Need some advice: buying a big monitor/small HDTV

[Harb]

Here's my situation: I'm a college student on a quest to make a nice theater system for my dorm.

I've been wanting to do this for a while, and I've already started buying stuff. I bought a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty sound card and a set of Logitech Z-5500 5.1 speakers (HUGE upgrade from my old setup: on-board 5.1 and Creative Inspire 5200's ). To go with this formidable sound system, I want a pretty nice screen.

I'm currently using a 19" ViewSonic LCD that, at the time I bought it, was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Don't get me wrong, I love this thing. It's just not suitable for what I want to do. I want to have a display that I can sit back and chill with a bunch of friends and watch a movie, or maybe play some Halo or Guitar Hero or what have you. I'm sure this is basically the same situation encountered by many a person building a media-centric computer, but I don't have any desire to get the HUGE HDTV's that I often see people getting with this type of setup. I've done some searches for other people with a similar setup, but all I see are people with beefy HDTV's (42"+). I can't go that big, because the standard Ohio State-issue desks are only 40" across and maybe 2.5 feet deep. I was in a professor's office and he was using one of the 30" Apple HD Cinema Displays, or at least I think it was one of those. It was an Apple, and it was quite large. Sadly, I refuse to pay the riduculous prices that Apple asks for these things, so I must search elsewhere.

Honestly, I don't know whether I should go with a traditional monitor or an HDTV. So rather than pick a direction and ask questions that may be completely irrelivant, I'll just describe my 'ideal display' and ask if there is anything like it out there. I think around 32" is about the appropriate size for a screen for what I want. I want to be able to do all the normal computer stuff on it; typing papers, wandering the interwebs, gaming, and all the rest. I would also really like if it had component inputs so I could connect stuff like game consoles to it. As far as TV goes, I would likely just use my current TV tuner card (or possibly upgrade to one with 2 tuners). Movies would just be DVD's played through my computer. The dorm I'm in this year and the one I will be in next year aren't sardine cans, but they aren't massive by any means. Next year's room poses some space issues not for setting up the display, but I don't have a ton of freedom with seating. When I use the system as a computer, I wouldn't be able to lounge back 5 or 6 feet with a wireless keyboard; I'd be sitting at the desk like normal. Watching movies/playing games with friends is a different story; we'll be able to sit back a bit. I'm sure this viewing distance restriction would effect the type of display I get as well as all the other factors.

Are there any products out there that resemble this? I know you can run an HDTV as a computer monitor, but I'm worried about losing definition and a large pixel pitch. Would I need 1080p, or would 720p suffice? I could just as well get a monitor of this size, but once you hit the 30"+ mark, prices just go bonkers. I don't really want to pay more than my dad's new Samsung 42" plasma TV for a 30 or 32" monitor that has none of the functionality and connectivity as the TV. Price is a factor for me; I have some cash to spend but I don't want to break the bank; I plan on re-building my computer over the summer once I get back to my job at home, and I'd like some cash left over to put towards that. 800$ or so would be my 'ideal' range, but I could go higher if need be.

Thanks for reading all this, and even more thanks for any help offered. I know there are probably some FAQ's or guides relating to this very topic, and trust me; I looked. I just couldn't find them. If there are such things, feel free to link me to them as well as toss out advice specific to my situation.

*edited in some stuff about room size*

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Welcome to AT.

In my dorm what I did was keep a regular monitor for everyday computer use and then got a projector for use with movies and games. It hardly took up any space at all and got me a huge screen for when I wanted to watch something.

I know that's not for everyone, but I thought I'd mention it as an option.

Yeah, getting a 30" Computer LCD wouldn't be a good idea for what you have planned since they have 2560x1600 resolution and need a dual-link DVI connection to get that resolution. Hooking up gaming systems and such would be hard to do.

It sounds like you're going to be right up at normal computer distance when using it for computer use. That makes it kind of tough to get a good sized computer display. Most HDTVs will have a resolution of 720p or 1366x768 in the 30" size range, which I personally wouldn't find too appealing at that seating distance. The 37"+ displays start to give you the nicer 1080p resolution, but at that seating distance, that's probably still not going to look so hot, plus you'll have a hard time seeing the whole screen at the same time.

There are some 32" 1080p displays coming out, but they're still pretty expensive. That's probably what you'd want to shoot for.

If you could keep your current monitor for everyday usage, then maybe a 720p / 768p 32" display would be a better idea. The lower resolution is really only going to matter for when you're reading text and such. It would still look great for games and movies. You can get a decent 32" for about $500-$600 now.

