Using TV as a second monitor...

[Journer]

I'm going to be buying a big HD tv here in a little while and i was wondering if some people could tell me how their computer looks on their HDTV that would be awesome.

Right now I am leaning towards getting a 50" 1080i DLP big screen because of it's massive array of inputs and features, not to mention good price. If I dont get that I will most likely get a 42" plasma...and if not that, a large, but fairly priced LCD. I was just wondering how the HDTVs faired as second monitors...I would assume that an LCD would perform the best, then plasma, then DLP depite the native resolution...but I'm not sure. I don't plan on using it for any desktop functions...except maybe dual screening outlook/aim/etc. which makes me not want a plasma due to burn in problems. With that said, the MAIN purpose will be to run oblivion/BF2/Etc. on the big screen while doing other ****** on my 19" fujiplus...

I'm pretty sure it is not going to look as 'good' as it would on my fuji...i would suspect ghosting and other problems that low repsonse time monitors have, but thats not a huge concern because i just don't care that much unless it is a HUGE problem...

with that said...if anyone can reccomend a 37"+ HDTV that they know to perform well when running on the PC input that would be cool. Looking to spend ~$2000 preferably less...but chances are i'll spend more, lol

thanks!

 

[Journer]

anyone?

 

[pkme2]

A TV will not be what you want in a computer monitor. Poor picture, check the other video threads to get the in-depth answer.

 

[LittleNemoNES]

lol remember all the small print on some medicine and car commercials you can never read on your TV? Yeah... good luck using a TV to browse the internets.

 

[TheCanuck]

1080i won't look very good close up. Even 720p you'd need to be back about 8 feet. If you want to use it as a computer monitor (mostly) as well as HDTV then you should look into a 1080p LCD. DLP/Plasma are good for 8 to 10 feet away but fonts probably won't look that smooth if you're close to the screen.

Might want to look at something like this:

Westinghouse 42"

In the 37" range you might want to check this one out:

Sceptre 37:

 

[Journer]

hmmm...well lets say i only use it for oblivion and other games...think it will really look THAT bad?

 

[tbradsha]

I have a 1024x768 projector as a computer monitor, and I think it absolutely rules for video games and movies. All my friends agree. I assume a big screen HDTV would also be pretty awesome. Nothing like gaming on the big screen!

These days you can get an HD projector for less than $2000. The only big downsides with projectors are that they require a dark environment and their $400 bulbs burn out after around 2000 hours of use. But if you have a dark basement or light-controlled living room, there's no beating a projector. Measure your screen in feet, not inches! Plenty of info at www.projectorcentral.com and the avs forum.

As long as you have a regular computer monitor for text-heavy computer use, you will not regret getting a big screen for movies and games -- whether it be a big-screen HDTV or a projector. If you insist on a television, I think I heard good things about Sony's SXRD 1080p HDTVs. I think you can find the 50" models for less than $2500.

 

[Journer]

cool thanks for the info...

i almost bought a projector a while ago but its to much ****** to wire up and my room isnt big enough to get the kind of picture i want with one....i'm leaning towards a nice DLP big screen atm