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[-COOLIO-]

LG 22" LCD HDTV $400

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pr...665000FS10121805&catid=23518&logon=&langid=EN

-5ms response time
-720p
-60Hz
-8,000:1 contrast ratio
-TV Tuner: ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM 1
-HDMI Inputs: 1

VS.

LG 24" LCD Monitor $270

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pr...665000FS10119037&catid=25616&logon=&langid=EN

-2ms response time
-1080p
-50,000:1 contrast ratio
-HDMI, DVI-D (HDCP), VGA inputs
-TV tuner: none

It seems like the only significant differences are that TVs have composite cable inputs, TV tuners, and speakers but monitors will always be able to hook up to your computer. am i right?

if i wanted to use one of these for solely games and movies via my ps3, and no tv at all, and if i also have speakers already, the monitor is the much much much more sensible buy right?

 

[suffah]

It seems like the only significant differences are that TVs have composite cable inputs, TV tuners, and speakers but monitors will always be able to hook up to your computer. am i right?

if i wanted to use one of these for solely games and movies via my ps3, and no tv at all, the monitor is the much much much more sensible buy right?

Yea, that stuff along with circuitry costs money. And probably R&D costs, etc.

 

[koam]

Convenience tax

 

[Zaptruder]

I wondered about this myself... I think I found the answer to be:

Different panels = different color reproduction and different viewing angles.

TV panels tend to be better for that kinda stuff.

Similarly, if you find a computer monitor that is priced disparately from other monitors in its size and resolution category, it's probably because of the difference in panels.

 

[LCGeek]

LG 22" LCD HDTV $400

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pr...665000FS10121805&catid=23518&logon=&langid=EN

-5ms response time
-720p
-60Hz
-8,000:1 contrast ratio
-TV Tuner: ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM 1
-HDMI Inputs: 1

VS.

LG 24" LCD Monitor $270

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pr...665000FS10119037&catid=25616&logon=&langid=EN

-2ms response time
-1080p
-50,000:1 contrast ratio
-Analog, DVI, HDMI inputs
-TV tuner: none

It seems like the only significant differences are that TVs have composite cable inputs, TV tuners, and speakers but monitors will always be able to hook up to your computer. am i right?

if i wanted to use one of these for solely games and movies via my ps3, and no tv at all, the monitor is the much much much more sensible buy right?

Don't forget about Dot pitch. They lack a TV tuner, but most like me just transcode the signal in to something useable. Though look at the differences though. 2ms response isn't slight between 5ms that pretty big for flats. The contrast ratio is much higher but considering the industry has no real standards I typically find independent test to be a better judge of that quality.

 

[-COOLIO-]

I wondered about this myself... I think I found the answer to be:

Different panels = different color reproduction and different viewing angles.

TV panels tend to be better for that kinda stuff.

Similarly, if you find a computer monitor that is priced disparately from other monitors in its size and resolution category, it's probably because of the difference in panels.

panels as in what you knock your finger against when you tap the screen?

 

[Ploid 3.0]

I have two HDTVs but got a big flat monitor for PC and PS3 on one screen. Tried the pc on the normal HDTVs but it was odd. Love this monitor, although the speakers are bad, I use headphones for it. It was very cheap too, my brother asked me this same thing. I figured it had something to do with the inputs, limited to dvi, hdmi, and vga.

 

[Zaptruder]

panels as in what you knock your figure against when you tap the screen?

What?

Panel as in the actual component that displays the pixels on the screen that make up the picture you see.

Different technology; cheapo computer monitors use TN panels, while the most accurate monitors use SIPS.

 

[Drkirby]

You have to pay a licencing fee for the TV tuner. Oh, and the TV tuner its self costs a bit. I forget how the fee works (I think it scales to the size of the screen), its fairly costly from what I remember.

 

[-COOLIO-]

What?

Panel as in the actual component that displays the pixels on the screen that make up the picture you see.

Different technology; cheapo computer monitors use TN panels, while the most accurate monitors use SIPS.

*finger


so does the panel difference justify the price difference in this case in your opinion?

 

[viciouskillersquirrel]

Yea, that stuff along with circuitry costs money. And probably R&D costs, etc.

Not that much, actually. The difference comes down to marketing (price). Flat screen, 1080p TVs are seen as luxury items that command a luxury price.

As luxury items, the margins on TVs are huge. Monitors, on the other hand, are more of a commodity item.

 

[br0ken_shad0w]

Not really.

A good 24' (non TN-panel) computer monitor will run you about $500 or more. You could find 32' TVs for that price.

Edit: Just remember that computer monitor will have shitty viewing angles.

 

[Zaptruder]

*finger


so does the panel difference justify the price difference in this case in your opinion?

Depends on your uses. But not really. Go with the cheaper bigger one with better res. It's a better screen for your purposes (PS3 and PC).

 

[Lord Error]

The contrast comparison there is crock most likely, as the monitor number must be the useless "dynamic contrast" value. Still, the monitor is probably the better choice, but the colors do tend to look better on TVs, so your eyes should be the judge.

 

[Windu]

I always thought Monitors were the more expensive ones.

