Considering LCD TV as monitor

[chizow]

Originally posted by: nullpointerus
Or set 1:1 scaling w/ 1920x1200 resolution and you'll get results physically identical to a smaller LCD. The nice thing is that this can be adjusted on a per-game basis, so as newer games bring your SLI rig to its knees at 2560x1600, you can run them at 1:1 1920x1200 while the older games take up the full 30" People shy away from this for some reason--probably because they're used to analog stretching controls on CRTs.

Hmmm, I'm not fully aware of the 3007's capabilities (ruled it out from both a price and resolution standpoint early on). Set 1:1 scaling via software or OSD? If its OSD that'd work but you'd lose a lot of what makes the 3007 a 3007. If its via software its not an option until NV fixes 1:1 scaling in their 8800 drivers.

Also, the DVI-only options aren't a total deal-breaker. You can work around them somewhat with after-market adapters and they offer a bit of functionality that most panels don't offer normally: a remote for input selection.

 

[Gstanfor]

Originally posted by: nZone

Originally posted by: Gstanfor
I'm getting ready to build a new system that will primarily be used for gaming.

The core specs currently look like this (prices approximate only and in Australian dollars):
$650 ATHLON64 X2 6000+ AM2
$265 Gigabyte GA-M59SLI-S5 nForce 590
$385 Corsair Micro TWIN2X2048-6400C4 DDR2 memory 2gb NV certified
$385 Corsair Micro TWIN2X2048-6400C4 DDR2 memory 2gb NV certified
$299 Thermaltake 850 Watt PSU - G80 SLI certified
$330 Coolermaster Stacker case
$975 Gainward Geforce 8800GTX
$975 Gainward Geforce 8800GTX
$365 Seagate SATA 500gb HDD SATA enterprise
$365 Seagate SATA 500gb HDD SATA enterprise
$70 Samsung DVD burner
$15 Floppy drive
$449 Windows XP Pro (Retail)
$200 Windows Vista Home Premium (Retail)

I decided I'd like an LCD TV (Yes, the sky is falling in! gstanfor is finally considering LCD's) to use as the monitor.

I have two models in mind - an Acer AT3705-MGW and a Philips Cineos 37PF9731/69

Both are 37" and 1920x1080 resolution LCD's, but the acer has a max pc res of 1280x768, where the philips is 1024x768 (using VGA/HDMI connectors).

What I'd like to know is, if I connect via tv out (component cables) instead will I get the full panel resolution and will it be clear & sharp (I've had a very brief fiddle in the past with a friends plasma and it seemed OK, but would like to be sure).

could buy a used car with this setup

So what? I have no need of a car (new or used) at this point in time. Please also bear in mind these are Australian prices and include taxes. Perhaps you are just jealous you can't afford to spend as much on your system. I don't go around bashing other peoples systems based on price, so kindly don't do it to me.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: Gstanfor
Ok, so it boils down to Dell or HP. Is the HP linked above worth its premium ($2735) price tag? I'd probably rather buy it than the Dell, unless the Dell is superior in a meaningful way.

The dell is actually better IMO because it looks nicer from an industrial design standpoint vs. HP's very businesslike look. They are identical on the inside. The Dells problem is inputs - it has none other than DVI.

http://www.hothardware.com/image_popup.cfm?image=big_ports.jpg&articleid=915&t=a

Here is a non-technical review
http://www.hothardware.com/printarticle.aspx?articleid=915

I'm not sure about Dell's Oz policies but in USA you can try any piece of Dell hardware risk free for 21 days and they even pay shipping back to them (and most of the time to you as well) making this purchase risk free other than time.

You are looking for the Dell 3007WFP-HC not the old model, Dell 3007WFP.

 

[Gstanfor]

Looks don't worry me so long as the unit isn't gaudy. IMO neither monitor is.

I've pretty much decided on the HP, since looking at a couple of the reviews actually. I like the idea of multiple inputs (my Philips 19" has 2 inputs, the HP has 3). I'll check around for a DVD recorder that can output to DVI/HDMI and get TV capability that way. You'd think they could pop an A/V input or two on these large monitors given the prices they charge for them.

 

[Zebo]

No kidding. But it has to do with taxes and global markets. The EU and some parts of Asia impose a hefty excise tax on a/v monitors and monitors with tuners while pure monitors are left untaxed. This is why the US version of the NEC 20" GX2 has tons of inputs and while international versions are stripped. Most monitor companies don't make two versions of the same monitor but make one for the global market and this is what you are seeing, the levy free version.