Question about using HDTVs for the computer

[BigfootKevin]

I'm looking in to buying this TV. Now, I've never owned an HDTV before, so I'm trying to do as much homework as I can.

http://www.sharpusa.com/products/ModelLanding/0,1058,1834,00.html

Features

Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) Resolution
for the sharpest picture possible.
Vyper Drive Game Mode
eliminates perceptible lag between game console and display on TV.
Side Terminals
enable easy access to game connections.
Custom Remote Control
includes special Game button for quickly jumping to the side terminals and activating the Vyper Drive mode.
10,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio and 6ms Response Time
produces spectacular picture quality.
Three HDMI? Inputs, DVI-I, and Dual Component
for the ultimate in terminal flexibility. All are compatible with 1080p sources.
Wide Viewing Angles (176º H x 176º W)
Sharp's AQUOS viewing angles are so wide, you can view the TV clearly from practically anywhere in the room.
High Brightness (450 cd/m2)
AQUOS LCD Televisions are very bright. You can put them virtually anywhere ? even near windows, doors or other light sources ? and the picture is still vivid.
OPC Function
automatically alters brightness to adjust to changing room conditions.
Elegant New Design
with glossy black cabinet.
Built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC Tuners
provide access to DTV and analog TV channels1.

Specifications

Screen Size
(Diagonally
Measured) 32"2
Panel Type Advanced Super View/Black TFT LCD Panel
Pixel Resolution 1920 x 1080
Brightness 450cd/m2
Viewing Angles 176º H x 176º V
Lamp Life 60,000 hours3
Audio System 10 W + 10 W
Tuning System ATSC / QAM / NTSC

I can get it for $750 which is why im pretty interested. Are HDTVs ok for regular computer use? It'd be cool to have this for all my console game systems plus my PC since it has plenty of connections. Also, being able to play my PC games on 1920 x 1080 on a 32" screen makes me wanna drool.

I'm guessing this TV is fairly new? I can't seem to find any thorough reviews on this product.

 

[JBT]

Sounds fine to me. 3 HDMI ports is sweet....

 

[MDE]

Looks pretty good on paper.

 

[nullpointerus]

IIRC there was a thread about this monitor some weeks ago, and the owners were quite pleased with it. However, there was some unresolved issue about dynamically changing contrast that made the monitor annoying for PC use. You might want to look up the thread using the search tool or google with site:forums.anandtech.com in the search string.

 

[BigfootKevin]

Man, sucks that he was having problems with the changing contrast.

 

[Oakenfold]

Originally posted by: BigfootKevin

I can get it for $750 which is why im pretty interested. Are HDTVs ok for regular computer use? It'd be cool to have this for all my console game systems plus my PC since it has plenty of connections. Also, being able to play my PC games on 1920 x 1080 on a 32" screen makes me wanna drool.

I'm guessing this TV is fairly new? I can't seem to find any thorough reviews on this product.

How can you get this for $750?
:Q

 

[BigfootKevin]

Originally posted by: Oakenfold

Originally posted by: BigfootKevin

I can get it for $750 which is why im pretty interested. Are HDTVs ok for regular computer use? It'd be cool to have this for all my console game systems plus my PC since it has plenty of connections. Also, being able to play my PC games on 1920 x 1080 on a 32" screen makes me wanna drool.

I'm guessing this TV is fairly new? I can't seem to find any thorough reviews on this product.

How can you get this for $750?
:Q

I know a guy.. nah, I'm kidding Discounts & Accommodation program at work.

I've been reading this thread http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1171795
The guy here didn't mention having any problems with the automatic brightness changing.

 

[ra990]

There is a known issue with these sets regarding dynamic contrast changing. According to Sharp it is not a bug, but a designed feature. Its cool for video games, but when you are browsing web pages, the contract changes (sometimes drastically) between one webpage to the next. It gets very annoying. I would recommend looking at the Westinghouse 1080p LVM-37W3 model, they are getting really good reviews for PC use.

 

[Oakenfold]

Originally posted by: ra990
There is a known issue with these sets regarding dynamic contrast changing. According to Sharp it is not a bug, but a designed feature. Its cool for video games, but when you are browsing web pages, the contract changes (sometimes drastically) between one webpage to the next. It gets very annoying. I would recommend looking at the Westinghouse 1080p LVM-37W3 model, they are getting really good reviews for PC use.

Using a LC-32D62 for the past 3 weeks. I believe you are referring to OPC in the TV menu which can be disabled, I don't see why the New G series would not allow you to do this.

If It can't that would be really annoying! I'll have to see if any local stores carry the G series and try one out.

Now I remember This thread discusses the OPC option, keyword dynamic or opc

 

[BigfootKevin]

I just looked in the manual, located here: http://www.sharebigfile.com/file/127720/LC32-37GP1U-OM-pdf.html

On page 27, it shows that you can easily just turn OPC off.

 

[ra990]

From what I read in that thread, the OPC feature isn't the issue. People have turned that off and done plenty of other things, but the contrast shifting still occurs. I don't have any first hand experience with the set though, so I'm just going by all the stuff I've read on the internets.

 

[BigfootKevin]

Well, that's where I'm curious. Imyourzero didn't mention actually turning it off. All he said was "I switched the AVMODE to "USER" and it still adjusts the contrast." I don't think he actually turned OPC off.