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General discussion

Pros and cons of using an HDTV for computing

Jan 7, 2011 6:02AM PST
Question:

Pros and cons of using an HDTV for computing


I'm thinking about getting a new larger monitor for my desktop computer, and wonder about the difference between getting a dedicated monitor and a high-def TV. I'd plan to drive it with a VGA cable, and perhaps have a HDMI cable from the satellite box, too. I'd like to be able to use PIP and have TV in the small inset picture. Getting a TV would also have the benefit of being able to use it standalone. Is this a good idea? How much computer monitor performance do I give up if I get a 32-inch 1080p TV? Please let me know what the pros and cons are so I can make a sound decision. Thanks.

--Submitted by: John P.

Here are some member answers to get you started, but
please read all the advice and suggestions that our
members have contributed to this question.

1080p TV vs. computer monitor --Submitted by waytron
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7590_102-5060660.html

Simplest path to the appropriate monitor --Submitted by trancegroup
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7590_102-5061159.html

It's pretty much similar to a monitor --Submitted by Alain Martel1
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7590_102-5061193.html

Pro and cons of HDTV for computing --Submitted hauschja
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-7590_102-5063276.html

If you have any additional advice or recommendations for John, please click on the reply link below and submit away. Please be as detailed as possible when providing an answer. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Pro and cons of HDTV for computing
Jan 8, 2011 12:43AM PST

OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 Build 2600
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
System Name
System Manufacturer INTELR
System Model AWRDACPI
System Type X86-based PC
ABIT IC7-G Motherboard
Processor x86 Family 15 Model 2 Stepping 9 GenuineIntel ~3006 Mhz
BIOS Version/Date Phoenix Technologies, LTD 6.00 PG, 12/31/2003
SMBIOS Version 2.2
Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS
System Directory C:\WINDOWS\system32
Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume1
Locale United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "5.1.2600.5512 (xpsp.080413-2111)"
User Name
Time Zone Eastern Standard Time
Total Physical Memory 1,024.00 MB
Available Physical Memory 513.94 MB
Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB
Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB
Page File Space 2.40 GB
________________________________________

Starting with the 2003 custom built system above; in 2008 I added an ATI RADEON HD 3850 dual HDMI output video card to run Twin 32 inch Sony 1080p HD TVs.
The video cards hydravision (Down Loaded Separately) software enables me to display four programs of my choice in a large enough size to accommodate seventy year old eyes.
Starting with a 2way splitter, one going to the cable modem and four port router, and the other going to the right hand TV, I can watch TV on the right hand screen while displaying multiple programs on the left screen, or display four programs on both screens. The hydravision software gives me the flexibility to run this set-up in more ways than I would ever use.
HINT: Make sure you do the research and select a video card compatible with your motherboard and objective. I would be happy to send pictures and assist anyone interested in this video flexibility. I would never consider anything less, and it is worth twice the cost to me. MyOldDog wethepeople@anationbeguiled.com

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32 inch VGA connection
Jan 8, 2011 12:49AM PST

I also am using my pc and have it connected to my 32 inch HDTV set. My resolution with pc is 1368 X 700 i think or 1368 X 768. It is a really clear monitor using VGA input instead of DVI. You would really enjoy it.
Have a good day.

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Mine is about the same.
Jan 14, 2011 9:15AM PST

I am using my 32 inch sony bravia as a monitor I have about the same resolution. Instead of a regular vga cable I have a UXGA monitor cable with an attached 3.5mm Audio cable. My sony had a input for the audio cable right next to the video cable. This did away with the need for speakers. The TV also plays PIP in computer mode. These were part of the reason I chose this TV. I have had this set up for over a year and it does very well

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32 inch VGA connection
Jan 14, 2011 10:40AM PST

If at all possible, try to run your VGA output to your 32 inch HDTV set at 1360 x 768, instead of 1366, because 1360 is evenly divisible by 8, which will make for a sharper, clearer image. (1360 is evenly divisible by 8, 170, but 1366 divided by 8 is 170.5 - there's no such thing as a half of a pixel.)

I have a cheap-o Compaq Presario dual-core notebook computer (but it's pretty fast) and the only video output on it is VGA - no HDMI - but I run HD content over it all the time on my friend's 42" Sharp LCD, and it's sharp as a tack. Looks great. I had no idea that you could run HD content over VGA.

