Solved TV Vs. Computer Monitor?

[PSCO2007]

I want to upgrade my monitor and saw this TV that has a computer input.

FRYS.com*|*Coby
(I wouldn't buy Coby, but something similar)

I also am looking at this monitor (when it again becomes available.)

ASUS VE278Q 27 Widescreen Full HD LED Monitor - 1080p, 1920x1080, 16:9, 10000000:1 Dynamic, 2ms, Integrated Speakers, DVI, VGA, HDMI at TigerDirect.com

Also looking at this one:
http://www.frys.com/product/6980027


Can I get good screen resolution with a TV, or should I stick to a monitor?

Thanks,

Paul

 

[alphanumeric]

I do believe you'll get a better resolution on a PC monitor versus a TV with the same screen size. My 22 inch LCD monitor has a higher resolution than our 28 inch LCD TV.
I had the option of getting a TV and also using it as a PC display or putting a TV tuner card in my bedroom PC and getting a new wide screen monitor for it. I bought a 1920 x 1080p LG E2242T-BN Flat Panel monitor and the TV tuner card and haven't looked back.
It all depends on your needs though. Just compare the specs of the monitor versus TV. I spent more money going with a monitor and TV tuner card but my PC is now a DVR so I'm happy.

 

[kbrady1979]

How far do you sit away from your monitor Paul? Also, do you play games, or is it more for movies/entertainment? I am of the school that a PC should use a Computer monitor, and a TV should be used with a cable/satellite service. That's just me though.

Kelly

 

[M1GU31]

A tv, I use my 22 inch tv on my pc and gets full 1080p and has really nice color. I say go for a tv, can have your pc hooked up and possibly other stuff. More useful then a monitor in my honest opinion.

 

[Wishmaster]

As mentioned, distance will be key. Being as close to a HDTV it as a you would be for a monitor you can see individiual pixels and it doesnt look so good.

I have a 42" Panasonic I use for gaming. At around 6-7' or so away it looks amazing. In my case, I just used a HDMI connection and set the TV to game mode.
Then, set the HDMI mode to 100%.
By default (and I think most HDTVs do this) it uses a underscan showing only 95% of the image. great for Tv and Movies, but cuts off alot of the desktop when using as a monitor.

The PC input is just a VGA connection I believe. IMHO, your better off using HDMI.

For gaming, provided you have a decent distance form a HDTV they are very good. Better than a monitor.
Although the text does look good and sharp, I personally prefer to read on a smaller screen closer to me which is why I would say for such uses a monitor is the better option.
I only use my HDTV as a monitor for gaming.

For monitor vs TV at the same size ... really not much of a difference. But get a good quality TV @ 1080P if you go that route. At smaller sizes many are just 720P. So watch for that.

 

[PSCO2007]

How far do you sit away from your monitor Paul? Also, do you play games, or is it more for movies/entertainment? I am of the school that a PC should use a Computer monitor, and a TV should be used with a cable/satellite service. That's just me though.

Kelly

Hi Kelly,

I don't game - I sit about 20" away.
I just thought a TV might be a better choice.

I have a TV tuner, so that is not necessary.

Have you any opinion of the monitors I referenced?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[PSCO2007]

As mentioned, distance will be key. Being as close to a HDTV it as a you would be for a monitor you can see individiual pixels and it doesnt look so good.

I have a 42" Panasonic I use for gaming. At around 6-7' or so away it looks amazing. In my case, I just used a HDMI connection and set the TV to game mode.
Then, set the HDMI mode to 100%.
By default (and I think most HDTVs do this) it uses a underscan showing only 95% of the image. great for Tv and Movies, but cuts off alot of the desktop when using as a monitor.

The PC input is just a VGA connection I believe. IMHO, your better off using HDMI.

For gaming, provided you have a decent distance form a HDTV they are very good. Better than a monitor.
Although the text does look good and sharp, I personally prefer to read on a smaller screen closer to me which is why I would say for such uses a monitor is the better option.
I only use my HDTV as a monitor for gaming.

For monitor vs TV at the same size ... really not much of a difference. But get a good quality TV @ 1080P if you go that route. At smaller sizes many are just 720P. So watch for that.

