Just got my Westinghouse 37" 1080P installed!

[edtsui]

#1 Congrats on a marvelous display

#2 I don't want to fan the flames and it all seems to be semantics anyway, but I'm more apt to label this unit as a television. Though by no means would it be unacceptable or anything to be used as a monitor. To me, it just seems that 1920x1080 is one of those fringe resolutions. Its just not really a standard outside of the realm of TVs and it's not exactly a plug and play resolution. I'm sure all of the newer video cards can drive it with at the native res out of the box with the provided drivers, but some of the older ones not so much. You'll find yourself fiddling with PowerStrip or something to get it going with older hardware. That's leaving the dpi issue completely out as well.

Personally I wouldn't hesitate to use it as a monitor, but definitely with some viewing distance. I'd get a neck cramp turning left and right to see the whole picture.

 

[Bushman5]

question is will i be dissapointed when i go from a 20" dell 2005 fpw to this ? i luvvvvv my fpw btw

 

[m21s]

Originally posted by: Bushman5
question is will i be dissapointed when i go from a 20" dell 2005 fpw to this ? i luvvvvv my fpw btw

No.

I went from a 20" 2001FP to this and it was the best purchase I have made for my PC.

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: Rage187

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777

Originally posted by: Zap

Originally posted by: tboo
I tried using a Sharp Aquos 32 inch LCD TV as a computer monitor so Ive been down that road & am no stranger to this topic.

So, your experience with low resolution LCDs makes you the expert on high resolution LCDs?

Originally posted by: destrekor
i don't see any description of a tuner in the word 'television'.

you can call it a computer monitor all you want

Well, technically it is a monitor, not a TV or a "computer monitor" but that's just splitting hairs. Regardless of descriptions or definitions, traditionally a screen with a tuner has been called a television set, and one without has been called a monitor (sans "computer").

Originally posted by: destrekor
a 37" 720 or 1080p monitor is not meant to be used with a computer (or at least a computer on its own

If it isn't meant to be used with a computer, then why does it have a 15 pin VGA input? What DVD player, or VCR, or digital cable box has that as an output?

/Agree

i didn't say it wasn't mean to be used with a computer... it wasn't meant to be used as with a computer ALONE. as in, many people hook computers up to it for that media-center setup, but other things are hooked up to it. and in the idea of a computer being hooked up, its meant to be in the living room where you are on your couch. any monitor that is designed for the living room, media-center or not, I consider a TV, no ifs ands or buts. even if the only thing hooked up to it is a computer, the tasks you likely will do on it are not normally computer related, save for gaming.
hope you understand where I am going with that thought. hard to spell out in any other way.

and there you go again spouting opinion as fact. Here's a fact for you. This thing makes a bad television in the sense that SD looks like crap and if you sit more then 2-3 feet away from it you won't be able to tell 720P from 1080P. That right there should prove it's designed a computer monitor first and foremost.

go ahead and sit 2ft away from a 37" 1080p and tell me you'd want to use that as a computer monitor, as if sitting at a computer desk. it wouldn't feel good on the eyes after awhile, and the dot pitch would not be anything to write home about.
let's just say it's called a monitor.
but it also seems most of these units come in flavors with or without tuners, as to give the consumer the option of having a feature they would use, or not having that feature at all if they don't ever plan on using it. if it saved me money, I'd forgo a tuner because it'd be pointless for me.

LOL, I have a 30" and I sit no more than 2 feet away from mine. It is 1280 X 768 and I use it for EVERYDAY computing along with gaming. I wouldn't change it for anything (except maybe the 37" westy ).

I recently hooked up my Xbox 360 to it and it looks wonderful! It is used at home theatre... Couch, 5.1 soround... Everyone that comes over to my house says "This is a sweet setup"... My brother came over the other night to watch Pirates of the Caribbean and he said "This is actually better than a threatre!". Again, I do everything on this display... Couldn't be more happy. It seems to me the *ONLY* people who dog this, are the ones who don't have it or havn't even tried it. Seriously, gaming on a 20" after using my 30" is terrible, I feel like I am a part of the game with the display I have. But to each their own... I don't care what you prefer for a display type, but running in here and telling us it can't be used solely as a computer monitor is a joke. A lot of use it that way.

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: Rage187

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777

Originally posted by: Zap

Originally posted by: tboo
I tried using a Sharp Aquos 32 inch LCD TV as a computer monitor so Ive been down that road & am no stranger to this topic.

So, your experience with low resolution LCDs makes you the expert on high resolution LCDs?