Anyway, 1360 x 768 is much better than 1366 x 768

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simplest path to the appropriate monitor
Jan 8, 2011 7:53AM PST

There are more parameters which affect the viewing quality of a High Definition TV other than resolution alone. Technology type, Contrast, Connection, internal color controls, brand specific technology, internal settings, cost, your video card, network speed, software and the state of the computer system you will be using. If you are hooked on the idea of getting a TV to monitor your computer, a nice Sony Bravia 32" 1080p HDTV w/ Intelligent Screen will be perfect. Its crystal clear, but a bit harsh in some aspects.
If you are tech-oriented and insightful as to the myriad of variables mentioned and you are a real hard to please type person, the best suggestion, is to go out and check out the systems you want to use at the show room because what you find acceptable may also be too much off a burden on your budget, so recommending a large, expensive HD Plasma is nice for sure but may not be appropriate.
Keep in mind the following:
1. Keep the size of your monitor reasonable for technical reasons, generally with the same specs, smaller is tighter especially for technical graphics, publishing, media production, etc.
2. Find a way to demo the TV on your actual computer system
keeping in mind the studio conditions such as back lighting and reflective surfaces which differ between your home and the showroom.
3. Some prefer Plasma, some LCD, some have Rear projection and while LCD is super sharp comparatively, if you have a keen set of eyeballs, you may find something which is actually pleasing to use in your home theatre
4. I am a producer for multimedia and my sound system is critically important to the entire environment. Check out the sound; some sets have superb low-end and have great gaming or entertainment sound, others may not.
5. A TV is a monitor with a channel receiver and audio system and to replace your computer monitor there will be a trade off between image clarity and complexity

Finally;
my suggestion is to pick up the highest resolution large screen computer monitor, upgrade your video card and cable h/w, s/w interface applications, upgrade your audio card and speakers and you will probably have the highest definition monitor with everything needed to do everything from gaming, watching local TV, HD recording, high end animation graphics all with DAW sound quality.

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(NT) great suggestions!
Jan 14, 2011 12:51PM PST
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TV Tuner/Monitor vs Computer Monitor
Jan 14, 2011 11:45PM PST

The applications I use for my computers are two-fold: Surfing the web and entertainment. With that in mind, I have a laptop and a PC, both a little antiquated and running Windows XP SP3. Being a snow bird, I take my electronics with me and one residence has no TV reception and no cable. I refuse to contribute to a dish.

With plans to upgrade computers, I started with purchasing a 32" HD TV with a tuner. Its is connected to the laptop with the VGA cable and a mini audio jack cable. When we have air channels, we watch the news and very few channel programs. Otherwise it is Internet programming. Even though the laptop has 512 ram, the video is acceptable to very good. The sound, however, is a little weak. It is set up for dual monitors being the laptop screen and the TV. In the winter home, this is used in the bedroom.In the summer, it's in the great room.


We upgraded the PC to the max 2GB RAM and it is the primary for web surfing. We purchased a 26" HD monitor,the largest monitor that would fit in an amoire computer desk in our winter residence. This is also connected to the PC with the VGA cable and has a viable quality picture. Because it is a monitor, we us the computer's sound speakers. At close viewing, the large screen takes getting used to. Rather than leaning into the screen, you can sit back.

The PC plays the seasonal reverse role to the laptop. The monitor fits perfectly into the bedroom amoire and I have built a sliding tray into the amoire drawer for a straight on view. The PC and printer are at home on a side table.

Now, we have taken the next step and purchased an AMD 6-core with 8GB RAM with 7.1 sound card, capable of about anything.Initially, this will connect to the 26" monitor via a DVI cable. Remember, a monitor does not have speakers. The next step is networking both homes.

So far, the plan is working. I was very dubious that 512 RAM would give us anything but grief on a large screen. Not that it is perfect, but it has done its job. The new computer should make the screen come alive when we can switch from analog to digital.

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It's prety much similar to a monitor
Jan 8, 2011 8:20AM PST

Assuming it have the regular 16:9 aspect ratio, 1080p have a 1920 x 1080 resolution. It's no big deal for any half decent video card that's not to antiquated, ie. post 1998 cards.

HDTV are realy monitors hooked to a receptor instead of a computer. If you have multiple entries, there is no forcieable dificulty. The only thing been that it may not support the same refresh rate as a dedicated computer monitor.