 

[s44]

Check out this thread in the Video forum.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: s44
Check out this thread in the Video forum.

Yeah, unfortunately those are about $1k (or more depending on the version)

 

[Harb]

Thanks for the reply.

I considered the projector idea, but there are just too many 'what if's' next year for that to be viable. The dorms I'm in now would be ok for it; I would just have to take down some posters and the wall behind my current screen would be fine. But next year, the dorm walls are't uniform and I don't know what to expect. One room may have a horrid yellow color, one may have corkboard on it, one may be a painted cinderblock wall.

I'll probablly be waiting for a while to do this anyway now that I think about it, so I may have to look into those 32" 1080p screens in the future. I'm going to do some windowshopping and see what I like and don't like at the local Microcenter, just to get some real-world examples of the 720p stuff. What is the difference between 1366x768?

Also, when working with that type of resolution on that big of a screen, how do computer applications look? I know that when going from my native 1280x1024 to 1024x768 or even 800x600 on this screen, icons on the desktop and such get larger as resolution goes down. Is this the same when dealing with these big screens? I don't really want to be looking at a 5 inch tall "My Computer" icon.

 

[Vogel515]

We had a projector in our dorm room, and the walls were an awful color and a project screen costs a ton... so we went out and bought a flat kitchen blind $10, worked perfectly and we hung it from the ceiling. Looked just like a projector screen, worked like a window blind.

 

[MegaVovaN]

Originally posted by: Harb
Thanks for the reply.

I considered the projector idea, but there are just too many 'what if's' next year for that to be viable. The dorms I'm in now would be ok for it; I would just have to take down some posters and the wall behind my current screen would be fine. But next year, the dorm walls are't uniform and I don't know what to expect. One room may have a horrid yellow color, one may have corkboard on it, one may be a painted cinderblock wall.

isn't this why they sell projector screens? basically a white material that rolls down from the tube, giving you white, smooth screen for projector rays.

edit: if no money for projector screen, see post above

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: MegaVovaN

Originally posted by: Harb
Thanks for the reply.

I considered the projector idea, but there are just too many 'what if's' next year for that to be viable. The dorms I'm in now would be ok for it; I would just have to take down some posters and the wall behind my current screen would be fine. But next year, the dorm walls are't uniform and I don't know what to expect. One room may have a horrid yellow color, one may have corkboard on it, one may be a painted cinderblock wall.

isn't this why they sell projector screens? basically a white material that rolls down from the tube, giving you white, smooth screen for projector rays.

edit: if no money for projector screen, see post above

You can make your own too
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=38&threadid=1959097&enterthread=y

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Harb
Thanks for the reply.

I considered the projector idea, but there are just too many 'what if's' next year for that to be viable. The dorms I'm in now would be ok for it; I would just have to take down some posters and the wall behind my current screen would be fine. But next year, the dorm walls are't uniform and I don't know what to expect. One room may have a horrid yellow color, one may have corkboard on it, one may be a painted cinderblock wall.

I'll probablly be waiting for a while to do this anyway now that I think about it, so I may have to look into those 32" 1080p screens in the future. I'm going to do some windowshopping and see what I like and don't like at the local Microcenter, just to get some real-world examples of the 720p stuff. What is the difference between 1366x768?

Also, when working with that type of resolution on that big of a screen, how do computer applications look? I know that when going from my native 1280x1024 to 1024x768 or even 800x600 on this screen, icons on the desktop and such get larger as resolution goes down. Is this the same when dealing with these big screens? I don't really want to be looking at a 5 inch tall "My Computer" icon.

Well a 5 inch tall "My Computer" is probably what you'd be looking at from a 480p projector on a ~100" screen, but you'd be sitting farther away of course.

1366x768 panels are basically advertised as 720p. Just sort of the way things go... there have been some threads about that issue in the past if you want to look them up (or try to with our POS search here).

I would highly recommend looking at some displays in person hooked up to a computer that's showing text. That's really the only way you're going to be able to tell how things are going to look. A display might look great for gaming and movies, but text is where the big problems might come in based on screen size / resolution / seating distance.

 

[CheetoBandito]

I use a 32" 720p Westinghouse as my budget computer monitor/gaming monitor and it works fine. It cost me $500 and I'm pretty happy with it. My only gripe is that when watching a high-def movie the ghosting is a little noticable in panning shots with clearly defined edges. However, those are instances are very few and far between and my girlfriend doesn't even notice them. I'd recommend it.