For monitor vs TV at the same size ... really not much of a difference. But get a good quality TV @ 1080P if you go that route. At smaller sizes many are just 720P. So watch for that

Thanks for that info.

 

[kbrady1979]

A computer monitor is the better choice for a computer. The picture quality will be better if you go with a 23/24" monitor over a 27".......a 23" 1920x1080 will have a higher pixel density than a 27" 1920x1080. If you want a 27" monitor, out of those you listed, go for the Asus. You can get a nice 23/24" 1080p monitor with a nicer IPS panel for a good price too....and you will DEFINITELY see a difference with that.

Take a look at this: Dell Ultrasharp I wish I had a few of these myself!

 

[PSCO2007]

A computer monitor is the better choice for a computer. The picture quality will be better if you go with a 23/24" monitor over a 27".......a 23" 1920x1080 will have a higher pixel density than a 27" 1920x1080. If you want a 27" monitor, out of those you listed, go for the Asus. You can get a nice 23/24" 1080p monitor with a nicer IPS panel for a good price too....and you will DEFINITELY see a difference with that.

Take a look at this: Dell Ultrasharp I wish I had a few of these myself!

Why would a 23" have a better pixel density than a 27" - just curious.

 

[kbrady1979]

Both have a 1920x1080 resolution, so they have the exact same number of pixels......on a smaller monitor, those pixels are jammed closer together, resulting in a higher pixel density.

 

[PSCO2007]

Thanks Kelly,

Good info.

Since I installed the DVI cable ( at your suggestion) I went from 1024 X 760 to 1680 X1050, and the pic is very good.

I think for now, I'll just stick with what I have.

Thanks again,

Paul

 

[kbrady1979]

Sorry, I wasn't trying to talk you out of buying anything, I was just saying you would have better picture quality with a smaller monitor @ 1080p. I'm sure the 27" 1080p would give you an incredible picture as well, and give you a ton of monitor real estate. If I had the choice of a 27" 1080p or that Dell 23" 1080p, I personally would get the Dell.....given both are around the same price. The Dell has a wonderful IPS panel, giving you almost 180* viewing angles, and better color reproduction. It also comes with an amazing stand. I know people that have had Dell Ultrasharps for several years and they are still incredible looking!

 

[PSCO2007]

You didn't talk me out of buying anything, I just decided that my current monitor gives me what I consider, excellent resolution.

If,and when it dies, I'll consider your suggestions.

Thanks again.

 

[kbrady1979]

OK buddy......when you get ready for an upgrade, maybe higher resolutions like 2560x1440 or 2560x1600 will be cheaper. That is the upgrade I'm waiting on!

 

[PSCO2007]

Let me know when those are available - sounds awesome!!

 

[kbrady1979]

Here is a Dell Ultrasharp 27" that I really like: Dell Ultrasharp 27"

And a Samsung: Samsung 27"

Both are currently too expensive for just an upgrade from what I have. With 4K resolution monitors right around the bend, I'm hoping the prices drop quite a bit.

 

[PSCO2007]

They cost more than my first car!!

 

[kbrady1979]

They cost more than my first car!!

LOL! I know they are spendy, and that's why I don't have one yet. However, I am a believer in spending a good chunk on a monitor because you are going to be looking at that every time you are on the computer. Prices will go down soon enough.

 

[PSCO2007]

A computer monitor is the better choice for a computer. The picture quality will be better if you go with a 23/24" monitor over a 27".......a 23" 1920x1080 will have a higher pixel density than a 27" 1920x1080. If you want a 27" monitor, out of those you listed, go for the Asus. You can get a nice 23/24" 1080p monitor with a nicer IPS panel for a good price too....and you will DEFINITELY see a difference with that.

Take a look at this: Dell Ultrasharp I wish I had a few of these myself!

Hey Kelly,

How about this one?
We could have shared custody- you get it on Mon to Thurs, I get it on Fri to Sun.

Dell UltraSharp U3011 30" Black 7ms IPS-Panel Height, Swivel Adjustable Widescreen LCD Monitor 370 cd/m2 DC 100,000:1 (1000:1) - Newegg.com