Lcd Tv's for gaming?

May 30, 2005
46
0
0
How do lcd tv's compare to computer lcd monitors? Are they as equal or better for gaming? Do they have as fast or faster response time? I would like to know because I would like an all in one solution for watching tv and also playing pc/video games as well as standard internet browsing. Please help
 

Matthias99

Diamond Member
Oct 7, 2003
8,808
0
0
Generally, response times are pretty good on the larger LCDs (ironically, it's easier to make larger LCD crystals switch states quickly). They've also been using 'overdrive' technologies (which are in the latest generations of LCD PC monitors) longer. You might want to check out AVSForum for information on particular models that you are looking at. I don't know of any sites or magazines that have done extensive response time testing on LCD TVs (like what THG does for computer monitors).

Graphically, a good LCD 'monitor' will probably look better than a 'TV', and will usually have a higher resolution (unless you are looking at a 1080p LCD-TV), and will have a MUCH higher pixel density (a 30" 1280x720 LCD HDTV will not look good up close).

Some LCD/DLP/Plasma TVs also don't behave well when hooked up to a PC (they don't correctly report their resolution capabilities back to the computer, and they often cannot handle anything except 480p, 720p, or 1080i). Newer models are better in this regard; again, check out AVSForum for more information on particular TVs.

With gaming, you will have all the usual caveats of trying to use a widescreen display (see other threads for more information).
 

rbV5

Lifer
Dec 10, 2000
12,632
0
0
I have a ViewSonic N2750W which I currently use for just a TV (I can't recommend it for a standalone TV), but will soon use it for the display for my bedroom HTPC.

Its a 720p display, and I had it connected briefly to my Living room HTPC for testing. It has steller specs, but I suspect they are exaggerated.

I found it very nice for a PC display, and gaming was very nice as well as the desktop. I didn't notice ghosting in my short amount of testing, but there was plenty of WOW factor seeing HL2 at 720p on a 27" display (I use a 22" CRT for gaming), although it was a bit close on my desktop for ideal viewing.

HDTV PQ was excellent IMO, blacks are a bit on the gray side however, but still very nice. Analog NTSC PQ was below my CRT's, and the gray-blacks take bigger toll than with the HDTV, but still pretty good with a proper viewing distance.

The key is viewing distance, and at ~ 3', this 27" is an excellent HTPC display with good connectivety. I can recommend this particular model for PC use, but you'll want to research carefully as pricing and a number of models available make it a chore to get the right display.
 

imported_ST

Senior member
Oct 10, 2004
733
0
0
Originally posted by: PlatinumPrince
How do lcd tv's compare to computer lcd monitors? Are they as equal or better for gaming? Do they have as fast or faster response time? I would like to know because I would like an all in one solution for watching tv and also playing pc/video games as well as standard internet browsing. Please help

Here's my setup. Previously I had the Dell 2405FPW. Comparatively, if you intend on using it on just your desktop, it is better because of the higher res in a smaller density (pixel pitch). But after going to a a 37" 1920x1080 display as my main HTPC setup in the living room, it's hard to go back since games are more immersive, DVD / HDTV playback is phenomenal, and overall it just looks kool in the living room.