32" LCD as a TV and monitor worth it?

[vapore0n]

Anyone ever tried to connect the computer to an LCD or plasma TV?

What I though was to join the computer and TV in one, make my computer a media center. Hardware is good enough, I just want to know if the LCD TVs are good enough for computer gaming and for internet. Yesterday I saw an 32" LCD TV with 8ms responce time on Best Buy.

 

[crizzar]

if you can sit 4-6 feet away from it, absolutely

I recently did the same thing and playing games on the big screen and hooked up to a decent home theater system is something special

 

[vapore0n]

how was your experience with the computer on TV? Any lagging from the frames? (ghosting).

 

[ArchAngel777]

My 30" LCD TV frrom Dell is gonna be here tomorrow... I will let you know what I think of it. I will be only 2-3 feet from it max... Anyway, I will report on it, whether it ghosts badly or not. Pretty pumped to get it! Been waiting all week for it!

 

[vapore0n]

cool, let me know. That should be a good comparo.
What are the specs on the TV?

 

[ArchAngel777]

Not sure on all the specs, but the low down is 1280 X 768 native resolution. Also, the DVI port disables overscan. So, when connecting your PC, you get all the pixels and they all show on your screen. Keep this in mind, trust me... Because, you don't want overscan if you are going to be using it as a display. From what I have read, hardly any LCD-TV's have that feature, which is why I went with the Dell.

The pixel response time is rated at 25ms, but, since that number isn't real accurate, that could be contested.

The Actual Screen Display area is 25.25" X 15.25", which comes out to 29.5 viewable area.

I have seen this on display at a Dell Kiosk and it sold me completely... I had ordered the Dell 2405FPW, but when I seen what this 30" monster looked like, I cancelled my order immediately and re-ordered the 30" LCD. Though many people will critisize that decision due to the resolution differences, I care not. I do not want to have to update my video card every year because of a native resolution of 1900 X 1200, no thanks...

Anyway, when I actually test this thing out on my PC, I will have a better idea of the real performance. Everything looks nicer on display, so we will see. There is a chance this thing will go straight back to Dell. Anyway, getting pumped, because after work this puppy should be here.

I'll keep you informed.

 

[dnuggett]

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777
Not sure on all the specs, but the low down is 1280 X 768 native resolution. Also, the DVI port disables overscan. So, when connecting your PC, you get all the pixels and they all show on your screen. Keep this in mind, trust me... Because, you don't want overscan if you are going to be using it as a display. From what I have read, hardly any LCD-TV's have that feature, which is why I went with the Dell.

The pixel response time is rated at 25ms, but, since that number isn't real accurate, that could be contested.

The Actual Screen Display area is 25.25" X 15.25", which comes out to 29.5 viewable area.

I have seen this on display at a Dell Kiosk and it sold me completely... I had ordered the Dell 2405FPW, but when I seen what this 30" monster looked like, I cancelled my order immediately and re-ordered the 30" LCD. Though many people will critisize that decision due to the resolution differences, I care not. I do not want to have to update my video card every year because of a native resolution of 1900 X 1200, no thanks...

Anyway, when I actually test this thing out on my PC, I will have a better idea of the real performance. Everything looks nicer on display, so we will see. There is a chance this thing will go straight back to Dell. Anyway, getting pumped, because after work this puppy should be here.

I'll keep you informed.

Definately not for me, but it sounds kinda cool. Take pics when you get it set up.

 

[vapore0n]

good tip on the overlay option.
Hope this baby works good for you.

I guess the 25ms time is the only reason I would send it back, if it ghosts a lot.
Try it with a game or movie that changes from black to white colors a lot.

 

[crizzar]

The TV I hooked up to is the Viewsonic N3250W which is rated at 12ms response with a 1360x768 native resolution... there's no ghosting of any kind.

It's got good contrast and is very bright. I have it hooked up to the PC via DVI/HDMI and only had to do some minor brightness/contrast tweaks in the display settings for the vid card (not so much on the TV itself) and I couldn't be happier.