Originally posted by: destrekor
i don't see any description of a tuner in the word 'television'.

you can call it a computer monitor all you want

Well, technically it is a monitor, not a TV or a "computer monitor" but that's just splitting hairs. Regardless of descriptions or definitions, traditionally a screen with a tuner has been called a television set, and one without has been called a monitor (sans "computer").

Originally posted by: destrekor
a 37" 720 or 1080p monitor is not meant to be used with a computer (or at least a computer on its own

If it isn't meant to be used with a computer, then why does it have a 15 pin VGA input? What DVD player, or VCR, or digital cable box has that as an output?

/Agree

i didn't say it wasn't mean to be used with a computer... it wasn't meant to be used as with a computer ALONE. as in, many people hook computers up to it for that media-center setup, but other things are hooked up to it. and in the idea of a computer being hooked up, its meant to be in the living room where you are on your couch. any monitor that is designed for the living room, media-center or not, I consider a TV, no ifs ands or buts. even if the only thing hooked up to it is a computer, the tasks you likely will do on it are not normally computer related, save for gaming.
hope you understand where I am going with that thought. hard to spell out in any other way.

and there you go again spouting opinion as fact. Here's a fact for you. This thing makes a bad television in the sense that SD looks like crap and if you sit more then 2-3 feet away from it you won't be able to tell 720P from 1080P. That right there should prove it's designed a computer monitor first and foremost.

go ahead and sit 2ft away from a 37" 1080p and tell me you'd want to use that as a computer monitor, as if sitting at a computer desk. it wouldn't feel good on the eyes after awhile, and the dot pitch would not be anything to write home about.
let's just say it's called a monitor.
but it also seems most of these units come in flavors with or without tuners, as to give the consumer the option of having a feature they would use, or not having that feature at all if they don't ever plan on using it. if it saved me money, I'd forgo a tuner because it'd be pointless for me.

LOL, I have a 30" and I sit no more than 2 feet away from mine. It is 1280 X 768 and I use it for EVERYDAY computing along with gaming. I wouldn't change it for anything (except maybe the 37" westy ).

I recently hooked up my Xbox 360 to it and it looks wonderful! It is used at home theatre... Couch, 5.1 soround... Everyone that comes over to my house says "This is a sweet setup"... My brother came over the other night to watch Pirates of the Caribbean and he said "This is actually better than a threatre!". Again, I do everything on this display... Couldn't be more happy. It seems to me the *ONLY* people who dog this, are the ones who don't have it or havn't even tried it. Seriously, gaming on a 20" after using my 30" is terrible, I feel like I am a part of the game with the display I have. But to each their own... I don't care what you prefer for a display type, but running in here and telling us it can't be used solely as a computer monitor is a joke. A lot of use it that way.

don't twist my words. i never said one can't. from my experience with much smaller sets and bad dot pitch, I never expected a set like this to be tolerated so close. to each his own. I'll admit I've never used this set, never had the access to one, but like I said.. I based my statements on smaller sets and my dislike. i don't really even like 19" LCD's that use 1280x1024... I think it doesn't look that great. I understand the resolution isn't the same, but it's the same concept.

either way I apologize as some people seem offended. just speaking from my own experience. although Rage just wants to jump down my throat, we'll live it stand at that.

and Rage... they even refer to it as a monitor, and just that. and they go on to describe it as a multimedia display. you were wrong too by saying it's a computer monitor.

 

[NoStateofMind]

Love the monitor/TV. I like the thread.......



























Someone shorten these damned quotes!

 

[xtknight]

Is there any input lag on that for general desktop usage?

Yes it is a monitor, just like that ice-age Samsung 5" thing that only inputted composite. It doesn't conform to any TV standard so why would it be a TV anyway? The word 'television' means to see an image broadcast from far away. This image is probably broadcast a couple feet from your elbow.

 

[WDEagle]

Originally posted by: m21s

Originally posted by: Bushman5
question is will i be dissapointed when i go from a 20" dell 2005 fpw to this ? i luvvvvv my fpw btw

No.

I went from a 20" 2001FP to this and it was the best purchase I have made for my PC.

Same here ... I went from a 20" 2001FP to this and it was the best purchase I have made for my PC. Using it now.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: xtknight
Is there any input lag on that for general desktop usage?

None whatsoever.

Originally posted by: destrekor
I based my statements on smaller sets and my dislike. i don't really even like 19" LCD's that use 1280x1024... I think it doesn't look that great.

Just goes to prove my point that I made above. The people who wouldn't like to use these 1080P displays as a computer monitor are the same ones who wouldn't like the 22" widescreens since they are a bigger screen with the same resolution as a 20". Similar with a 17" versus 19", same resolution and some people don't like 19" LCDs.