 

[-COOLIO-]

Depends on your uses. But not really. Go with the cheaper bigger one with better res. It's a better screen for your purposes (PS3 and PC).

right on, i think ill buy it soon actually

 

[Veidt]

Get a TV/Monitor for cheap. Like me.heh

 

[Anaxagoras]

I have an LG 22'' LCD monitor and a 32'' Panasonic HDTV 720, both connected to the pc and I honestly can't notice any difference besides the size of the screens.

 

[ElyrionX]

Not that much, actually. The difference comes down to marketing (price). Flat screen, 1080p TVs are seen as luxury items that command a luxury price.

As luxury items, the margins on TVs are huge. Monitors, on the other hand, are more of a commodity item.

Margins on TVs are huge? That's news to me.

 

[laserbeam]

Margins on TVs are huge? That's news to me.

Well profit margin on Sony TVs are huge for sure.

 

[viciouskillersquirrel]

Margins on TVs are huge? That's news to me.

Manufacturer margins most certainly are. Retail gets the raw end of the stick.

 

[Helmholtz]

TVs are most likely designed more with watching tv in mind, therefore you get something with better viewing angles etc.. However a monitor will probably fair decently as a makeshift tv, however will be the best for pc usage. But you're right, if you're on a budget you can get a monitor that serves multiple purposes. You won't get multiple tv inputs though.

 

[-COOLIO-]

i think it comes down to one of these 3. anyone got a quick opinion?

the tv:
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10117349&catid=23243
monitor 1:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pr...665000FS10119037&catid=25616&logon=&langid=EN
moniter 2:
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10120692&catid=26176

im leaning toward the one i originally posted, but maybe there's some brand knowlege thing im missing out on. the only significant difference between the monitors is that the one from veiwsonic has speakers but i dont really care about those.

either way, thanks for the help so far guys.

 

[HomerSimpson-Man]

Regarding why monitors can be cheaper for similar sizes than HDtv?

Potential for better image processor, viewing angles, has a tv tuner, more A/V inputs, speakers, and aren't TN displays?

 

[tokkun]

*finger


so does the panel difference justify the price difference in this case in your opinion?

If you are planning on looking straight at the panel at all times, then no. If you think that you may be looking at the panel from the angle (for example if you're walking around the room or if you have a group of people) then yes.

Besides the panel type and the TV tuner, an HDTV will contain other hardware for de-interlacing and higher quality scaling. HDTVs also typically have speakers whereas a lot of monitors don't.

 

[projekt84]

Regarding why monitors can be cheaper for similar sizes than HDtv?

Potential for better image processor, viewing angles, has a tv tuner, more A/V inputs, speakers, and aren't TN displays?

this is pretty much it.

monitors you just sit in front of, no need for a large viewing angle on those, so TN panels are common.

 

[Helmholtz]

Bleh, I didn't read your op fully. Anyways, I'd probably go for the viewsonic. I can't say for sure that's the best of the two monitors, but I've heard good things about that brand. The tv isn't worth it imo due to the price and 720p (might not matter at that size), but why not get a 1080p screen anyway? If you're using this for gaming/movies you'll be in front of the screen most of the time anyway, so viewing angles shouldn't be an issue. I'd say a 1080p monitor should serve you well.
Edit: You have to realize you'll most likely need external speakers for a monitor. Also, only buy a monitor if you're going to sit in front of it.

 

[laserbeam]

If your just gonna do movies and gaming I would go with a Monitor and save yourself bucks.

Plenty of really nice monitors out there that will not break the bank.

 

[-COOLIO-]

so TN panels get hazy from the sides right? is that the big negative when it comes to the differences between the panels?

 

[-COOLIO-]

Bleh, I didn't read your op fully. Anyways, I'd probably go for the viewsonic. I can't say for sure that's the best of the two monitors, but I've heard good things about that brand. The tv isn't worth it imo due to the price and 720p (might not matter at that size), but why not get a 1080p screen anyway? If you're using this for gaming/movies you'll be in front of the screen most of the time anyway, so viewing angles shouldn't be an issue. I'd say a 1080p monitor should serve you well.
Edit: You have to realize you'll most likely need external speakers for a monitor. Also, only buy a monitor if you're going to sit in front of it.

yup i got a 5.1 setup, not sure about sitting right in front of it though, i was going to use it in a kind of living room (tiny living room though) set up so maybe i should still consider the tv. great post, thanks for the outlook.

 

[Woo-Fu]

Monitors don't come with a lot of extra crap you don't need. Been 20+ years since I bought a TV, I always go with monitors.

 

[Helmholtz]

yup i got a 5.1 setup, not sure about sitting right in front of it though, i was going to use it in a kind of living room set up so maybe i should still consider the tv. great post, thanks for the outlook.

It's generally assumed that monitors using TN panels don't have very good viewing angles. Like, I'm sure it wouldnt be unbearable or anything but still. If you're planning on using it from far away and possibly at different angles, a tv might be better suited. Also, most people say 720p isn't noticeable at that size you that shouldn't matter. Either way you can't really go wrong though. If possible go to a store or something and check out monitors from far away, side to side, and see if it's tolerable. Hope it works out
Edit: Just read that you have a tiny living room. A monitor might work. Not really sure which to recommend now :lol I personally have a 24" monitor, and I watch movies several feet away from my bed sometimes, and it seems just fine. The monitor might be just fine since it doesn't have a bunch of extra inputs and you could always use it as a pc monitor in the future.

