Using a HDTV as a monitor

[jaytech]

HDTVs have a RGB/VGA input and I was looking to use it as a monitor and a TV. Has anyone tried doing this?

 

[Workin']

I haven't tried it - HDTV's are expensive.

But -- If the TV has a VGA connector (and many HDTV's do), you can use it as a big expensive monitor. Just make sure your resolution/refresh is set within the TV's specs.

 

[gurulegend]

You must control the timing on your video output. HDTV's are not mulitsync monitors; they require 1920x1080i 60Hz (1080i) for instance.

Check out http://www.avsforums.com specifically the Home Theatre Computers Forum.

 

[jaytech]

Thanks for the link. I will also take my laptop over the electronic store and see which one looks the best and post which one I decide to get.

 

[shine]

Thanks for asking this question Jay. I've been wondering about it for awhile too. I thought the HDTVs had a different aspect ratio than a video card could provide. (or is that what gurulegend is saying?)

this was in August's maximum pc http://www.princetongraphics.com/products/ar27tar32t1.htm

 

[jaytech]

There is a guy named "Mark Rejhon" who writes a lot of articles on this very subject. I was very impressed and it will help out a lot. Below is a link to this articles. enjoy!

http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/Forum12/HTML/003551.html

 

[Mday]

aspect ratio is not hardwired into the video card. the video card will run at whatever res the OS tells it to, so it depends on drivers...

HDTV has a lower native res than certain monitors, so it's going to be pretty annoying. but it's a huge screen.

it is very possible, and i think i remember reading about it, not from those URLs posted of course...

 

[Erasmus-X]

I don't know why you'd want to use a digital TV as a monitor (kind of expensive, don't you think?). This is especially considering that most digital TVs that have a VGA input can only support up to 800x600 resolution at 60Hz. That's just plain nasty in today's day and age.

 

[jaytech]

You definitely addressed my biggest concern. The prices are all under $2K, but the quality of picture is the reason why I am checking into this very carefully. The couple of monitors that go beyond the 800 x 600 @60Hz range are listed as follows:

Princeton AR3.2T
- $1999.00
- 800 x 600 @75Hz
- 1024 x 768 @60Hz

Proton MM2701VT
- $1700.00
- 800 x 600 @75Hz
- 1024 x 768 @60Hz

Reason why to get a HDTV and use it for a monitor?

Entertainment - DVDs, Digital Television, better picture for VCR and regular TV transmissions, and it ummm...looks awesome!
Stock trading - Ability to watch what the market is doing and trade stocks at the same time.
Computer professionals - I am a computer contractor that needs to be on the computer most of the day. Why not make that experience the best part of your day.

 

[shine]

Then again Jay, It might be better to wait, as always. They will only get better, and it is an investment.

Here's the setup I'm waiting for:
DirectTV reciever with Integrated Tivo or Replay (with the oval dish to reach the 110 degree sat. for HDTV and My local signals.)

Sound system, I have no idea, something loud with big speakers.

A HDTV/Display that I can read text comfortably, and under $1000 I'd say.

 

[SUOrangeman]

Why fake the funk?

http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/wega/products/kw34hd1.html

-SUO

 

[jaytech]

Sony Vegas are nice...but $8999.99 even if they incl. A/V Cabinet is a little too much not to fake the funk. Besides, for $9K you could get a projection or even a plasma screen.

Shine, I not too excited about paying a month charge for Tivo so I will probably opt for Replay unless anyone knows of any computer software that can do the same thing as Tivo or Replay.

As for HDTV/Display under $1000, check out Hitachi 27MMV30B.

Some dishes come with a Dobly Digital output like JVC (HM-DSR100U) and RCA (DRD515RB)

Undecided about speakers, check out Home Theater Buyer's Guide (Summer 2000) which lists information, products, prices and features.

 

[Workin']

I think the ATi Radeon TIVO or forthcoming Radeon All-in-Wonder might have some of ReplayTV's functionality. And if they don't, it's probably only a matter of time.......