Using a 32" screen, you just place it somewhat farther away from you than a more "regular" monitor.

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HDMI
Jan 9, 2011 5:28AM PST

HDMI standard drivers carry with them the means to control what you watch.
Some of your files may not display unless you have the right copyright decryption key and for that you must pay a commercial fee.
While HDMI (usually) means good quality viewing, you should also have a parallel system you can switch to, should the HDMI driver decide it can't locate what it needs to unblock your program.

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Pro and cons of HDTV for computing
Jan 12, 2011 7:22AM PST

I am not overly technical but allow a simple answer based on personal experience.
Please don't use a VGA cable. The resolution will be a big waste of an HDTV. Instead you should use a PC with an HDMI output. I think this is a function of the graphics card so you might need an upgrade there, but it will be worth it. You might also need to upgrade the video card just to support the wide screen monitor. Otherwise you'll only get a 4x3 output. Once done you can connect your PC directly to the TV via HDMI and get the same graphic resolution as you get on the PC, if not better. This is what I use on my laptop. I can watch YouTube, Hulu, and of course the laptop itself all on my HD TV. I just have to press Func/F4 to switch monitors.
I hope this helps.
John H.

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The real answer to HDTV for computing
Jan 14, 2011 10:42AM PST

From someone who's been using a PC hooked to a HDTV for several years...

An HDTV display of 1920 x 1080 is exactly 120 pixels shorter (vertical) than a typical 24" 1920 x 1200 computer monitor.
This is equivalent roughly to the width of the default sized taskbar at the bottom of your Windows screen. In other words, you won't notice the difference for general purposes. More and more lower cost "widescreen" computer monitors are native 1920 x 1080 HDTV panels.
All modern video cards will support this resolution.

Unless you are sitting three feet away from a 47" HDTV disply, you will not notice any "fuzziness". You may notice that you can actually see each pixel making up a letter. Same as you can see when you get 2" from your 19" desktop monitor. The assertion that 2560 x 1690 30" monitors are somehow better for this purpose false, unless your goal is indeed to obtain more desktop real estate. In many cases, 30" monitor users will increase the font and icon size because unless you are 12" from the screen, the increased pixels make everything very tiny. I've been using the Dell 30" monitor for a year now. It's great, but I run the text at 125% and large icons. So does my co-worker who has two 30" Apple cinemas.

VGA cable is fine for general computing purposes, again, unless you are sitting 3 ft. from a 47" or larger display. And why would you do that unless gaming, and then, the difference between VGA and HDMI is not relevant. I do use a HDMI cable from my media center PC to the HDTV, but only because I'm using the VGA port for a media extender. I've tried it both ways. The difference is minimal.

If the question is"can I use a 24" HDTV as a computer monitor", the answer is YES, and you will not notice any difference between that and a 24" computer monitor. Seriously.

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Using my Samsung 46" flatscreen
Jan 14, 2011 5:14PM PST

I am retired and 77 years old so sitting long periods in fron of my monitor is a problem. I am thinking about hooking my new Samsung notebook pc to my wall mounted 46" Samsumg flatscreen TV. I had the installer put a second HDMI cable on the second HDMI connector which now hangs down below my TV. I spend lots of time in my recliner on the opposite side of my living room when I watch TV. My notebooks have the abililty to use wireless keyboards and mouses (mice) which I could buy. I am thinking about a portable table that extends over my chair to hold the KB and mouse. Is this a viable setup? I currently use a desktop with a 19" CTR monitor but would like to switch to the setup I just described. Comments and suggestions, Please.
Winston

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HDMI & Computers
Jan 15, 2011 9:13PM PST

I have been using a Sony Bravia as my main screen for about 3 years using the VGA cable, it is not superior to my small comp screen but excellent & I use it for graphics, Photoshop.
However I also don't understand how you can hook up the HDMI TV cable to your comp that has not HDMI socket?
now for something completely different...............
Another thing I should like help with is, is there a phone or tablet with a VGA connector so I can plug it in to my computer?

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Toshiba 42 " and HP desktop w/win7
Jan 14, 2011 9:17AM PST

It's been interesting using my TV as a monitor here's a few things I've noticed:

1. Text reading at 1920x1080 requires me to increase the font. My couch is 9 feet away, important to note distance to your seat. I use the ctrl-Scroll on my mouse.

