Plasma TV as PC Monitor?

[darpa21214]

Would a high end Plasma TV, like a Panasonic 42" Viera TH-42PZ85U, make a good PC monitor?

I would have to connect it using a DVI to HDMI converter cable or I could connect it using a VGA cable. The Panasonic comes with a VGA connection.

Using a Plasma TV would I be able to play games, do office work and all of the normal things people do with a regular LCD monitor? Would it be blurry, have ghost effects, and or lag?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[bsobel]

Generally speaking the resolution is going to be fairly low vs the size, usually not good for office work (fun for games tho)

 

[darpa21214]

In that case who makes the best 24" to 30" monitor for all around multimedia duty to include games? Dell, Gateway, Samsung or NEC. Specific model?

Thanks for the fast response. Now if my monitor were only that fast.

 

[disports]

You might want to check out the LCD thread sticky in the Video Cards and Graphics forum for some suggestions on LCD's. But of course, you might want to check out the monitors in person to see what you really like.

 

[IcePickFreak]

You're better off with an LCD TV if you want to use it for desktop and gaming to be honest. Everything works fine with a plasma, I connect to mine with no issue for movies sometimes. However, things such as desktop work or games with HUDs, or anything static on the screen is going to cause some IR, or if severe enough burn-in. An LCD tv would fit your needs much better IMO.

 

[OVERKILL]

I'm using a Panasonic 50in Plasma as my PC screen.
It works great for gaming, movies and web pages.
Burn in is really a thing of the past as technology has come a long way.

Do your research and buy the best display that fits your requirements and tastes.

Good luck.

 

[IamDavid]

Samsung PN50A650 50-Inch FTW!!!! Use mine for everything.. Luv it for Excel spreadsheets.

 

[ChrisScar]

I guess it would be great for excel spreadsheets. Don't know why I never thought of that.

 

[Tennoh]

As much as I like plasma, owning a Panasonic 50PZ85, its probably not good for a standard computer monitor unless you sit at a distance. Its generally hotter so you really can't sit too close to it.

I just got my dad a Samsung LN32A550, 32" of 1080p goodness. However in hindsight its too big for the distance he sits at. Plus the resolution, 1920x1080 is probably too small for size making the fonts quite big and jaggy. Based on my observations, if sitting standard desktop distance of 2-3 feet, then 26-27" lcd at 1920x1200 would look nice for people who like easy large fonts. Otherwise take a 30" LCD with 2560x1600 resolution if you like size. Myself I'm happy with my 24" 1920x1200 lcd.

 

[h200]

For those of you using the 50" plasma, what resolution have you set up on your PC to use with it ?

Also, what type of connection are you using ?

Your comments are highly appreciated, thanks.

 

[blanketyblank]

I'm using a 42" Panasonic PZ77u.
Works pretty well as a monitor and home theatre pc.
Much better than my 20" MVA LCD for anything with motion as I can notice ghosting on LCDs (had same problem with a Sharp LCD I sold).
Main drawback though is power usage is much higher with plasma and plugging it in with your system might tax your wiring. I think plasma can draw up to 500 watts on a bright screen.
Also I don't leave it on any images for long periods of time so I usually take short breaks between tasks, and have the windows power option set to turn off display after about 30 minutes non use.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: blanketyblank
I'm using a 42" Panasonic PZ77u.
Works pretty well as a monitor and home theatre pc.
Much better than my 20" MVA LCD for anything with motion as I can notice ghosting on LCDs (had same problem with a Sharp LCD I sold).
Main drawback though is power usage is much higher with plasma and plugging it in with your system might tax your wiring. I think plasma can draw up to 500 watts on a bright screen.
Also I don't leave it on any images for long periods of time so I usually take short breaks between tasks, and have the windows power option set to turn off display after about 30 minutes non use.

Yeah my 42 Philips is rated at 400W, and that somgun gets hot.