I have it set up on the wall behind my entertainment center as the TV so getting comfortable with a keyboard and mouse is a little tough; I honestly hadn't planned on using it for gaming

Right now I only have an FX5200 vid card in there because I thought the media PC was just going to be super tivo, but after running HL2 and WoW on it for a bit I'm going to have to bite the bullet to upgrade the card and get a new coffee table or stand or something. It's loads of fun

I think it'll be worth it considering the rest of the system is pretty decent: 3.0 Northwood, Asus P4P800 Deluxe, 1GB Kingston. I'm thinking a 6600GT will fill the screen quite nicely

 

[dnuggett]

Damn.. I was hoping we could get a mini gaming review. At least load up some old school games and give em a run.

 

[crizzar]

Gimme a few days, I'll see what I can do

 

[vapore0n]

would you recomend it for using it as a primary monitor for the PC?
Like for browsing these forums, and heavy playing of HL2, WOW, and such.

 

[ArchAngel777]

"The TV I hooked up to is the Viewsonic N3250W which is rated at 12ms response with a 1360x768 native resolution... there's no ghosting of any kind. "

That is good to hear! The reason I did not go with ViewSonic is that every retailer that carries them has a crappy return policy... You know? Like 8 pixels or less is considered "Normal"... LOL... I am not a high risk person most of the time. But I bet that ViewSonic display is just beautiful. Is it connected through DVI or VGA? I will be connecting mine through the DVI Port.

ViewSonic makes some of the best LCD's in the industry, but I am wondering if their rated 12ms is accurate, not to say I doubt you. Anyway, I am sure the Dell will ghost a little bit, but I doubt I will be bothered by it.

I wish I had some days to take off work... I want to go home and personally wait for the UPS man (or woman) to bring me my present.

Edit ** Doh, I didn't see it the time I read your post, but you did have it connected through DVI ;thumbsup;

 

[vapore0n]

Originally posted by: crizzar
It's got good contrast and is very bright. I have it hooked up to the PC via DVI/HDMI and only had to do some minor brightness/contrast tweaks in the display settings for the vid card (not so much on the TV itself) and I couldn't be happier.

Same question as above, did you use the DVI connector from your card to connect to the DVI? I saw the input in the TV and have never seen that type of cable before. My card is a BBATI 9700 pro.

What refresh rate you use for a computer connected to a tv?, 60hz? Can it be higher?

Text clarity?

Also, would the brightness be to much for standing 3 feet close to the monitor? I bet I could just increase the size of the fonts and stand back more. My eyes are sensitive, but mostly for black on white background.

Price is very very tempting. Would just need to know if this is THE one. Spec wise, it is.

 

[crizzar]

Originally posted by: vapore0n
would you recomend it for using it as a primary monitor for the PC?
Like for browsing these forums, and heavy playing of HL2, WOW, and such.

It's beautiful for internet and regular tasks. Since I have less than one hour gaming time with it I don't feel comfortable making the blanket statment that it will be perfect for a primary monitor. What I CAN say though is that if you're going to be closer than about 3-4' away, since the resolution is limited to 1360x768, you're going to notice jaggies/pixels a lot more than you would on a regular monitor (I normally game 16x12)

4-6' seems to be the sweet spot. I'm either going to do like dnugget suggested and load up some old school games that won't kill my FX5200 or just get a new card for it. Once I spend some more time with it as a gaming monitor, I'll definitely report back.

[edit for vapore0n]

yes, I'm using the DVI output, but since the TV only has HDMI, I just use a DVI-HDMI cable (HDMI is the same thing as DVI but with analog audio as well). It's running at 60hz - I dunno if it can go higher, but I assume not. Text clarity is great even without adjusting font sizes (Cleartype rules!)

you'd probably want to turn down the brightness a bit if you're going to be 3' away from it but between driver control and the monitors own control, it'll be very easy to get it exactly where you want it.

 

[vapore0n]

a goof FPS game should show up any ghosting easily (quake 2 for example).

Im thinking 3' as a min for browsing, but Ive never used such a big monitor before for browing, gaming I can stand 4-6 like you suggested. Movies, must be awesome.

Just did a search, you used a DVI to HDMI cable, correct?

Im almost sold. But would have to wait a few weeks. Ohh the aggony.

 

[crizzar]

yes, used a DVI-HDMI cable

and the limited I spent with HL2 on it, there was no ghosting of any sort.

I use dark action movies to test for ghosting and had no issue. I used Underworld, T2, and Blade II.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I've been using a 27inch ILO LCD TV (Native 1280x768 with 25ms response. Made by Tatung) as a Monitor since April.

