LCD PC monitor as TV?

[Slickone]

Since LCD PC monitors are pretty cheap now, I was thinking of buying one to use as a TV to hang on the wall behind my PC. Why are the LCD "TV's" so much more expensive (just for a tuner)?

Do they have places on the back to allow being hung on the wall? Else I could sit it on top of my CRT. I could then use it as a dual display also.

How can I get my cable TV to the LCD? I don't have digital cable.

How would I change the channel?

Do most of them have speakers?

Any other snags?

 

[Slammy1]

I watch TV on my LCD using a 9700Pro AIW, but any tuner card should work. I also have a cordless keyboard and mouse to change channels, but they also have remptes. I'd say there's a consumer price hike for the TV monitors. Computer monitors are cheaper, better contrast ratio, and response time is much lower (important if you watch sports). Some weaknesses in the picture come out more, but OTOH DVD playback is much better (though not as good for darker movies like the Matrix, colorful movies/animation are much better).

 

[Slickone]

I was hoping to not have to run it through the PC. Is there another way?

 

[Slickone]

Loooking for more feedback on this.

 

[Plester]

viewsonic nextvision n4, n5 ,n6 all will do the trick. also planar and one other manufacturer makes an external tv tuner box, no pc required. the N5 is probably the best bang for the buck.

 

[Doh!]

I know Samsung makes TV tuner-intergrated LCD monitors.

 

[Booster]

It would be possible if you get an LCD monitor with S-video in jack, some Hyundai models have it and their cheaper, and connect just a cheap VCR to it (they have a built-in TV tuner for a cheaper price than a stand alone one), and connect the VCR audio out either to the monitor's built in speakers or external ones, this setup you can get for under $500.

 

[Plester]

You don't need a LCD with S-Video in, all you need is the external tv tuner box w/ d-sub out - all the products I mentioned have it. Believe me - I use a viewsonic Nextvision w/ a Dell 1800FP. It is very simple - the products are there.

 

[Slickone]

The LCD monitors sold as 'LCD Flat Panel Televisions' are too expensive for me, which seem to be about $900 and up for a 17", and $1300 and up for a 20".
I also don't want to have to buy an external $150 tuner. This idea came to me when I noticed 18"+ LCDs (in Hot Deals) for $400 or so from Dell. The CRT TV I am wanting to replace is a 19" so since that's 18" viewable, a 18" LCD would be OK, though a 19" would be even better, if $500 or less. I'm not sure if any from Dell would have S-video though. Most of the good deals at dell.com are Samsung rebadged as Dell.

The S-video/VCR thing sounds good. I'm having trouble finding one that has an S-video jack though. And I've never been able to find Hyundai's consumer electronics website. Anyone know? Or any other brands?

 

[Plester]

you are making it nearly impossible to pull this off if you are going to try and do the VCR/s-video thing. The external tuners can all be had other than the N6 (which is HD capable) for under 100 clams on fleabay. I have gone down this route and did plenty of research, but if you want break new trail and do it some other way... your prerogative. I'm just trying to pass on my experience doing EXACTLY what you hope to do.

ps. Paid $389 for the Dell FP1800 and $90 for the Nextvision.

 

[Slickone]

Sorry, I was just going by what Booster said. Why is it nearly impossible?

Maybe I could do $479. Where did you purchase yours? PM if you want.

 

[Slickone]

Also, would this LCD be OK?

 

[Plester]

megavision...who knows

 

[Slickone]

You said you got one for $90. The N4 is $96 at newegg, cheapest I see. So what does the N5 add that you recommend it for?
Too bad it isn't a little smaller. Where did you put yours?