Big Screen TV as a monitor

[Raizinman]

I am partially blind and require a large TV for my computer work. I had a 40 inch Proscan that I bought at Costco about 3 years ago for $575. The 40 inch TV worked pretty good but just went out, but is being covered by my American Express card warranty. I would not mind having a bit bigger, perhaps a 46 or 47 inch monitor. I’m looking at the Vizio TV’s at Costco for around this price. I can go a bit higher in price, but not more than a few hundred dollars more. I’m also guessing that next month during Black Friday, the prices will go even lower for this size TV.

My question is: What specifications are really important for using a 46 inch TV as a computer monitor. Contrast Ratio? Resolution? 120 Hz? LED? What specification am I looking for that will give me the clearest and best picture. I have a high end graphics card in my computer and don’t mind even updating it if necessary.

 

[hokies83]

The Vizio M series fake 120hz Led thin tvs are quite impressive.. i have one in my bed room.

 

[qliveur]

Any TV that's going to be used as a computer monitor should have 4:4:4 chroma subsampling.

 

[tweakboy]

FPS games will be LAGGY, motion blur and ghosting will show as even LED LCD is 5 to 12ms

5ms being a expensive montior... so its whack,, but if you play RTS it wont matter much... Just not as crisp as well with the graphics... gl

 

[qliveur]

If you're saying that every TV will do that, you're talking out of your ass.

 

[LoveMachine]

Raizin, can I ask what your visual impairment is? (e.g. RP, ARMD, Stargarts?) Some conditions require very high contrast vs. other that just need an overall brighter screen. Plasmas will have better black levels, which improves contrast. LEDs can have ghosting issues that reduce contrast, but overall brightness can be higher, and refresh rates are better (the 600Hz "subfield" refresh of some plasmas is a gimmick).

Also, what are you using your computer primarily for? Games/web browsing/videos, etc. LCD with a high refresh will be better for games, I would think, but I'd agree with qliveur on the chroma issue for general use.

 

[hokies83]

Im with Tweakboy on this issue..

LAGGY, motion blur and ghosting

Unless there are 2ms True 120hz TVs out there somewhere i do not know about.. Cause even 2ms 120hz Monitors are a selective bunch..

 

[Raizinman]

Sorry if my first message was not clear. The TV will NOT be used for gaming besides some Windows Soliltare or Bejeweled on the very rare occasion. Basically it will be used for MSWord, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and some other work programs. Just looking for the best quality and resolution for around the 6 or 7 hundred dollar range. In looking at the specifications on the Costco website, they didn't list the chromo sub sampling in the specs. Is it that important?

 

[hokies83]

Like i said above the Vizio M series is great and in your price range.

Where i got my 3 from.. Just add a square trade warranty and be done with it.. save 300$

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vizio-47-M4...0492865983?pt=Televisions&hash=item53ef0c99bf

Thats a buy it now.. you could do the Auctions and prolly get it 50$ cheaper.

 

[Raizinman]

Raizin, can I ask what your visual impairment is? (e.g. RP, ARMD, Stargarts?) Some conditions require very high contrast vs. other that just need an overall brighter screen. Plasmas will have better black levels, which improves contrast. LEDs can have ghosting issues that reduce contrast, but overall brightness can be higher, and refresh rates are better (the 600Hz "subfield" refresh of some plasmas is a gimmick).

Also, what are you using your computer primarily for? Games/web browsing/videos, etc. LCD with a high refresh will be better for games, I would think, but I'd agree with qliveur on the chroma issue for general use.

Only have one eye. On that eye due to retinal detachment the larger the monitor the easier to see. It cannot be corrected with eye glasses or contacts. I must use a larger monitor. The larger the size, the easier to see. I am not looking for very tiny font, but found that larger monitors that offer small print usually have better larger print imaging. Does this help?

 

[qliveur]

Im with Tweakboy on this issue..

LAGGY, motion blur and ghosting

Unless there are 2ms True 120hz TVs out there somewhere i do not know about.. Cause even 2ms 120hz Monitors are a selective bunch..

There are 60Hz LCD TVs out there that don't have any of those issues.

 

[hokies83]

There are 60Hz LCD TVs out there that don't have any of those issues.

Everyone ive ever owned does.. all 5 of my 120hz TVs do... When i had 60hz Lcd Tvs it was even worse..

One being the top of the line 3000$ Samsung 3D tv..

But he is not gaming it is not a big deal... The best bang for his buck is however and i listed it above.

 

[qliveur]

Then you bought the wrong models. Not all TVs have those issues.

OP, I'd give the LG 42CS560 a serious look if I were you. Just make sure it's one with an S-IPS panel if there's a panel lottery going on like there has been with previous models.

 

[hokies83]

I have this Model which was almost 3000$ at the time price sure has went way down lol.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16889102701
And it does them all... just like the other 4 Vizio 120hz tvs do..