That doesn't mean the display with the bigger dots are cruddier as computer monitors. That just means you (using destrekor as an example) have better eyesight (or better tolerance for squinting) than the people who like the bigger monitors. Higher DPI doesn't make a display "more" of a computer monitor.

 

[josh6079]

That just means you (using destrekor as an example) have better eyesight (or better tolerance for squinting) than the people who like the bigger monitors.

Hit "Ctrl" and " + " if you find yourself squinting for text. At least, that's what I'd do if it was really an issue for me.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: josh6079

That just means you (using destrekor as an example) have better eyesight (or better tolerance for squinting) than the people who like the bigger monitors.

Hit "Ctrl" and " + " if you find yourself squinting for text. At least, that's what I'd do if it was really an issue for me.

If you're gonna just increase font size or something, then why not just have a larger monitor with the same resolution?

 

[Rage187]

Originally posted by: nitromullet

Originally posted by: Rage187
Monitor


/thread

lawl...

Did you actually read beyond the first word? Almost all of the copy on that site points to this thing being sold as an entertainment display.

Maybe you missed the "Virtual Remodel" link at the bottom of the page that lets you see how your new LVM-37w3 and other Westinghouse TV's will look in various different living room settings (no offices or desks to choose from).

I read it before posting the link. Specifically the parts where it talks about having the same fat pipe for computer use. I also noted the fact that the Westinghouse site has the displays broken up into different categories. The one I linked to falls under HD Monitor. You'll notice that there is a category called LCD TV, which this does not appear.

So back to my point, where on that link does it call it a television? Ahh thats right, it doesn't.

 

[Yreka]

Originally posted by: xtknight
Is there any input lag on that for general desktop usage?

I haven't noticed any.

I was getting some weird anomolies scrolling webpages, and moving my cursor around over dark backgrounds.

When I went into calibrate my display, I noticed Nvidia Contol panel had the display set at 1080i instead of 1080p. Correcting that seems to have taken care of it, but I haven't spent much time with it since the change.

 

[nitromullet]

Originally posted by: Rage187
I read it before posting the link. Specifically the parts where it talks about having the same fat pipe for computer use. I also noted the fact that the Westinghouse site has the displays broken up into different categories. The one I linked to falls under HD Monitor. You'll notice that there is a category called LCD TV, which this does not appear.

So back to my point, where on that link does it call it a television? Ahh thats right, it doesn't.

I stopped calling it a "TV" in the last thread in which m21s and I disagreed about this. It's not a "TV", you're right... It is however an entertainment display designed to be a TV replacement for someone who doesn't have any use for a tuner because they have other means to acquire a signal.

In regards to the same fat pipe for computer use blurb, you just further prove my point. Why not quote the entire section, instead of referencing a statement out of context?

HD Cable, HD Satellite and HD Gaming
Because the LVM-37w3 is a true 1080p monitor, you can attach all your favorite sources using uncompressed digital interfaces. Multiple high-bandwidth digital interfaces mean high-performance HD digital cable, HD satellite and an HD game console. Additionally, PC and notebook users can enjoy the same fat pipe, along with industry-best Genesis Display Perfection® technology.

(highlights mine)

This pretty much goes along with what most of us are saying - meant for living room, but ("Additionally") can be used as a monitor for a PC or laptop.

two questions:

1) If it's meant to be used primarily as a PC monitor, why does it have 6 HD inputs, which are perfect for attaching numerous home entertainment devices, but not a single USB, Firewire, or card reader device, which have become pretty much standard on most higher end desktop displays?

2) Why does it come with a remote if you're supposed to sit with your face 2-3' away from it?

 

[Yreka]

Was it designed with intent for using in a living room ? Of course it was, in fact, thats how most retailers market it. Go into BestBuy ( when they used to carry it that is), was it with the Televisions or the Computer Monitors ? ( Hint: It was with the TV's )

That being said, was it designed to also be used as a PC monitor ? You bet. In fact, it does the job of "Computer Monitor" better than many screens designed for that sole purpose. Witness the thousands of posts across multiple forums from people who use this display as a computer monitor. I think I have read most of them, and there is an incredible ratio of positive to negative posts. I would hazard an estimation that 95% of the "PC use" posts are positive. Thats an incredible reception for a product, especially considering the cynical nature of the medium.

Its not a Computer Monitor, but it performs better for the task than many screens that hold the title as such.
Its not a Television, but it performs better for the task than many screens that hold the title as such. ( assuming you dont need a tuner )

Its a 1080P display, period. Its like the Great Taste, Less filling argument.. Its both ( well in the beer example, it was actually neither but you get the point )

 

[Aikouka]

1) If it's meant to be used primarily as a PC monitor, why does it have 6 HD inputs, which are perfect for attaching numerous home entertainment devices, but not a single USB, Firewire, or card reader device, which have become pretty much standard on most higher end desktop displays?

