Very large monitor for gaming

icingdeath88

Member
Feb 9, 2008
43
0
0
I am wanting a really big size, but not too high-res monitor for some medium/light gaming (Diablo, TF2, maybe some BF3, and actually considering picking up something else too). This is the setup (but 8 gigs of ram now): http://valid.canardpc.com/show_oc.php?id=509314
Basically, a GTX 260, SSD, and plenty of everything else.

I was kicking around the idea of like a 1080p 32 inch tv, since they're cheap nowadays. Maybe a plasma, since they supposedly don't have ghosting issues anymore. (?) But I'm also worried that a TV will have too much latency for gaming, but I have not played around with one for maybe 5 years now, so things could have changed since then and it would actually do fine.

Actual monitors go up to around 27 inches before they get too expensive, and are stupid high resolutions, that there's no way I'll be able to game at native resolution, and general computer usage at that high of resolution I have always found to be uncomfortable. Plus I'd like something in the 30 inch range.

The setup is going to be something in between a couch/TV stand and a desktop if you're wondering. Basically like if you put your TV on a your coffee table but used it from your couch, only less awkward. So viewing distance will be in between.

Any ideas for me?
 

paperwastage

Golden Member
May 25, 2010
1,848
2
76
Korean (catleap and other brands) IPS 27" 2560x1600 monitors from ebay shipped around $300-$400... you can use non-native resolution

:D

how about a monitor for regular use plus a projector?
 

icingdeath88

Member
Feb 9, 2008
43
0
0
27" seems like it might be on the small side, and a waste of resolution (resolution = $). But I suppose there's a decent chance I'll end up with something like that if I can't figure out something better.

I had thought about a projector, but there are too many windows in the room, unfortunately. Plus a cheap enough projector would probably be too low of resolution, right?
 

Monster_Munch

Senior member
Oct 19, 2010
873
1
0
It depends how close you sit. I use a 26" Iiyama LCD and honestly it's too big for me. If my desk was bigger and I could put it further away it would be ok.
 

piasabird

Lifer
Feb 6, 2002
17,168
60
91
If you purchase a TV just realize that some TV's have more of a delay than others. Some people have complained about problems with game mode being slower and less of a quality resolution. Typically I see a lot of people complain about delay from certain types of backlighting. Basically all LCD's and LED TV's are LCD. The only difference is how they are backlit. I have a couple of SAMSUNG TV's. The technology keeps improving. If you want to use a TV you would probably be limited to 1080p and you really need a video card with HDMI with FULL HDMI 1080p. I like how with a TV you can hook up the video with only one video cord and you get both video and sound. This is something they need to inculde in computer monitors, but it would probably just make them cost more.

Some TV people are really demanding and complain about every possible thing.

There are a lot of junky 32" 720p TV's with not much options like Ethernet or wireless, or maybe they dont have enough plugs. I have a couple of 40 inch Samsung TV's, and you do need to sit a few feet away to watch them well. However, they can be purchased with multiple inputs and you can switch back and forth between sources if you have a couple game consoles. So you need to look at every little option on a TV. They also cost more than your average monitor.
 

PowerYoga

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2001
4,603
0
0
it really depends on your setup. A 24" is perfect for me, and I have my 55" TV for couch-gaming.
 

Redshirt 24

Member
Jan 30, 2006
165
0
0
If your viewing distance is only going to be around 4' or so, I'd just go for the 27" monitor. A TV at that distance probably would be serviceable if you're aiming for 1080p, but it likely wouldn't look all that great until you got further away from it.
 

icingdeath88

Member
Feb 9, 2008
43
0
0
If you purchase a TV just realize that some TV's have more of a delay than others. Some people have complained about problems with game mode being slower and less of a quality resolution. Typically I see a lot of people complain about delay from certain types of backlighting. Basically all LCD's and LED TV's are LCD. The only difference is how they are backlit. I have a couple of SAMSUNG TV's. The technology keeps improving. If you want to use a TV you would probably be limited to 1080p and you really need a video card with HDMI with FULL HDMI 1080p. I like how with a TV you can hook up the video with only one video cord and you get both video and sound. This is something they need to inculde in computer monitors, but it would probably just make them cost more.

Some TV people are really demanding and complain about every possible thing.

There are a lot of junky 32" 720p TV's with not much options like Ethernet or wireless, or maybe they dont have enough plugs. I have a couple of 40 inch Samsung TV's, and you do need to sit a few feet away to watch them well. However, they can be purchased with multiple inputs and you can switch back and forth between sources if you have a couple game consoles. So you need to look at every little option on a TV. They also cost more than your average monitor.

The delay is probably my biggest concern with a TV instead of a monitor. Anyone know any TVs with a notably low latency?

Sound is a non-issue, I much prefer separate speakers (z2300s w/ z5500 satellites) straight out of an x-fi.

The current monitor is 1680x1050, which I'm very comfortable with. You guys are right about a 1080p TV being necessary. A quick look around has revealed that they don't really have those at less than 37", which might be on the big size... This one's a thinker.
 

rickon66

Golden Member
Oct 11, 1999
1,824
16
81
If you look around there are plenty of 32" 1080p TV's available.. I have a LG with mva panel that looks good as a monitor.
 

Slammy1

Platinum Member
Apr 8, 2003
2,112
0
76
I had this decision recently and got a 27" monitor (Samsung, 2ms). Been happy, still want something bigger for movies but for gaming I'd much rather have this monitor.