Please help me choose a monitor

[mrred]

I'm looking to buy a screen in the 24-28inch range to run my xbox360 and computer on.

I really only want to have the single display, so I'm worried that an HDTV will not have a high enough resolution to display text (I'll be using it for school work).

I'm wondering if some of you video gurus can give me some advice in what to choose.

I am thinking that an LCD monitor would be the best option, since it will allow the high resolutions for PC use, and will still look great with my xbox360 (I hope).

Are there any drawbacks to running an xbox through an LCD monitor? I guess I would need a monitor with a low latency for the gaming.

Also, I'll definitely be needing one that has HDCP support.

Can somebody help me please?

 

[FiLeZz]

dell 2407 would fit the bill

 

[KeithTalent]

Get the BenqFP241W as it does true HD which will ensure both your PC and 360 experiences are maximized: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824014124

Cheers,
KT

 

[mrred]

Thanks for the responses.

I'm checking out that BenQ.

Does anyone know anything about the Acer AL2616WD 26inch?

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: mrred
Thanks for the responses.

I'm checking out that BenQ.

Does anyone know anything about the Acer AL2616WD 26inch?

Now I am no monitor expert, but from what I have read about that Acer it does not support 1:1 pixel mapping so any 1080p content you play on it (I think the 360 does 1080p now IIRC) will be stretched and, therefore, not look that great.

 

[GimpyFuzznut]

The BenQ does the same so again, it sucks. Everything gets stretched so I don't understand the point. It says it supports full HD which 1920x1024 and then it stretches it to 1920x1200. Is that what you call supporting full HD?

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: GimpyFuzznut
The BenQ does the same so again, it sucks. Everything gets stretched so I don't understand the point. It says it supports full HD which 1920x1024 and then it stretches it to 1920x1200. Is that what you call supporting full HD?

May be getting fixed soon though Link :

Update (19/11/06): there has recently been word across the internet that there would be a firmware update for the FP241W to fix the main gripe everyone seemed to have with the screen, the lack of aspect ratio options and 1:1 pixel mapping. We can confirm that UK management at BenQ have confirmed that this WILL be happening, and while there is limited detail at this time, BenQ have stated that the "24W series will have new firmware to phase in new functions, such as display mode//Windows Vista-DDC/CI". This confirmation only came on Friday, and more details will follow soon. This upgrade will not be possible by the user directly, and I would imagine screens would need to be sent to service centres for the update to be applied. New stock after a certain point (expected December) will have this updated firmware in place.

Looks like if you can hold out for a while this will be fixed. Hopefully it's true.

 

[GimpyFuzznut]

In that case, the BenQ might be a good idea. They sell them at Costco so you could maybe pickup one up later and if it doesn't have the fix, return it. I wouldn't touch it until it did though. I hate stretching so much, it makes me mad!

 

[Wellsoul2]

HDTV is only good if you sit far away..gives headache

 

[mrred]

Hmmm yes I think stretching would probably be pretty annoying when I'm playing xbox.

Are there any big LCD monitors which have 1:1 pixel mapping? Also, good refresh rate etc.?

Thanks for the replies so far ppl!!! I've already learned alot.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

How far away to you plan on sitting?

 

[mrred]

When using it for PC purposes (word, internet etc) I'll be relatively close... probably 2-4 feet away.
When I'm playing Xbox I'll be as far away as is comfortable. I can't really say exactly how far 'cause I will move my chair to make things feel good.

I'm pretty sure ~26inches would be an ideal size for my purposes. My current setup is 2 20inch CRT's side by side.

 

[mrred]

Does anyone know of any large LCD monitors with 1:1 pixel mapping?