What are the pros and cons of using a 19 inch HDTV for a computer monitor?
Scott P asked:
I want to replace my CRT with a flat screen. And replace my analog TV in my bedroom. Doe it make sense to replace both with a small HDTV set?
I want to replace my CRT with a flat screen. And replace my analog TV in my bedroom. Doe it make sense to replace both with a small HDTV set?
August 2nd, 2008 at 2:27 am
Make sure to get a TV that has an appropriate computer input. This would usually be a VGA port, but could also be DVI and HDMI (if your computer has those port or you’re willing to upgrade video card). And make sure that the TV supports “just scan” (or similar). The problem with TVs as monitors is that TV’s will actually hide what’s on the sides. For a computer, this won’t work since the image requires the FULL screen. Most HDTVs that have a VGA port will have this mode, but it’s worthwhile checking.
Otherwise, cost. You’re paying more for an HDTV that the equivalent size/quality LCD panel. Why? The TV has a HD tuner and other things that wouldn’t be needed for a computer monitor.
August 4th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
LCD HDTVs with HDMI or VGA ports are computer-ready. They are basically LCD monitors with additional inputs and speakers.
I would advise getting an LCD HDTV with as many HDMI inputs as possible. If the LCD HDTV has at least two HDMI ports, you can connect one HDMI to the digital HD cable/satellite/Fios box (whichever TV service you are using), and the other HDMI to your PC using a DVI-to-HDMI cable (if your PC has DVI).
And yes, HDMI and DVI are compatible. You just need the right cable.
I’m using a 52″ LCD HDTV as a monitor, hooked up to my computer with a DVI-to-HDMI cable. Works perfectly. Just by hitting the input select button on my TV remote, I can switch back and forth between using the computer and watching cable HD television.
I wouldn’t worry so much about the sides of an image being cut off. Computers with DVI these days are usually “widescreen-aware.” And needless to say, Digital HD cable/satellite/Fios television service are all 16:9-aware as well. Both my computer and my HD cable box display on the TV in full 1920×1080 glory, edge-to-edge. (the computer in 1080p, the cable box in 1080i).