2. My HP is not the best BD player I mostly use my PS3 for that. But it works for those discs that aren't CGI centric.

3. Keeping gadgets aligned on my desktop is impossible. The keep ending up in the middle of the screen upon boot up or bunched together, annoying that.

4. Oh yea, when I use the font increase sometimes I open a new page to gigantic dimension and have to adjust it down.

Just a few things I notice hope it helps.

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If you are not too picky
Jan 14, 2011 9:22AM PST

I have a 42" 720p TV. I also have a 10" netbook computer with a USB DVD-RW attached. While the display (on the TV) does look slightly grainy, the combination works quite well. I use the TV at home as the standard external monitor and read email, view photographs, and watch an occasional movie, etc. This may be less than an ideal TV for such use, it is nevertheless completely satisfactory considering that I already had the TV before buying the netbook and creating the need for an auxillary monitor. If I were buying a TV specifically for a monitor, I would probably opt for exactly what you propose - 32" 1080p.

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Pros and cons of using an HDTV for computing
Jan 14, 2011 9:22AM PST

I use a 32" LCD TV with PIP as monitor to my 2 desktops. I also use a cross over switch where I connect both desktops' keyboard/VGA connections to it. In this way, I can switch between both desktop using the TV as monitor as well as watch TV in PIP.

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Distance
Jan 14, 2011 9:51AM PST

I did just that with an old laptop. My tv, being only 32", is really too small for pc apps at 10' away. (I was getting the tv anyway, so why not?). There are size recommendations available for this setup, you may want to investigate which screen size is recommended for your environment. And, get an RF keyboard with built in trackball or touchpad. I use this setup mostly to stream video from the server, and play low FPS games.

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Love using HDTV
Jan 14, 2011 10:11AM PST

I have a 15 inch Dell XPS laptop with an Nvidia GEForce 8600M GT graphics card and HDMI output, to which I connect a 37" Vizio HDTV with PIP and POP and use as an extended desktop - lots of space in a 37" @ 1920x1080. I have all that in my home office/entertainment room and use the HDTV as TV, extended monitor and output for my 360 and BD player. Love that setup. With BT mouse and kbd it's the same experience as using a desktop, except as needed I can pick up the laptop and go.

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Laptop with HDTV
Jan 14, 2011 10:01AM PST

I have my HP laptop connected to my 65" Mitsubsh. I stream movies from Blockbuster and do everyday computing on it and haven't had any problems. Sound and picture are great. It's connected with a HDMI cable.

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HDTV vs Monitor

I have a Sony Vaio Laptop that I use for everything. When I watch movies I connect my laptop to my samsung blu ray player hometheater system with surround sound via hdmi (HDMI cables cost alot but you can get HDMI cables any lengthfor less than 20 bucks- i got my 10ft hdmi cable for 6 dollars off monoprice.com) It is brilliant and very easy to use if you have a hdmi output on your pc and I can still take my computer anywhere and use it as a media hub.I also have an old laptop permanently hooked up to the tv to play my uk dvds (I live in canada). The bluray player can also have your hd cable or satellite box connected. To be honest I think you can both a hdtv and a monitor- I have a monitor in my bedroom and the hdtv in my basement. The resolution is really good on a hdtv but if you have bad eyesight, use glasses!

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Love the HDTV!
Jan 14, 2011 10:13AM PST

We've been using a 47" HDTV for almost 4 years, and we absolutely love it. We've got it hooked up in the living room, with the computer in our entertainment unit. We used to run it off a VGA cable, but our new computer was only DVI so we got a DVI-to-HDMI cable, and that's working fine. The sound from the computer goes straight into the home stereo, and the tv volume is turned off completely.

The computer is our DVD player.

We mostly using it for watching shows downloaded from iTunes, but what's nice about it being a computer is, for example, getting an e-mail popup that you can see while you're watching your show, in case you're waiting for an important message.

And don't get me started on how great PC video games look in 47" !!

Another nice bonus is that since we have the audio going straight to the stereo, I can open a podcast or stream CBC Radio over the internet, and then turn off the tv but still have full stereo sound. Of course, you could do that with a regular monitor too, but then you'd probably have dinky little computer speakers.

*I have yet to find a downside.*

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wireless
Jan 14, 2011 10:26AM PST

Forgot to mention, wireless keyboard and mouse are essential. And you have to be careful there, some of these devices don't have good range.

