What is Difference b/t HDTV and Computer Monitor?

[GobbleDgook5000]

It's been a long time since I've owned a real kick-ass gaming rig. I'm looking to have one built very soon.

I'm wondering what is the difference these days between an HDTV and a more traditional computer monitor, if there even is one?

This is an area I'm rather confused about... (I'm not sure I care about touchscreen capability.)

I really want whatever can provide the best graphics, but at the same time, I can find a great deals on a used HDTV..

I don't have cable and watch all my TV & Movies online, so hooking up to a traditional TV feed is not important to me.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Huge difference. Monitors are just more vibrant/crisp and produce better color.

I have a 40" Samsung LCD and 24" Samsung TN panel. 24" just look MUCH better.

I also has a lot to do with size of pixels/dot pitch. HDTVs have much bigger pixels.

Then there is my Dell IPS panel which blows away BOTH. Color reproduction is just more accurate and it looks SO much better than my 24". In Red Orchestra 2, my 20" looked better at lower resolution and graphics settings than my 24" with 1200p and all setting maxed out.

 

[SlowSpyder]

A few differences: HDTV's typically top out at 1080P, monitors are often available in higher resolutions. Many cheaper monitors use cheaper panels that don't have as good of viewing angles or colors as more expensive monitors or HDTV LCD panels. A 120Hz LCD monitor is really a 120Hz display, not a simulated 120Hz (or 240Hz) display as with HDTV's.

A lot of people seem to toy with the idea of getting a 40-42" HDTV as a monitor, and depending on the setup and the person that may work fine, and they are pretty inexpensive these days. But, as an example, a 42" HDTV will be no higher than 1920x1080 resolution, a 30" monitor can be as high as 2560x1600 resolution. Just an example.

 

[GobbleDgook5000]

well, I guess that answers my question, I will look to go with a good computer monitor for sure. Thanks!

as a follow-up question:

- Can I hook-up a console and/or BluRay player directly to a modern monitor?

 

[OptimumSlinky]

well, I guess that answers my question, I will look to go with a good computer monitor for sure. Thanks!

as a follow-up question:

- Can I hook-up a console and/or BluRay player directly to a modern monitor?

So long as it has an HDMI input (which many do), yes.