using an HDTV as a computer monitor

[MrDudeMan]

I was considering a 30" LCD for my gaming PC, but I plan on sitting a little further away from it in my La-Z-Boy. I could get a 1080P lcd/plasma TV for half the cost with the obvious trade-off being lower resolution. I can't figure out if this matters or not for my purposes. Mostly I would use it to play games and also write code semi-frequently. If someone could please give me some good and bad outcomes to consider I would appreciate it.

 

[Modelworks]

Consider the viewing distance. I tried using a 32" for a desktop monitor and unless it was several feet away I had issues with having to turn my head too much to view parts of the screen.
One way you can decide on resolution is to print a paper with text the size it would display on the LCD at the resolution you expect to use. Tape it on a wall the distance you think the display will be then see how you like it and if that is comfortable for you.

Also check into the model and make sure you can turn off any processing features so you can display the output without it effecting the text sharpening with things like smoothing or noise filtering.

 

[BassBomb]

if you write code, text will become painful to some extent, at least this is on most HDTV's in my experience

 

[Number1]

You can't use a plasma TV as a monitor due to burn in issues.

 

[Anubis]

You can't use a plasma TV as a monitor due to burn in issues.

id agree using a plasma as a comp monitor works but it has the potential for many many issues.

my brother uses a 42in LCD for his comp monitor haven't heard him complain about it yet

 

[JoeBleed]

I use a 37" 1080p lcd tv as a computer monitor. It works well and the text is good.

Keep in mind though that my eyesight sucks and 1920x1080 resolution is pushing my eyesight to its limits so i couldn't use any higher resolution anyway unless it was a huge screen.

I've also read that todays plasmas will not have issues from burn in by being used as a monitor. something about built in pixel shift. But would you really leave it on a lot with out actually sitting there and using it?

My lcd also shuts down when it receives the monitor off signal setting. I would guess and hope that other tvs do this as well.

 

[Anubis]

Pixel Orbiter or whatever different brands are calling it now helps with IR/Burn In but its not foolproof. The only comp id hook up to a plasma is a HTPC

 

[MrDudeMan]

I've given it some thought over the last few days and decided I probably won't be doing much PC gaming anymore. I would primarily be using this computer to write code and use CAD/CAM programs. Maybe I should consider dual 27" monitors instead of a single 30" or larger HDTV. I'm a little worried about the pixel pitch on a 27" monitor though. I was looking at this, but it's lower resolution than my 24s (1920x1200) and that bothers me.

 

[Anubis]

If you are going to be doing cad/cam work go with one /two of these
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...4&sku=224-8284
or something very similar. you do NOT want a TN panel for cad work

granted they are pricey but all quality monitors are. all the cheap ones are going to be TN panels running 1920x1080 or if you are lucky 1920x1200. to get a larger resolution you have to spend the big bucks on a high quality 27 inch or a 30

if you don't want to spend that much money 2 of these would be the same price as 1 27
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...4&sku=320-8277

 

[AstroManLuca]

I use a 32" 1080p LCD and I love it. Some people love their high pixel pitches but I love being able to sit back and relax and still see everything fine. At 1080p it's comfortable from a few feet away and it can double as a small home theater system. The text is too small to read from a couch though.