Best 27" or 30" HDTV screen?

[Pyramix]

I am getting a multimedia system for my living room that is also to be my main computer (although it won't be used for gaming). I know that I'm supposed to get a 1080p screen. My question is what monitor should I get? I don't want to spend more than a grand, preferrably less than $800. High definition would be nice, but is not critical. The Dell 27" seems good, but a bit pricey at $1200. Any other recommendations?

 

[Pyramix]

bump

 

[m21s]

You can find the Westinghouse 37" 1080p (1920x1080 res.) for around a grand.

See pic in my sig.

 

[krotchy]

Sharp 32 incher is like 1000 dollars and 1080p, fits both your bills perfectly pretty much

http://slickdeals.pricegrabber.com/sear...tprod.php/masterid=34426058/search=LCD

 

[Pyramix]

I don't get it -- why is the Dell 27" like $1200 and these ones much cheaper?

 

[Don66]

Originally posted by: Pyramix
I don't get it -- why is the Dell 27" like $1200 and these ones much cheaper?

I.M.O. I'd have to say the 2707wfp is a premium lcd.

 

[GEOrifle]

I don't know what's a difference but i saw couple 24-24" LCD TV's at GAMESTOP and
EBGames and they are just GORGEOUS on 360 and PS3, i guess for PC too.
Noone buys to play 360-PS3 PC monitor, i never see one.
All players buying HD TV's.

 

[krotchy]

Originally posted by: Pyramix
I don't get it -- why is the Dell 27" like $1200 and these ones much cheaper?

Dell 2707 has a better colorspace than the 2407 (Hard to notice if not side-by side comparing)
Dell 2707 has an aluminum bezel vs plastic on 2407
Dell 2707 is still overpriced for some reason, as the rumors of a 2407-HC coming out soon are rampant
Neither Dell is technically a TV, meaning no tuner. Same goes for the westinghouse 1080p solutions, all 3 are monitors.
The 32" sharp has a TV tuner.
Dell 2407 has the smallest dot pitch followed by the 2707, 32" and 37" in that order (bigger TV = wider pitch, so be further away the bigger you go).

The difference between 1080p TV's and the Dell's is 1920x1200(16:10) vs 1920x1080(16:9)

The 2 dell monitors will show black bars on the top and bottom when playing back HD video, but will have slightly taller desk space on computers. Overall I find the 120 pixels nice when using a computer, but considering your intention, the black bars might be the more frequent annoyance, making the westy/sharp the better option.

 

[Pyramix]

Thanks, krotchy. Is a full-screen better than a wide-screen since I plan to use it as my primary computer as well?

 

[krotchy]

Originally posted by: Pyramix
Thanks, krotchy. Is a full-screen better than a wide-screen since I plan to use it as my primary computer as well?

Well all the monitors/TVs I mentioned are widescreen, just the computer industry and the TV industry decided not to use the same widescreen sizes, hence the 16:9(TV) vs 16:10(Computer)

Computers will look a tad bit better on 16:10 since you get more vertical depth, but 1080 tall is more than enough to please almost anyone.

HD video will fill up more of the screen on a 16:9 TV though (as 1080i/p and 720p are 16:9 formats, and even 480i/p has 16:9 spec and a 4:3 spec)

So pretty much depending on your tolerance of top bars watching movies a monitor could be out of the question or not.

I still stand by my recommendation of the 1080p Sharp Aquos 32 incher. It has a tuner for getting over the air HD, will look great for video and as a computer monitor and has plenty of inputs.

Just make sure you pick up a DVI to HDMI cable from www.monoprice.com to hook up your computer.

 

[T9D]

Definitely dont get the 1080p Sharp Aquos. It has a problem with the dynamic contrast not being able to turn off (and it's to drastic). So every web page looks different. Do a search on google about it. Even on here there are topics. Until they get that fixed I'd stay away from it. I was about to get that one also until I read all the complaints.

I'd recommend the 37" westy. Seems to get good reviews. After researching I'm going to pick that up.

 

[Oakenfold]

Here's a link over to AVS forums which you should really check out.
AVS LCD Display Forum
That way you can read up on available TV's/monitors. For your budget the Westy is probably a best bet.

If you can afford more and want higher quality and are willing to take a chance on possible early set issues the Sharp Aquos line may be worth looking into. Of course that is my personal observation. The dynamic contrast issue is concerning as others have stated.