Using an LCD TV as a monitor

noobybooby · 12 Dec 2011 at 03:21

I'm planning on getting a large LCD TV to use as a second monitor for my computer (when using it some distance away - for gaming & general use), as well as it being used by my XBox.

I'm looking at the LG 42LK450U:

http://m.lg.com/uk/tv-audio-video/televisions/LG-lcd-tv-42LK450U.jsp

because its relatively cheap for a 42", and seems to be of good quality. Though expert reviews are non-existant.

Among its specifications is a refresh rate of 50Hz. Is this going to cause me problems when hooking up to my computer? I have an MSI Twin Frozr 3 6950 2GB, if its relevant. I wasn't sure if monitors needed to be either 60Hz or 120Hz - I didn't really know if a 50Hz screen would work.

Also, are there any other technical issues that I should be aware of as part of this setup?

I would think that viewing angles shouldn't be too bad, seeing as how this is a TV. I'm not expecting IPS viewing angles, but something better than my current 27" Samsung LCD, which gets pretty noticeable colour distortion - especially on the vertical axis.

noobybooby · 13 Dec 2011 at 23:51

Thanks for the responses.

I really couldn't have asked for more detailled information, so I really appreciate it.

In light of the comments, I'm going to try and hunt down an S-IPS version.

A rich sounding place will be my first port of call. Where did you guys get your 'Y' versions from - same place? PM if appropriate.

noobybooby · 18 Dec 2011 at 16:53

Thanks guys

noobybooby · 23 Jan 2012 at 01:51

Hi,

I was looking around and I think I finally found the right kind of model number.

The example that you guys quoted was: "42LK450-UB.CWMYLH"

I know this was only an example, and the important thing was that the Y was in the 4th position after the full stop.

I found a model number "42LK450-ZH.BEJYLJH" - so it seems fine.

The only thing unusual is that there are 7 letters after the fullstop, not 6 - which is unusual, as I haven't seen that before (and I checked a LOT of these TVs in B&M stores to find the right one). Before I go ahead and order, I was wondering if you guys think that that sounds ok, and that my 4th postition Y panel should be a genuine IPS, even if the model code does seem to have an extra letter.

I know I'm probably being stupidly anal, but I thought I'd just double check if you guys thought this was a red flag

noobybooby · 29 Jan 2012 at 22:27

cmndr_andi said:
I'm pretty sure that one will be fine - it really is the "Y" in the fourth position after the fullstop that counts.

For example the guy in post #1538 on this page got one of these TVs (the model up) with 7 letters after the fullstop and the "Y" in the fourth position - it was an IPS panel.

Many thanks for that info. However it was in vain, as the TV turned out to be unavailable.

The only 'Y' versions I have been able to find are display/ex-display models in the sister chains of "a shop where you might buy a chicken tikka masala" and "a globe of information technology". But I'm very dubious about buying ex-display - especially as they offer almost no discount.

I think I will wait for April when LG release their new line up. As mentionned earlier on this thread, they seem to release models initially with IPS screens, then replace them with MVA/PVA ones - so I guess I'll try to catch the next line-up early.

It's predominantly LED - so hopefully no backlight issues. The LS5600 (which could well be the LK450's successor) also supposedly has 120Hz refresh rate, as its a nerfed 2D version of higher specc'd 3D models - which I guess will be a bonus.