Using TV as a Second Monitor

[Jim.Ow]

Hi,

I currently have a 24" Samsung TV that I use for Xbox etc. I am about to upgrade my current monitor to a 24" - I have always quite liked the idea of dual screens as I use it at work and it can be helpful.

At the moment I am thinking of getting a Samsung Monitor that looks exactly the same as the TV and then having them side by side - with the TV I can select to use the screen as another PC screen or to play xbox etc.

I was just wondering, before I start looking at my TV's specification if there are any obvious draw backs or issues with picture quality by doing it this way, or if it's even possible?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[cmndr_andi]

It really depends on what model of TV you have, for example some 24in TVs are only 720p (res 1366x768) while all 24in PC monitors are at least 1080p (1920x1080). Apart from resolution, TVs usually have a scaling engine, a TV tuner and a bunch of inputs. So long as there is a digital input (DVI or HDMI) then inputs won't be a worry. The other stuff in a TV will increase the input lag, to what extent is determined by the individual model and whether it comes with a "game mode" (turns off image scaling).

Do you know the model number of your samsung TV? If you do, we can give you idea of how good it will be as a monitor and what you can match it up with.

 

[Jim.Ow]

I've just got home and checked the model and it's actually called a monitor with a build in 'Digital TV Tuner' - The model number is a P2270HD and the specification is as follows:

Width: 53.6cm, Depth: 19cm, Height: 40.3cm
Weight: 5.2kg
Diagonal Size: 22 inch widescreen
Dot Pitch / Pixel Pitch: 0.248mm
Max Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Video Format: 1080p (full HD)
Colour Support: 24-bit (16.7 million colours)
Max Sync Rate (vxH): 61hz x 75 khz
Response Time: 5ms
Display Positions: Tilt
Tilt Angle: 20
Output Power Channel: 3 Watt
Features: Wall Mountable

Im now thinking of just buying another identical one as the specification seems good, It has HDMI input aswell as the standard other connections.