With fast motion, there is a noticable amount of ghosting, however, IMO it's not bad.

There are LOTS of HUGE jaggies when not using AA, however, with 4X AA, they mostly are gone, and with 8x, there are no jaggies. I sit about 2-3 feet away (I like to be totally immersed into the game) and I MUCH prefer this for games over my 19inch CRT's.

Here is a picture of my desk with the LCD. Picture

A Very good friend of mine has the Dell 24inch widescreen LCD.
World of Warcraft looks Amazing in it's native res on that screen, however, since I am used to the slightly larger 27inch, the 24 seems to be "small" to me (even though It's not.) I sorta wish I would have rather spent my $800 on a dell 24inch widescreen vs my $800 ILO 27inch from walmart.com, but sometimes I'm glad I got what I did.

My plan is to upgrade to a 1080P LCD TV in the 26-30 inch range once they come around $1000. That way I can still use it as a HDTV, but I can also get kick ass resolutions for games ...

 

[ArchAngel777]

a goof FPS game should show up any ghosting easily (quake 2 for example).

Im thinking 3' as a min for browsing, but Ive never used such a big monitor before for browing, gaming I can stand 4-6 like you suggested. Movies, must be awesome.

Just did a search, you used a DVI to HDMI cable, correct?

Im almost sold. But would have to wait a few weeks. Ohh the aggony.

When I get home, I will test for ghosting. I am not sure I am the type of person to be bothered by ghosting. Things are blurry in real life when they move fast anyway... I dunno, who knows. But I doubt I would be bothered by ghosting... Unless it was majorly severe.

 

[ArchAngel777]

I've been using a 27inch ILO LCD TV (Native 1280x768 with 25ms response. Made by Tatung) as a Monitor since April.

With fast motion, there is a noticable amount of ghosting, however, IMO it's not bad.

There are LOTS of HUGE jaggies when not using AA, however, with 4X AA, they mostly are gone, and with 8x, there are no jaggies. I sit about 2-3 feet away (I like to be totally immersed into the game) and I MUCH prefer this for games over my 19inch CRT's.

Here is a picture of my desk with the LCD. Picture

:heart: the Iron Maiden Poster

Nice setup, it looks like a beautiful screen. Also, thanks for the information provided above.

 

[vapore0n]

something not mentioned on the viewsonic page, what is the HD resolution of the viewsonic for the tv? 780, 1080, ...? Or does it only apply to the tunner?

 

[crizzar]

does 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: vapore0n
something not mentioned on the viewsonic page, what is the HD resolution of the viewsonic for the tv? 780, 1080, ...? Or does it only apply to the tunner?

That applies to the tuner. HD Standards currently are 480p, 720p and 1080i. Your set would be best using 720p. HD standards really are no different than PC standards, except that they are different. PC's have always used the typical 640 X 480, 800 X 600 4:3 aspect ratio modes, where as the HD source has changed over time. HD does not normally specify the horizonal pixel range... Not sure why. But certainly the HDTV standards are much more confusing that the PC standard.

Edit **

Additionally, the TV modes are screwed up from MFG to MFG. For instance, my fathers Plasma 42" from Dell is 1024 X 768 WIDESCREEN. Widescreen? Thats right... The Pixels are not 1:1, they are wider than they are tall. On a PC 1024 X 768 with 1:1 pixel mapping is 4:3 ratio, but on several Plasma TV's 1024 X 768 is a 16:9 ratio... Odd huh? Yeah, it gets worse, but I will stop here, because it could get rather lengthy.

 

[ArchAngel777]

One more hour before I get to open the box on this puppy... I have never been so excited in ages! I hope it is not a downer... *cross fingers* I hope I have no dead pixels.

 

[rbV5]

Q]HD does not normally specify the horizonal pixel range... Not sure why.
[/quote]

Because its implied, its easier to say 720p than 1280x720 progressive.

my fathers Plasma 42" from Dell is 1024 X 768 WIDESCREEN. Widescreen? Thats right

It could be 1024x1024 and be widescreen also. With a plasma display, the HD resolutions are just mapped to those pixels, its not a 1:1 pixel mapping, just interpolated..the acual panel dimensions determine if its widescreen or not, thats why you want to check a plasma panel out pretty closely since different interpolation give different results.