I currently am using a Dell 2405FPW for Xbox360 gaming (via component cable at 1080i) and am also using this panel with a SFF PC, which I run XP Pro at the native 1920x1020 and do some occasional pc gaming. I am thinking about getting a 32" LCD TV as a replacement for the Dell. Basically a bigger screen for gaming on my 360 would be the primary reason, and secondly it would act as my main viewing source for TV/DVD's in the bedroom instead of the 32" widescreen 100hz Sony monstrosity I have at the moment.
I have a few concerns though :
I am used to browsing at 1920x1200 and playiing the odd pc game at a reasonably high res (1280 or 1600) using an X1600XT. The LCD TV res is 1366x768, so not even close, so there would be some serious stretching when gaming, and I am not even sure if ATI drivers support a 1366x768 desktop res. to begin with. And then there is the question if XP will be very usable at such a low res ? Will this res. look pants ?
Secondly I have read that 32" LCD TV's don't really have very good interpolation and as a result normal tv broadcasts which are just SD look terrible on them. There is also the question of whether these LCD TV's have any sort of scaling options like the 2405FPW. On the other hand I have read that 27" LCD's offer a better picture all round compared to the 32" models.
Finally my last concern is Xbox 360 gaming and lack of 1080i/p support. I realise most games are rendered internally at 720p (* some lower like PGR3 *), and rescaled by the 360 to suit your monitor. However with the LCD TV, there will still be some scaling as it's native res. is 1366x768 and 720p is 1280x720. My Dell monitor on the other hand has a native res. of 1920x1200, and with my Xbox 360 set to 1080i (1920x1080), and either aspect or 1:1 selected in the OSD, the aspect ratio is perfect and there is minimum borders. Plus I believe some games like COD2 (and hopefully future games) are rendered at 1080i anyway, and they look superb on my monitor. Personally I cannot tell the difference yet between progressive and interlaced on the current games, but it's nice to be able to run at 1920x1080 and keep everything looking right. And then there is the PS3 which will have 1080p support which again the Dell will support.
Btw, I know there is a lot of talk out there about the 2405FPW being able to support HD which Dell say it does not. In particular I have read on forums wherepeople say it is limited to 480p output which is then upscaled. I haven't seen proof of this and side by side comparisons at 720p between the Dell and a friends LCD TV show the quality is up to standard too, at least in my opinion.
So should I keep what I have ? Or get the 32" LCD TV ? Need to decide in the next day or two, as I can sell my 2405FPW and Sony for a pretty good price this week, which will cover the cost of an LCD TV.
I have a few concerns though :
I am used to browsing at 1920x1200 and playiing the odd pc game at a reasonably high res (1280 or 1600) using an X1600XT. The LCD TV res is 1366x768, so not even close, so there would be some serious stretching when gaming, and I am not even sure if ATI drivers support a 1366x768 desktop res. to begin with. And then there is the question if XP will be very usable at such a low res ? Will this res. look pants ?
Secondly I have read that 32" LCD TV's don't really have very good interpolation and as a result normal tv broadcasts which are just SD look terrible on them. There is also the question of whether these LCD TV's have any sort of scaling options like the 2405FPW. On the other hand I have read that 27" LCD's offer a better picture all round compared to the 32" models.
Finally my last concern is Xbox 360 gaming and lack of 1080i/p support. I realise most games are rendered internally at 720p (* some lower like PGR3 *), and rescaled by the 360 to suit your monitor. However with the LCD TV, there will still be some scaling as it's native res. is 1366x768 and 720p is 1280x720. My Dell monitor on the other hand has a native res. of 1920x1200, and with my Xbox 360 set to 1080i (1920x1080), and either aspect or 1:1 selected in the OSD, the aspect ratio is perfect and there is minimum borders. Plus I believe some games like COD2 (and hopefully future games) are rendered at 1080i anyway, and they look superb on my monitor. Personally I cannot tell the difference yet between progressive and interlaced on the current games, but it's nice to be able to run at 1920x1080 and keep everything looking right. And then there is the PS3 which will have 1080p support which again the Dell will support.
Btw, I know there is a lot of talk out there about the 2405FPW being able to support HD which Dell say it does not. In particular I have read on forums wherepeople say it is limited to 480p output which is then upscaled. I haven't seen proof of this and side by side comparisons at 720p between the Dell and a friends LCD TV show the quality is up to standard too, at least in my opinion.
So should I keep what I have ? Or get the 32" LCD TV ? Need to decide in the next day or two, as I can sell my 2405FPW and Sony for a pretty good price this week, which will cover the cost of an LCD TV.
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The 2405 at 1920 just can't cope. My biggest worry was whether I could run at at 1366, as 1024 would suck. But at 1360, even windows would be fine for me. Must check out the local shops the weekend to see if there are any 32" models available which offer DVI input for the PC. Also, am I right in assuming if the panel is branded HD ready, it should have a HDMI connection with support for HDCP. Last thing I want is a panel that I can't use for HD video when it emerges.