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General discussion

LCD TV as Computer Monitor?

May 10, 2005 2:09AM PDT

I've found many posts asking about using LCD monitors as TV's, but I am wondering if using an LCD TV as a computer monitor would work well? In particular, I am looking at the Sharp LC32GD4U, a 32" TV with 1366x768 resolution. I typically use 1024x768 resolution on my 21" CRT, but I don't really know how the LCD would compare. I plan to mostly use the TV for watching movies, some 3d gaming, and word-processing/internet-browsing/excel,etc.

Discussion is locked

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Inputs
May 10, 2005 4:35AM PDT

Just make sure the LCD has a D-sub or DVI input. Some TV/LCD's only have RGB/RCA input and that wouldn't work with most video cards. If the video card has a RCA video out jack on it then you can use an RGB/RCA TV LCD. For the best picture possible on an LCD you want a DVI input on the TV/LCD and a DVI output on your video card.

The two most important things to consider when buying an LCD whether it is TV ready or just a monitor, in my opinion, are brightness and response time. Some LCD's have a low brightness and this can make the colors seem to warm. Response time is probably the most important thing to consider though most manufacturers try to play it down as unimportant. The reason is because if the pixels on the screen cannot be turned off then back on with the new image fast enough you will get artifacts on the screen. A good response time is 16ms or less. Anything above that and you may well see the artifacts I mentioned.

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Inputs
Jun 7, 2005 3:16AM PDT

I want to say thanks to both the author and the responder. I had the same question. and I found the answer here. Thanks again

A J L

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Thanks
Jun 7, 2005 3:42AM PDT

No problem, I'm happy to help out when I can.

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Any suggestion
Jun 23, 2005 2:29PM PDT

Great info! I am also in the market for an lcd tv to use as my computer monitor. Any suggestion on which brand, model that has a DVI input? I'm lookint at a 20" to 23" widescreen. Any suggestion is greatly appreciated.