 

[Harb]

Thanks very much for the replies everyone; I've found my new favorite hardware forum

I looked at the thread linked to by s44, and although it is higher than what I wanted to spend, I do really like the Sharp Aquos LC-32GP1U. I've gotta do some more research on it, but it looks more or less like just what I need. Then again, there is still much more research to be done overall and I'm in no rush, but I know much more now than I did when I posted this.

Also, in regards to the projector idea, those are some good arguments for one. However, I just don't know if I like the idea of a projector. Maybe it's just one of those things where I won't like it 'till I try it, but right now it just doesn't appeal to me very much. I'll look into it sooner or later in person at a store, but for now I think I'm going to go with a normal display.

Again, thanks everyone

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Yeah, projectors certainly aren't for everyone. I was very reluctant at first to get into them, but after using a couple, I'd have a hard time going back to a conventional display unless I was somehow able to afford a huge one on a small budget.

AVSforum would be a great place to check out for more ideas. The HTPC area will have lots of opinions and options for someone in your situation.

 

[RaiderJ]

As mentioned, a 32" 720p TV would be perfect. $500 or so if you look around for a deal. Use your 19" for everyday stuff, and have your LCDTV for the second monitor & gaming/movie watching.

 

[Harb]

I could use the 19" for everyday stuff, but space is rather limited both on the desk and in the car. Getting all this crap to/from school at the beginning and end of the year and over winter break is going to be a pain; it was a hassle with the 19" and Creative speakers and I can't imagine what 32" and the 500 watt Logitech's are going to do to my cargo space

If I could get a 1080p 32" and have it do everything, I'd pay around 1000-1100$. But again, I can only learn so much without actually seeing this stuff in person. Next time I have access to a car I'm going to drive around to the local Microcenter and other electronics stores to see what's what with these displays.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Harb
I could use the 19" for everyday stuff, but space is rather limited both on the desk and in the car. Getting all this crap to/from school at the beginning and end of the year and over winter break is going to be a pain; it was a hassle with the 19" and Creative speakers and I can't imagine what 32" and the 500 watt Logitech's are going to do to my cargo space

If I could get a 1080p 32" and have it do everything, I'd pay around 1000-1100$. But again, I can only learn so much without actually seeing this stuff in person. Next time I have access to a car I'm going to drive around to the local Microcenter and other electronics stores to see what's what with these displays.

Just be glad you're still on logitech size

 

[Jules]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Welcome to AT.

In my dorm what I did was keep a regular monitor for everyday computer use and then got a projector for use with movies and games. It hardly took up any space at all and got me a huge screen for when I wanted to watch something.

I know that's not for everyone, but I thought I'd mention it as an option.

Yeah, getting a 30" Computer LCD wouldn't be a good idea for what you have planned since they have 2560x1600 resolution and need a dual-link DVI connection to get that resolution. Hooking up gaming systems and such would be hard to do.

It sounds like you're going to be right up at normal computer distance when using it for computer use. That makes it kind of tough to get a good sized computer display. Most HDTVs will have a resolution of 720p or 1366x768 in the 30" size range, which I personally wouldn't find too appealing at that seating distance. The 37"+ displays start to give you the nicer 1080p resolution, but at that seating distance, that's probably still not going to look so hot, plus you'll have a hard time seeing the whole screen at the same time.

There are some 32" 1080p displays coming out, but they're still pretty expensive. That's probably what you'd want to shoot for.
I use a 32inch 1366x766 for my main desktop and its fine

If you could keep your current monitor for everyday usage, then maybe a 720p / 768p 32" display would be a better idea. The lower resolution is really only going to matter for when you're reading text and such. It would still look great for games and movies. You can get a decent 32" for about $500-$600 now.

 

[Harb]

Yeah, I just went to Microcenter to look around. The only example of an HDTV as a monitor was a Sceptre Komodo x42gv. It more or less failed my requirements; text was fairly blurry and up close it looked bad.

However, it was running at 1360 x 768 (I forgot to ask the guy to change it to 1920x1080). How much of a difference is there between these two resolutions?

 

[swankypimp]

I was in a similar situation a few years back and spent over a grand on a Sharp Aquos 26" LCD TV. I haven't regretted it at all. Picture quality on HDTV and DVDs are significantly better than on your budget LCD panels, and computer (through DVI) is good at 1280x768 resolution. Now days you can get one on eBay for under $600 shipped, which is a great bargain for such a nice display.

 

[Harb]

After a lot more research, it looks like the Sharp Aquos LC-32GP1U 32" 1080p display is a dead ringer for what I want. Dunno when I'll get it; I may hold out for the price to go down a bit or I may just bite the bullet and tell myself "you get what you pay for".

So, looks like case closed. Thanks everyone