monitor or TV

Solemn · 6 May 2011 at 11:00

I noticed that OCUK has a nice looking 27.5 monitor for £240

But when you can pick up a 32" TV for 200 (full HD) is there really any point in getting a monitor?

Thanks.

Amraam · 6 May 2011 at 11:11

Depends. I've been researching this a LOT recently, as I'm in the same boat. My 24" LCD broke, so I thought I'd upgrade to a 32" TV. Most are crap for PC use, especially when it comes to text and fast games (motion blur, and input lag), but there are a few that are unsually well suited for PC use. The two models I'm stuck between are the LG 32LD450, and the Samsung LE32C530, both at the £250 mark. Iwill connecting it via a DVI > HDMI adaptor. Not fussed about sound as I havev my 5.1 in my room anway

The LG is rated very highly for PC use, with the Samsung close behind from what I've read. The LG just has poorer black levels, but has no input lag or ghosting at all.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18271293

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18269351

Sunbed · 6 May 2011 at 11:54

Edit: comment retracted

see post 8

Solemn · 6 May 2011 at 12:24

so if I found a 28" for example... would it be the same as the 27.5 monitor? or would there be an advantage to using a monitor?

Amraam · 6 May 2011 at 13:40

Sundance said:
1920x1080 will not look great up close on 32" screen.

Have you actually tried it though?

Liquid · 6 May 2011 at 14:13

The LG 32LD450 is an awesome tv to use as a monitor and my brother has one for everyday use. I have used his system and can confirm there are no issues being sat in front of it on a desk even though it's in your face. They cost around £225 - £250 and I am that confident you will find it awesome too, if you don't I will buy it from you lol. I dont have a link, but there is a big thread on avforums that makes for great reading on that model.

All you have to do is lock down the right model with the S-IPS panel and you are sorted, which can be determined by the product code on the box.

So for example, a 32LD450 with a full product code of “32LD450 - UA.CUSWLH”. The fourth character of the last text segment(after the .) denotes which panel type it is, so the 'W' is known to be an S-IPS panel.

Known lettering is -

W = S-IPS (common)
D = A-MVA (common)
I = IPS Alpha (rare)
L = ?-MVA (rare)
Z = S-IPS (rare)

You are unlikely to get an I,L,Z model but W should be fairly easy to come across and it is the one you want.

Liquid · 6 May 2011 at 14:31

Sundance said:
1920x1080 will not look great up close on 32" screen.

I would agree only if you are talking about an unbranded piece of you know what lol, you do have to be very careful which tv you pick for monitor use though.

tbh it's not a good idea to comment on such things unless you have experienced it first hand. Both the LG 32LD450 and it's older brother, the 32LH3000 are excellent for monitor use, there may be others but they are the ones I have played with.

Also worth bearing in mind that every display you buy needs properly configuring to obtain the best results, every one.

I won't even mention i'm using a 37' 1080p set as my computer screen

, oops I just did.

One thing's for sure though, if you game on PC, it is killer on a 32' set

Sunbed · 6 May 2011 at 15:42

Amraam said:
Have you actually tried it though?

Liquid said:
tbh it's not a good idea to comment on such things unless you have experienced it first hand. Both the LG 32LD450 and it's older brother, the 32LH3000 are excellent for monitor use, there may be others but they are the ones I have played with.

TBH I have only tried 720p on a smaller screen size which originally put me off the idea some time ago as I didn't like it then. Also the input lag was an issue for me... but reading more carefully at earlier posts it seems that this is not as much of an issue either! Therefore I will retract my comment entirely as you guys obviously have more experience of it

Amraam · 6 May 2011 at 16:09

No problem mate. I'm just trying to hear from as many people as I can before taking the plunge

Once it's bought, it's bought so I want to be sure!

Liquid · 6 May 2011 at 18:06

Sundance said:
TBH I have only tried 720p on a smaller screen size which originally put me off the idea some time ago as I didn't like it then. Also the input lag was an issue for me... but reading more carefully at earlier posts it seems that this is not as much of an issue either! Therefore I will retract my comment entirely as you guys obviously have more experience of it

totally understand why it put you off

Shayne · 6 May 2011 at 18:16

You'll get a ASUS VW266H for about that much (I'm seriously impressed with mine).

Liquid · 6 May 2011 at 18:20

Amraam said:
No problem mate. I'm just trying to hear from as many people as I can before taking the plunge Once it's bought, it's bought so I want to be sure!

I think between the two threads you have going, you have enough info.

LG 32LD450 with the 'W' S-IPS panel, do it

lol

patch58 · 6 May 2011 at 21:50

monitor every time

Tediore · 7 May 2011 at 11:55

Try the TV, and if it's not suitable, DSR it.

I used to use a 32" TV as a PC monitor, and I actually really enjoyed it, but I did sit far enough away from it. I'm sure it was IPS - it had the IPS glow with blacks, superb colours and amazing viewing angles. I'm not sure I could use something that big on my desk now though