My Samsung 46" DLP HDTV even has a USB input for viewing pictures and junk on it

http://www.samsung.com/Products/TV/DLPTV/HLS4676SXXAA.asp?page=Specifications

I think the point is that manufacturers are trying to give you features you want. It seems there are a decent amount of people that want to use these with an HTPC or just as a computer monitor, so manufacturers are beginning to include standard DVI or VGA connectors (although even an HDMI can serve as a PC input, you just don't have integrated audio).

EDIT: Fixed the quote.

 

[josh6079]

If you're gonna just increase font size or something, then why not just have a larger monitor with the same resolution?

Because I don't just read all day. When gaming a smaller screen with the same resolution looks better than if that same resolution was stretched out to a higher real estate.

 

[Rage187]

Originally posted by: Aikouka

1) If it's meant to be used primarily as a PC monitor, why does it have 6 HD inputs, which are perfect for attaching numerous home entertainment devices, but not a single USB, Firewire, or card reader device, which have become pretty much standard on most higher end desktop displays?

My Samsung 46" DLP HDTV even has a USB input for viewing pictures and junk on it

http://www.samsung.com/Products/TV/DLPTV/HLS4676SXXAA.asp?page=Specifications

on the same note; most new sony tv's have firewire and card readers, does that make them all monitors?

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: Zap

Originally posted by: xtknight
Is there any input lag on that for general desktop usage?

None whatsoever.

Originally posted by: destrekor
I based my statements on smaller sets and my dislike. i don't really even like 19" LCD's that use 1280x1024... I think it doesn't look that great.

Just goes to prove my point that I made above. The people who wouldn't like to use these 1080P displays as a computer monitor are the same ones who wouldn't like the 22" widescreens since they are a bigger screen with the same resolution as a 20". Similar with a 17" versus 19", same resolution and some people don't like 19" LCDs.

That doesn't mean the display with the bigger dots are cruddier as computer monitors. That just means you (using destrekor as an example) have better eyesight (or better tolerance for squinting) than the people who like the bigger monitors. Higher DPI doesn't make a display "more" of a computer monitor.

this is true. I do want a much larger screen than a 17", but my jump up would have to be either a 20" with a higher res or a 24' with an even higher res. but higher res also means more muscle from GPU, which means I'd always have to have the top of the line card if I want to play the newest games. 1280x1024 gives me room, specially since I almost always play in 1280x800, or sometimes even in 1280x720.. depending on game and support for those resolutions.

 

[Aikouka]

Originally posted by: Rage187
on the same note; most new sony tv's have firewire and card readers, does that make them all monitors?

I don't recall even mentioning something like that; I was showing that not just displays have such features

Although I doubt I'll ever use it...

 

[Rage187]

Originally posted by: Aikouka

Originally posted by: Rage187
on the same note; most new sony tv's have firewire and card readers, does that make them all monitors?

I don't recall even mentioning something like that; I was showing that not just displays have such features

Although I doubt I'll ever use it...

I was referring to the Nitromullet quote you had in your post and agreeing with you.

 

[SirFelixCat]

OMG!!!

Just got this from Sam's Club and holy good God is this thing incredible!!!

Not a single thing wrong with it, and trust me, I was trying to find something...just to make sure it was in pristine condition. Firmware 1.0, no dead pixels, just perfect.

Since the parts for my new computer, which this will be the monitor for, will not be here until just prior to Christmas, this is my stand-in TV. I have it hooked up to my Motorola DCT6416 DVR thru component cables (HDMI tomorrow though), as well as my XBOX 360 with the 360 component cables and all I can say is WOW! My Mitsubishi 65" DLP 1080p WD-65831 will be here the week after Christmas, so this is just standing in until it and my computer (Click here for it!) gets here.

I have it set, thru the DVR, to output in 1080i and it looks really really good. And this is on SD channels. I can't wait to check out HD channels tomorrow when I get a HDMI cable!

I used a guy's component settings from avsforum and I am quite happy with this monitor/TV.

That being said, I do question how in the heck you guys set your backlight to "0". That is WAY too dark for me. Keep in mind that I am a shift worker and work nights and sleep during the day, and my "free" time is usually this time of night (1am-6am). So maybe I just need it brighter? Please shed some light on this for me, those of you who have your backlight to "0" (pun intended).

After coming from nothing but CRT TV's and monitors, I'm just spellbound by this display

When I get a charger for my digital camera (Christmas) I promise to post pics! I can only imagine playing WoW and Crysis on this puppy