Iguess you can not notice it if your not looking for it... Cause 2 of those TVs are hooked to Computers... the Samsung aswell.

The only Monitor i have that has none of these issues is my 120hz Monitor..

But nothing can touch the Vizios 120hz M series at 500$..

 

[qliveur]

The supposed refresh rate really doesn't matter when using a TV for a monitor, unless you want to game in 3D. Price is not a factor, either. A little research before you buy, on the other hand...

Panel type is far more important.

 

[hokies83]

The supposed refresh rate really doesn't matter when using a TV for a monitor, unless you want to game in 3D. Price is not a factor, either. A little research before you buy, on the other hand...

Panel type is far more important.

The Vizios are using LG Panels same as my Acer 120hz monitor and my Catleap.

M470SL. Panel Sticker Number, LC470EUA-AEM1. Panel Manufacturer, LG

 

[djnsmith7]

I use my now 4 year old 58" Samsung 1080p plasma as my primary monitor every day & game on it regularly (BF3). Even though it has plenty of HDMI connectors, I use VGA. Had too many issues getting HDMI to display the text clearly (in browsers), so I use the trusted VGA at full 1080p. I haven't tried LED yet, so I can't give an opinion.

But for plasma, I give it 2 thumbs up & say go big or go home (joking aside, go as large as you can afford is what I always tell people). I would guess that an LED display would also look great as a monitor.

Just as an FYI, I also have a 42" Insignia (actually made by Samsung). I would give that brand a solid look before finalizing your decision. They go on sale regularly at Best Buy & are either made by LG or Samsung. What I read is that today's plasma models are made by Samsung & the LED models might be made by LG. Maybe someone else here can confirm on the LED side. I also give the current Insignia's 2 thumbs up, especially for the price. I would take a current Insignia over Visio.

 

[tweakboy]

If you're saying that every TV will do that, you're talking out of your ass.

LED tv's are anywhere from 5ms to 12ms.

If its 12ms. I quick eye can notice the!

and Yes every TV has latency lag. Still yes things are fluid and smooth thanks to tehcnology.

 

[Makaveli]

Usually these tv's have a gaming mode where post processing is the lowest.

My Sammy 46` 120hz has it.

Not that the 120hz matters because its all fake. Unless your input source is 120hz!

If you planning on playing alot of fast paced FPS then ymmv.

 

[Raizinman]

Like i said above the Vizio M series is great and in your price range.

Where i got my 3 from.. Just add a square trade warranty and be done with it.. save 300$

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vizio-47-M4...0492865983?pt=Televisions&hash=item53ef0c99bf

Thats a buy it now.. you could do the Auctions and prolly get it 50$ cheaper.

The ebay link is for a refurbished Vizio for $549 with a 60 day warranty. Costco sells this same TV brand new for $689 with a factory one year warranty. Costco then doubles the warranty, making it 2 years, and then if you purchase using your American Express Card, they will add one more year warranty, making it a total of 3 years. Below are the specs for this TV.

VIZIO’s M470SL 47” Class Edge Lit Razor LED™ LCD HDTV with VIZIO Internet Apps® puts the best of the web right on your TV. Get instant access to on-demand movies, TV shows, social networking, music, photos and more at the push of a button on the enhanced 2-sided remote with keyboard. Equipped with built-in WiFi (802.11n), it also boasts 1080p Full HD with Razor LED and 200,000 to 1 DCR for brilliant color and clarity in a razor thin design.

SRS StudioSound HDTM delivers advanced virtual surround sound, and three HDMI® ports connect your home theater, satellite or cable TV and Blu-ray™ Player. This energy saver also meets ENERGY STAR® 5.3 guidelines making it a friend to the environment and your wallet.

Specifications:

•Costco extends manufacture warranty to 2 years
•Screen Size: 47" Class (46.69" diagonal)
•Resolution: 1920 x 1080
•Refresh Rate: 120Hz
•Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 200,000:1
•Response Time: 8ms
•Ambient Light sensor
•Smooth Motion
•Viewable Angle (HxV): 178° x 178°
•Energy Star 4.1
•Wall Mount Compatibility: 200mm x 400mm
•Weight: 39.7 lbs (w/ stand), 35.3 lbs (w/ out stand)
•Dimensions (WxHxD): 43.2" x 29.1" x 9.5" (w/ stand), 43.2" x 27" x 2" (w/ out stand)

Audio:
•Speakers: Built-in 10W x 2 Speakers
•SRS TruSurround HD™
•SRS StudioSound HD™
•SRS TruVolume™

Inputs/ Outputs:
•HDMI with HDCP x4
•Component x1
•Computer RGB x1
•RF Connector for Internal Tuner x1
•Enternet x1
•SPDIF Digital Optical x1
•USB 2.0 x 2 Sides (MP3 & JPEG)

MultiMedia:
•Music (MP3)
•Photo (JPEG)
•Video (MPEG)
•DLNA

Model: M470SL