Here's my setup:
47" LG HDTV (1080p)
Yamaha 5-channel stereo
Logitech wireless keyboard & trackball
... The trackball is great on the couch because you don't need any surface to make it work, perfect for when it's awkardly perched on your lap and you're snuggled under a blanket.

Our printer is also on the entertainment unit, and the couch is our computer chair. Comfy!!

And because I like to surf while I watch TV, I have a laptop on a stand in front of the couch. Not that I'm a geek...

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Wireless yes, even printer
Jan 14, 2011 11:07AM PST

Totally. I have a Logitech MX revolution BT mouse and kbd. And also an Epson wireless printer, so everything is wireless in this setup (well except the HDMI connections).

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Pros and cons of using an HDTV for computing
Jan 14, 2011 10:31AM PST

Hi John,

I just did the exact same thing and now have a beautiful dual HD setup (computer/ satellite TV ) with my Vaio Z790 HDMI computer. I went with LCD because it is better suited for computer use (high refresh rate & no screen burn in) and HD Satellite looks great. So I can confirm that it's a great idea! I use it every single day and it's a continual source of enjoyment. Money well spent! I went the extra mile and added surround sound to my setup and at times don't even want to leave my room. Here's what I got to get you thinking : )

- 37" Panasnonic 120Hz TCL37G1 1080p LCD (has HDMI/ VGA inputs)
- Marantz NR1601 3D 1.4a Slimline AV Receiver
- 5 Energy Take 5 Classic Speakers (14 AWG speaker wire)
- 10" Subwoofer

Very pleased!

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42' led monitor
Jan 14, 2011 10:35AM PST

I changed over to a flat screen as my comp monitor two years ago and started with a 32' lcd. I got tired of having a TV next to my PC and thought of combining the two, so when i bought a new computer i had them install a TV tuner card and it's been great! I can do everything with just one screen. whether it's the computer or x box or TV it's truly an all in one system. I just bought a new 42' LED with 1080p 120hz and a high speed hdmi cable to be able to handle the band width. I cant wait until they actually combine the two. Just imagine a flat screen TV with a CPU built inside. sweet!

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Pro
Jan 14, 2011 10:55AM PST

Are you using this for business? Tax right off baby!

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Beauty In the Eye of the Beholder
Jan 14, 2011 11:23AM PST

You never stated your needs for the computer. I am a graphic artist and I need to see how a picture looks being edited and on the Internet. I need to split the screen and sometime make the screen in quadrants. I need high resolution so televisions are not suffice for me. If your needs are modest just remember that a HDTV is 1920 x 1080. If you have a good graphic card and cpu processor then your needs can be met. You will need to banish the thought of using VGA and use HDMI if you plan on using your television's speakers or a surround sound. If you do not have an option for 2 HDMI then use the audio and video cables for your satellite. You will still have 2 inputs and can use PIP while

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My Experience
Jan 14, 2011 11:33AM PST

I tried connecting my PC to my 22" HDTV, and found the result to be terrible. To start with, my pc connects to my monitor with DV, which produces a significantly better picture than using VGA. (VGA connections are disappearing, and it's little wonder why.) My HDTV doesn't have a DVI connector, so I had to use an adapter. (And no HDMI connector on my video card.) I tried both DVI to VGA and DVI to HDMI adapters, and both had terrible results- blurry, and off-center screen, wrong size.
So definitely don't use an adapter, and I don't recommend VGA either. Using HDMI may produce a good result, but if you can find a TV with a DVI connection(manufacturers apparently have stopped producing TV's with this), I'd recommend DVI.

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VGA to DVI-I Adapter ==> 42" Sharp HDMI
Jan 16, 2011 10:04AM PST

I run my laptop's VGA output over a DVI-I adapter onto my friend's 42" Sharp (1920x1080 native) flatscreen HDTV all the time, at 1360x768 resolution, and the results with HD content from my laptop are stunningly good. I've seen HD content over straight DVI-DVI and HDMI-HDMI connections, and to be honest, neither my friend nor I can tell that huge of a difference (and yes, our vision is perfectly good).

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great, may need to increase dpi or text size
Jan 14, 2011 11:36AM PST

i love it, i have been HDTV-only for everything, even the laptop when it is at home (via vga).

the only downside is that i use a higher dpi (125%) to see everything across the room. some applications unfortunately do not scale to other dpi, so they become useless, since you can't use some buttons/features in the gui.