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General discussion

HD LCD Monitor Resolution questions

Aug 21, 2006 6:24AM PDT

Ok, so I'm looking for a computer monitor to use for my PS3 in my room.(Once I get one.... a PS3 that is, not a room)

Don't need a big one, I'm just looking at things around 17-19'' widescreen. Most of the ones I've seen have a resolution of 1440 x 900. I've been told this will run in 720p, but I've also heard that there will be a fair amont of stretching going on, due to not running in its native resolution.
What max resolution will run 720p the best? I'm basically looking for a monitor with a native resolution to run 720p well without any major stretching, etc, and 1080i/p are most likely out of my price range as well.

Discussion is locked

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re: HD LCD Monitor Resolution questions
Aug 21, 2006 7:35AM PDT

since the ps3 isn't out yet, its pure speculation to try to figure out what PC resolutions it will accept. however, for guaranteed 720p compatibility, you'll need a monitor that can accept a high-def TV signal either via HDMI (or DVI w/HDCP) or component inputs. (i wouldn't trust plain DVI on a monitor due to copy protection.)

most lcd tvs are 1366x768 so scaling is commonplace and to be expected. (note, scaling is different than stretching.) however, most monitors are 16x10 instead of 16x9 so there may be some stretching but you'll have to decide if its suits your personal taste.

i suggest you look at these monitors:
samsung 215tw, 20" 1680x1050, about $470
http://www.samsung.com/Products/Monitor/LCD_Digital/LS21DPWABXAA.asp

westinghouse lcm-22w2, 22" 1680x1050, $400 at BB
https://www.westinghousedigital.com/pc-60-3-22-widescreen-monitor.aspx

both accept TV high-def inputs.

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PS3 Output is HDMI
Aug 21, 2006 2:48PM PDT

Ah whoops... I should probably add that the PS3 will have HDMI output, so whichever monitor I end up getting, I'm also planning on getting a HDMI/DVI converter.
Thanks for the response... also I'm not too familiar with the differences between stretching/scaling.. basically I'm looking for minimal image distortion. I had heard that in extreme cases, forcing LCD monitors to output in their non-native max resolution can cause that distortion, and in some cases make the picture look worse than it would on a non-HD screen. That's basically what I'm trying to avoid, by finding a monitor thats native resolution will best match up with 720p.

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If play PS3 in a regular DVI monitor....
Feb 22, 2007 11:32PM PST

This stuff might work for you.

It call "GameSwitch" and designed for PS3 displayed in DVI monitor or LCD

http://www.green-box.com.tw/products/view/id/104

GAMESWITCH

Play PlayStation? 3 on a DVI Monitor

Introduction
Play PS3 on a DVI monitor is not a dream anymore! GAMESWITCH makes it become reality. It allows you to play PS3 on a regular DVI monitor, plus its switch function, you can either play PS3 or operate PC. You can play 1080p high quality game on a DVI monitor through GAMESWITCH and don?t have to play on expensive HDMI enabled LCD TV only. Now enjoy PS3 not only in living room, but also besides your PC !

Features

1. Switch PlayStation? 3 and one DVI displayed PC to one DVI monitor and stereo speaker
2. Support 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
3. Compliant with DVI 1.0
4. Auto and manual channel selection, an external button is attached
5. Electronic design
6. LED status to indicate the source displayed
7. Magnetic pad and attachable metal plate to ease the installation

Connection
http://www.green-box.com.tw/images/illus_ps3_s201.gif

Media Review in GAMER
http://gnn.gamer.com.tw/2/25732.html

Some Test Pictures of Game Switch

20" DVI LCD Monitor(ACER AL2032W) 1920x1080@60Hz (1080p) *Ridge Racer 7*
http://www.jpegr.com/uploads/1/G01.jpg
http://www.jpegr.com/uploads/1/G02.jpg
http://www.jpegr.com/uploads/1/G03.jpg

20" DVI LCD Monitor(ACER AL2032W) 1920x1080@60Hz (1080p) *Ultraviolet* Blu-ray Disc
http://www.jpegr.com/uploads/1/M01.jpg
http://www.jpegr.com/uploads/1/M02.jpg
http://www.jpegr.com/uploads/1/M03.jpg

The monitors can support 1080p over GameSwitch:
Asus 20", Dell 24", Acer 20", LG 20", ViewSonic 19"

Apple monitor is not suggested to use in this situation. Other brands should at least reach 720p.

Above is the information I collected, hope it helps...