LCD HDTV as Monitor?

[Avishek]

Recently I built my first gaming PC. I was wondering if using an HDTV as a monitor would be a good or bad choice. I'm "needing" a TV, and a new monitor, so I was thinking that I should just get a TV that I could use as a monitor as well. Any thoughts?

 

[Tiamat]

Should be fine. Just make sure you are the proper distance away from the TV, and you don't accidentally feed the TV an inappropriate resolution from the computer. Proper distance in order to prevent "screen door effect" from sitting too close. Some TVs do not like being fed a non-HD or non-traditional resolution and may require a "pull power plug for 30 seconds" type of reset if you accidentally do that.

 

[jtvang125]

A HDTV is great for games and video material but not that great for text. At proper viewing distance it's sometimes hard to read text so you'll be forced to move closer to the screen. This can cause excessive scanning to see everything and cause eye strain.

 

[Plugers]

I use to to use a 37" 1080p Westy as a monitor, but switched back to my HP w2408h for the higher resolution. Both looked good though.

 

[zerocool84]

I'll play PC games sometimes on my 42" tv. It's great

 

[gorb]

I use a 40" lcd as my monitor...I sit ~4ft away or so. It's okay. I'd rather have a U2711 or something like that though.

 

[Rifter]

Great for games and movies but not so good for text. I used a 32" LCD TV for 6 months but ended up buying a monitor in the end.

 

[yh125d]

I had a 52" DLP on my desk. Worked great.