should look for in a TV? Or is it really not that worth it, and I should just get a monitor. Going to be playing my usual PC games with it, and the occasional DVD I guess. Also if there is anywhere in particular that I should be looking for a monitor online? Or is it best to just find one at a local store?

Thanks ahead of time!

Logla · Mar 30, 2005, 07:01 PM

TVs are not as good as monitors for pc use.

You could get a HDTV LCD or Plasma (although the plasmas aren't really that suitable due to screen burn) and make sure the LCD TV has DVI inputs.

LCDs tend to have wierd resolutions and probably wont be compatible with many pc games.

You really would be better off just getting a cheap(ish) crt monitor and seperate tv.

Its worth taking a trip to a store to find out what kind you like and then take a look online and see if you can find the same one for less - which you probably will.

nonjingus · Mar 30, 2005, 07:06 PM

Thanks! I really was not sure if there was a good way to use a TV as a monitor. Seems like it is more hastle than it is worth really. Any suggestions of where to look online for a monitor?

Logla · Mar 30, 2005, 07:08 PM

not sure - where are you in the world?

nonjingus · Mar 30, 2005, 07:16 PM

United States - Louisville, Kentucky

go cards!

Logla · Mar 30, 2005, 07:56 PM

Ah, I'm UK based so I'm not really sure of online stores over your side of the pond. I'm sure there are plenty of our members know a good few sites.

newegg is a site I've heard of though. Might want to check them out.

Drakon · Mar 30, 2005, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nonjingus

Thanks! I really was not sure if there was a good way to use a TV as a monitor. Seems like it is more hastle than it is worth really. Any suggestions of where to look online for a monitor?

Newegg.com

Judas · Mar 30, 2005, 10:00 PM

A standard TV would not do... you'd be very dispointed... as it is hard to make out any of the text ... great for gaming through (FSAA kind of rendering without having FSAA on)

however, a Progressive scan TV would be a nessity.... with a VGA or DVI or Component (RGB) in to make. They are fairly cheap now as well... Course, Perferably a DVI connection.

IF you want a damn good monitor for the price.... a Samsung Syncmaster 1100DF would be slick

jugganutz · Apr 12, 2005, 01:22 PM

component cables on a progressive does look impressive on a monitor. If you have an ati card i know they make an adapter for 30 bucks that works on a 8500 radeon and up. try www.pricewatch.com for a monitor they have many stores and many good prices and alot of them offer free shipping.

Mar 30, 2005, 06:28 PM	#1
nonjingus DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Question about using my television as a monitor I am looking to get a new monitor, but thought it might be cool to get a new TV. It would be good for my xbox and ps2 also, so it would serve as a double bonus. Is there anything in particular that I should look for in a TV? Or is it really not that worth it, and I should just get a monitor. Going to be playing my usual PC games with it, and the occasional DVD I guess. Also if there is anywhere in particular that I should be looking for a monitor online? Or is it best to just find one at a local store? Thanks ahead of time!

Apr 12, 2005, 01:22 PM	#9
jugganutz DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 6 Rep Power: 0	component cables on a progressive does look impressive on a monitor. If you have an ati card i know they make an adapter for 30 bucks that works on a 8500 radeon and up. try www.pricewatch.com for a monitor they have many stores and many good prices and alot of them offer free shipping. __________________

Mar 30, 2005, 07:01 PM	#2
Logla HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 3,311 Rep Power: 0	TVs are not as good as monitors for pc use. You could get a HDTV LCD or Plasma (although the plasmas aren't really that suitable due to screen burn) and make sure the LCD TV has DVI inputs. LCDs tend to have wierd resolutions and probably wont be compatible with many pc games. You really would be better off just getting a cheap(ish) crt monitor and seperate tv. Its worth taking a trip to a store to find out what kind you like and then take a look online and see if you can find the same one for less - which you probably will.

Mar 30, 2005, 07:06 PM	Thread Starter #3
nonjingus DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Thanks! I really was not sure if there was a good way to use a TV as a monitor. Seems like it is more hastle than it is worth really. Any suggestions of where to look online for a monitor?

Mar 30, 2005, 07:08 PM	#4
Logla HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 3,311 Rep Power: 0	not sure - where are you in the world?

Mar 30, 2005, 07:16 PM	Thread Starter #5
nonjingus DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	United States - Louisville, Kentucky go cards!

Mar 30, 2005, 07:56 PM	#6
Logla HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 3,311 Rep Power: 0	Ah, I'm UK based so I'm not really sure of online stores over your side of the pond. I'm sure there are plenty of our members know a good few sites. newegg is a site I've heard of though. Might want to check them out.