TV or large monitor?

[Blue Shift]

I'm about to move into my first apartment, and am looking for a TV/monitor to use in the living room. I entertain guests frequently, so it is important to me to have something reasonably nice.

My current plan is to use a TV or monitor connected to my gaming rig (which will be in another room) for gaming and movie watching via hulu/netflix. I do not intend to purchase cable TV at any point.

I use an IPS panel as my main monitor, and am really spoiled by the color quality/accuracy afforded by it. I would ideally like to find something with good color accuracy, a nice amount of contrast (and low black levels), and low enough latency to use for gaming.

Room Characteristics:
Viewers will be likely seated 4'-5' from the TV. There will be a large window near the TV, so there's the possibility of a lot of ambient light and glare... But I'll keep the blinds closed, so hopefully it won't be too bad.

Price Point:
I would like to find something at around $500, or possibly lower. I realize that TV prices seem to increase rapidly with diagonal size, and I'd like to find something in the 36"-50" range.

Other Considerations:
Since this will likely be connected to a computer at all times, I have no need for Smart TV functions. There is also no need for traditional analog inputs such as RGB cables or even a coax port. Just looking for a dumb panel with a great picture and an HDMI port. I'm also not particularly interested in paying extra for a 3D TV or a 120Hz TV at this time.

Honestly, I feel like I am not informed enough to make an educated decision on a TV purchase right now. Any information that you can give which would help educate me would be helpful, such as links to accurate and intelligent information on the different options out there. Of course, plain old recommendations are great too.

 

[mshan]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optimum_HDTV_viewing_distance

Haven't kept up with hdtvs recently, but from what I've read in past, others may direct you towards Vizio at the lower price points.

And are you sure viewers will be seated only 4 - 5 ft. from screen?

( 37 inch 16:9 monitor is perfect for computer desktop maybe 3 or 4 ft away from seated position, and personally wouldn't go past 40 inches for computer desktop monitor at that distance).

But for watching tv from seated position, I would guess maybe want something closer to 46 or 50 inches, maybe more. Just go to retailer and stand various distances from screen, while watching tv or movies or gaming, etc.

 

[Blue Shift]

OK, I think I found a 46" matte IPS LCD on Amazon that fits my budget:
http://www.amazon.com/LG-47CS570-47-.../dp/B006ZH0K7A

 

[Crow550]

Got a Costco membership?

Check out Costco (even if you don't have one) and look for the section that has Display / Returned models for sale. These are cheaper and carry the same 2 year Warranty & 90 day Exchange as the brand new boxed models.

Plus if you get a good deal you can always extend it for 3 more years too.

Find one with features you like and don't limit your choices based on Hertz, 3D or Smart TV features. You don't have to use those features if you don't want too. You may find a model that has the features you want and is on sale in your price range but has that other stuff too. If it's an LED make sure it has some form of local dimming.

Also not all sets tell what panel they use. You'll have to do your own panel test: http://www.mediachance.com/pbrush/monitor.html

Most sets have a PC mode to turn off the excess processing to reduce input lag.

Also keep in mind all LCDs (CCFL or LED, edge or full array) will have some level of back light bleed / glow when viewing in an all dark room. Some better and some worse. If you can live with it, good. This can be noticeable when the content is very dark. You can add some ambient lights in the back of the TV or around it to minimize this as they say viewing in an all dark room is bad for your eyes anyways. Another option is Plasma. However since you already own an IPS Monitor this shouldn't bother you too much.

Make sure your video card to set the right pixel format to get the proper black levels on the set too.

Consider 3D for PC gaming. Passive 3D sends 1080P @ 60hz through hdmi vs 30hz-24hz @ 1080P with Active Shutter. Unless you opt for 720p which is 60hz. Check out the Tridef software which is $24 if you own an AMD card also has a 14 day Trial: http://www.tridef.com/ which also offers an enhanced mode to make Passive 3D look even better. Check the forums.

Also give meant to be seen site a look and the forums too: http://www.mtbs3d.com/

 

[Skott]

Might want to check out the LG LN5300 series. They make it in 32" 39" 42" and I'm not sure but a 55" maybe as well. I'm hearing a lot of good things about these TVs being used as gaming monitors. 1920x1080 LED HDTV. I'm thinking of trying out the 32" or 39" as my next upgrade from a 28" 1920x1200. The prices seem reasonable considering the price of a 30" monitor these days.

 

[Blue Shift]

Might want to check out the LG LN5300 series. They make it in 32" 39" 42" and I'm not sure but a 55" maybe as well. I'm hearing a lot of good things about these TVs being used as gaming monitors. 1920x1080 LED HDTV. I'm thinking of trying out the 32" or 39" as my next upgrade from a 28" 1920x1200. The prices seem reasonable considering the price of a 30" monitor these days.

I ended up going with the LG 47CS570. It's similar to the LN5300 series, except that it's an older model with a 47" IPS screen and a CCFL backlight. As linked above.