Large TN monitor vs. smaller HDTV

AdamK47

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
15,692
3,534
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I currently use a 32" LG LD450 HDTV as my main PC monitor. It has an S-IPS panel. Recently I had the chance to try out a new 27" TN monitor. The HP 2711x. After trying it out and playing with every setting possible with it, I cannot for the life of me see why monitors in this day and age continue to use TN panels. Why? When properly configured the LG 32LD450 blows it away. The 2711x costs $400. The 32LD450 cost me $450 six months ago. When properly configured, the text (and overall sharpness) of the HDTV matches the sharpness of the monitor while using HDMI/DVI. I have to override EDID to get the perfect 1:1 pixel mapping and sharpness with the HDTV, but by doing so it displays text and fine details just as sharp as any regular PC monitor. The colors, contrast, brightness, size, input/output options, everything surpass that of the 27" TN while being only $50 more. Does not compute.
 

Erudite21

Member
Jan 26, 2011
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Yeah, I use a 31.5" Sony Bravia 1080p TV that I bought on clearance at Best Buy last May for $400 after tax (an open box in perfect condition). No computer monitor can come close for that price. IPS screen, amazing picture quality, built-in tuner, and no visible SDE from my 26" viewing distance. I imagine it will be a long while before I ever upgrade from this display. I will only be enticed when quality 32" 120Hz 3D displays become available and are reasonably priced.
 

blanketyblank

Golden Member
Jan 23, 2007
1,149
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Large TN monitors are a ripoff imo. Same 1920 x 1080 resolution as a 21", but pixel density is much less. They are probably making a killing off of them since the cost to produce is so low and they can still charge a hefty premium for the size.
Personally I use a 42" plasma for entertainment, and a 20" MVA + laptop screen for work (as response time doesn't matter mostly blacks).
 
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Arkaign

Lifer
Oct 27, 2006
20,736
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Agreed, large TNs shouldn't be that expensive, it doesn't make any sense. FWIW, I've seen two recent 28" 1920x1200 TNs for $250, and both produce a great picture for daily use, my brother even plays BC2 on one with no visible input lag / smearing / banding. $400 for a 27" TN is a terrible deal. $250 for a 28" 1200p TN is pretty decent. Any more than that and getting a 1080p HDTV makes more sense. Most small HDTVs are 1366x768 garbage though.
 

NitroTurtle

Member
Jun 3, 2004
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I picked up a 32LD450 a few weeks ago also. Had to go through the same thing with the EDID fix to get it working correctly, but now it looks amazing. It replaced a 37" Westy that was starting to have issues and it looks considerably better. I also have a Dell 2707 that I got a few years back, and it's crazy that this LG looks better for half the price.
 

AdamK47

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
15,692
3,534
136
See, that's the thing. Seems as if most HDTVs don't map 1:1 with a PC out of the box.

With the EDID fix the LG 32LD450 gets 4:4:4 subsampling capability when using HDMI/DVI. Not many HDTVs support it, but this LG does. 32", S-IPS, low input lag, and supporting 4:4:4 subsampling are a few of the reasons it's a popular choice for use as a PC monitor. It's popular on the AVSForum. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1257131