advice on monitor

may i know any pros and cons of chosing TV over monitor?

i want to get a new display screen of 24" and i found some threads saying TVs of that display size cannot conpare to monitors in resolution, color etc etc.

And also in some threads, LED are less accurate in color spectrum than LCD although they save energy and newer technology.

TV is my consideration because i want to watch tv and a bit of console gaming.
my true usage is hardcore/online gaming and movies only.

Please advise.

 

Hi

First of all, to clear up a few misconceptions people have given you:

The only difference between a TV and a monitor is the presence of a TV tuner card in the device. You can get 1080p HDTVs and 1080p monitors... the difference will be, the monitor won't have a remote and the ability to use TV channels. For this reason, TVs are more expensive than monitors.

If you'd like to use the same screen for your computer AND as a TV, get a 1080p HDTV. They have 24" models available.

Also, the difference between LED LCD and regular LCD is LED LCD is supposed to be brighter, though I'm perfectly happy with regular LCD screens. I watch a lot of movies and use the computer a fair amount, and I have my computer screen (24") and a 42" LCD HDTV that I watch movies on (connected to my computer as well). LED LCDs do NOT use less energy than regular LCDs. In fact, they use more energy, as the LED is an extra feature. LED LCDs are more expensive than regular LCD screens for this factor as well. Also, I've heard that the LED backlit LCDs can be harder on the eyes for longer use (i.e. gaming).

Here's a 24" LCD 1080p monitor with a TV tuner card (so it's also a TV):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001425

 

thank you for your information
now my decision is firmed. i'm gonna go for 24" CCFL LCD TV for my computer.

 

The accuracy issue only affects a few people who use their monitor for precision type work - computer aided design (CAD) or computer aided engineering (CAE). For the vast majority of computer users, the vibrant colors and deep contrasts improve image quality.

I am afraid that is incorrect.

LED refers to the backlighting used only. Regular LCD monitors and TVs use CCFLs (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) to provide the backlighting, LED LCD monitors use LEDs (light emitting diodes) to provide the backlighting. LED is NOT an "extra" feature - LCD monitors use either LEDs or CCFLs for backlighting. LEDs monitors are more expensive only because they are new and like all new technologies, the prices will drop as popularity grows. I say "new" but they are not really - many cell phones and PDAs have been using LED backlighting for years. So we'll say new to computer monitors and TVs.

LED monitors are indeed, more efficient. CCFLs require inefficient inverters and generate heat (wasted energy). Therefore, LED monitors are 30 - 50% more efficient than same sized CCFL monitors. Note the ASUS 24" CCFL LCD consumes <60 watts while the ASUS 24" LED LCD consumes <32 watts - that's 47% better efficiency. And the price different is minimal.

LEDs can be individually dimmed to provide different contrasts in different areas of the screen while fluorescent backlighting is on, or off across the whole screen. While that does not affect accuracy, it does improve image quality.

TVs are generally sized with 16:9 aspect ratios while originally widescreen computer monitors were at 16:10. This is changing rapidly as more and more HD content (16:9) is used on computers, but it is still something to consider, and watch out for.

 

Hi guys,

I really appreciate this thread as I've had two monitors go bad in the last couple of months and am now desperate to replace at least one in the next couple of days.

I stopped by Bestbuy yesterday but their monitor display was off so I couldn't really compare anything other than specs. Mcmsc linked to practically the exact monitor I was considering (if I can find a store with working monitors to evaluate it).

I have a few questions I'd love to get your opinions on:

1) Is getting a HDTV monitor asking for trouble--in that you have one device doing two jobs? I won't be using the monitor as a TV but may occasionally use the picture-in-picture function to listen to TV rather than have a TV on behind me.

2) I haven't shopped for a monitor in a few years. I am partial to Samsung just from memory (until I get to actually compare in a store). I did notice that the resolution on most Samsung is 1920X1080 rather than 1920X1200 which I think goes to something Digerati mentioned. It appears that this aspect ratio may become a standard. Is it comfortable for PC use or is it a compromise for the TV combination? I think I would prefer 1920X1200 but don't want to ignore the trend if 1080 is becoming the standard. Digerati could you expand a bit more on this:

3) I am partial to a brighter display would LED backlit LCD be a must for me?

I know a lot of this is subjective but until I find a store with a few monitors to compare visually I'd like to understand the specs so I don't just pick up the first one that looks good if there are other things I should consider.

Thanks very much!

 

is it a fact or just a speculation, can you all help me verify?
because base on Digerati's information, i'm starting to confuse what to get.
i'm not gonna use my tv/monitor for pricise art/engineering works, so the eye problem above is the only thing left in my way to consider LEDs. and the brands i'll look for are samsung, viewsonic, nec. any suggestions?

 

I think you need to "see" for yourself because it can be subjective.

I note big screen TVs should be professionally calibrated once you get it in your home so the yellow box in the red car under the blue sky the director filmed are the same yellow, red and blue you see in your living room. However, I know of more than one person who paid for calibration only to not like the end result and they ended up re-adjusting to what looked good to them.

LED is here to stay and CCFLs are going away. But like everything, there are cheap models and expensive ones. I am sure an expensive CCFL monitor looks better than a cheap LED monitor. So to make a general statement as to which is better for you is also, subjective.

That said, TV and monitor makers are notorious for cranking up the contrast and brightness at the factory show the images looks bright and brilliant on the showroom floor under many bright lights. So you need to play with the settings (if adjustable). Note some digital (HDMI or DVI) connections don't let you make many, if any, adjustments.

 

Not sure there is a right answer. Do they harm your eyes? No. But because they can be brighter, sitting in front of a bright light all day can tire your eyes. But then you can usually turn the brightness down.

 

Yes, I know it is very subjective. I remember years ago when everyone said Sony Trinatron TVs were the sharpest picture I always thought that there was a trade off between sharpness and looking dim. I preferred RCA for a brighter picture.

I know I am just going to go with the one that looks best to me in store but I am curious on the aspect ratio. Would a 1920x1200 be better for PC viewing or should I go with the 1080? Most of my internet use is forums like this with mostly text. Very little movie watching. So I want to get a monitor that will be most comfortable scrolling text.

Waightzer, tell me about getting confused. :wave I thought this would be simple to just grab a monitor. I did read on Wikipedia that LED backlit LCDs use less energy as Digerati said. I'm more focused on a bright picture--I don't like greyed down contrast type pictures. I'm leaning towards LED backlit LCD but really need to see one in the stores for comparison.

 

I like green best, but I bought a blue truck.

Go to a store and connect to a forum and see how it "fits" - both in terms of the screen, and to your preferences.