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Question

Need some ideas for a 26-30" wall display for desktop.

Jan 12, 2014 4:41PM PST

Hi all.

I am trying to set up a desktop that's sole purpose is to display a large calendar (using Excel)

It is going to be hung on a wall in my office for my employees to view and see job dates and details.

I know computer monitors of that size are probably a bit out of the question and probably my price range. So..

My main questions are:

What should I look for in a LCD TV that I can hook up to the simple desktop computer?

Should it be 720p or 1080p and will i really notice a difference if I am just looking at a spreadsheet?

Will the text be much more readable on one more than other?

Will one look odd or out of proportion compared to another or a regular computer screen?

Any particular brands you can recommend?


Thanks for any tips.

I appreciate your input.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
A TV should be more expensive ...
Jan 12, 2014 4:48PM PST

than a monitor of the same size, because it contains more software (which isn't free to make and maintain), a more powerful CPU and more RAM (to be 'smart') and involves much more marketing costs to sell.
Did you check the regular shops?

To see the difference between 720p and 1080p take your laptop with you to the shop and look at the screens from what will be the usual viewing distance for your employees showing real data.


Kees

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Answer
Possible setup
Jan 13, 2014 12:03AM PST

Most modern TVs will do fine, just don't be cheap. Maybe find on sale or bargain as in display model, etc.. The connections depends on your PC ports and I suggest VGA or HDMI one. Don't get into adapters or having to monkey too much just to get the connection made. Afterall, you're going to buy or find a TV with what you need. However, HDMI type port is typically wanted, but a VGA maybe better because it doesn't have some HDMI issues for the ride or possible.

ie: I have 32in. Vizio TV with a VGA port and selecting it after connection from my laptop makes a "beautiful display" though it wasn't intended for that purpose alone. The only caveat is having the laptop display selection(correct) when plugged-in and then select from TV menu its "input source". As for any text issues, 720 is good 1080 is better but under a laptop setup it will use the native resolution it deems is required which is better than expected. In other words, I don't see big issues here is setup right.

tada -----Willy Happy

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So im leaning towards a 32"
Jan 13, 2014 5:46AM PST

So I am 90% sure I am getting something in the 32" size range.

Most of the HD TVs I am looking at don't seem to have any DVI or VGA inputs, but are 1080p.

They only have HDMI inputs..... This shouldn't be a problem (as far as connectivity and function) as long as the computer has a HDMI output correct? or are there huge losses with not using DVI?

I am going to go with a decent VIZIO I think... Decent brand?

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How does this look?
Jan 13, 2014 5:48AM PST
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I have to say...
Jan 13, 2014 8:24AM PST

I found the Vizio just fine and I wasn't super shopping or comparing. I wanted a "sound bar" and it came with it, to me a bonus. So far, it has delivered the goods in the 3yrs. I've had it and the sound is great. The only other brand I looked at was a Toshiba, but found the Vizio at reduced pricing and had the audio i wanted, for a great price. If there is one brand to leery of is Samsung, maybe because its a vast amount seller, but it seems they have issues more than others.

I do some media display work when called for. It seems Philips is a big player in that market, thus it depends on reliability to remain so. Think of all those store signage you see, most are Philips or Sony so if you have the extra $, you may want to check those out. The Vizio you link for, seems OK by me.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Answer
Add plastic.
Jan 13, 2014 12:20AM PST

I've seen such before and the employees were tapping on the screen and it took its toll. EASY to fix. Just fix a big plastic (we use lexan) front protector to the front.
Bob

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Answer
Here
Jan 13, 2014 1:54AM PST
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No kill like overkill.
Jan 13, 2014 2:09AM PST

I wonder if they will find something in the 26 to 30 inch size next. While I worry about warranty periods, these tend to work for long periods if I turn down the brightness. Running the displays at 100% seems to take its toll.
Bob