 

[projekt84]

so TN panels get hazy from the sides right? is that the big negative when it comes to the differences between the panels?

TN are the cheapest type of panels and a bunch of hardcore people look down upon them. I forget the other 2 main types.

I find TN panels to work just fine, and their response times are usually pretty fast.

 

[-COOLIO-]

It's generally assumed that monitors using TN panels don't have very good viewing angles. Like, I'm sure it wouldnt be unbearable or anything but still. If you're planning on using it from far away and possibly at different angles, a tv might be better suited. Also, most people say 720p isn't noticeable at that size you that shouldn't matter. Either way you can't really go wrong though. If possible go to a store or something and check out monitors from far away, side to side, and see if it's tolerable. Hope it works out

ya i was thinking about that too, and the dynex can also be used as a monitor as well. but shopping around now and seeing for myself like you said is probably the smart move at this point now that ive got the facts. thanks again.

 

[laserbeam]

ya i was thinking about that too, and the dynex can also be used as a monitor as well. but shopping around now and seeing for myself like you said is probably the smart move at this point now that ive got the facts. thanks again.

Keep an eye out. I did buy a TV for a monitor when the whole digital transition thing happened to replace the tv in my room. managed to snag a 37" Insignia 720p for $398.

Makes for a killer Monitor and decent enough for movies etc

 

[-COOLIO-]

Keep an eye out. I did buy a TV for a monitor when the whole digital transition thing happened to replace the tv in my room. managed to snag a 37" Insignia 720p for $398.

Makes for a killer Monitor and decent enough for movies etc

wow, where'd you find that?

 

[laserbeam]

wow, where'd you find that?

Best Buy just before the 4th of July. Saw it in the sales ad and rushed my ass off to the store. Regular Price is 599 so it was too good to pass up

 

[-COOLIO-]

Best Buy just before the 4th of July. Saw it in the sales ad and rushed my ass off to the store. Regular Price is 599 so it was too good to pass up

maybe i should just wait and see what happens : \\\\

 

[laserbeam]

maybe i should just wait and see what happens : \\\\

Id keep an eye out depending on how much fo a rush you are in. The magical time of the year where major discounts happen is approaching

 

[Helmholtz]

Ya, if you're not in a hurry, I'd wait for a deal. Deals on tvs and monitors happen pretty often and you can usually save a lot. Also, using an actual computer monitor for your pc might be a bit better because that's what it's designed for and you'll probably get better response times.

 

[-COOLIO-]

Ya, if you're not in a hurry, I'd wait for a deal. Deals on tvs and monitors happen pretty often and you can usually save a lot. Also, using an actual computer monitor for your pc might be a bit better because that's what it's designed for and you'll probably get better response times.

i'd prioritize my tvs needs as:

1. gaming
2. bluray movies
5. pc moniter
...



122. tv

so using it as a monitor isnt a huuuuuge deal. i guess i could watch movies from my laptop which would be nice and maybe for internet browsing, youtube in the tiny living room. i was looking around though and it sounds like the LG 24" has a decent viewing angle for a monitor. not sure how it does from a distance though.


tv shopping is fun though, so many angles, ha ha, i made a double entendre'.

 

[Helmholtz]

Haha, well, as you said before maybe the best idea is going to a store or something and checking out the various displays. I just tried watching a movie from across my room and it actually seemed pretty good on my monitor (24" 1080p), so you'd probably be okay with a monitor. Keep in mind you typically only get 1 hdmi, 1dvi, and 1vga input for display I believe, which is really all you'd need for what you're describing (unless you need a bluray player and ps3 hooked up via hdmi all the time).

 

[-COOLIO-]

Haha, well, as you said before maybe the best idea is going to a store or something and checking out the various displays. I just tried watching a movie from across my room and it actually seemed pretty good on my monitor (24" 1080p), so you'd probably be okay with a monitor. Keep in mind you typically only get 1 hdmi, 1dvi, and 1vga input for display I believe, which is really all you'd need for what you're describing (unless you need a bluray player and ps3 hooked up via hdmi all the time).

the ps3 shall be my blu ray player, i even got the remote.

so yup it sounds like overall monitors will probably suit me fine, but i'll see them in store for myself to make sure anyway. i'll keep an eye out for sales too but i must start shopping now! D:

 

[Marty Chinn]

Monitors tend to have shitty scalers and video processors compared to TVs. I'd definitely would rather have a good solid TV than a monitor used as a TV. There's a reason why my Kuro will beat the crap out of any computer monitor =)

 

[Jonny The Pie King]

Who knows. I have my Samsung T260HD and I'm happy with it though (24", 2HDMI ports, component in, DVI, VGA, has speakers, TV tuner).

Granted it's 16:10 (1920x1200), but it just adds black bars for TV/movies. Has some stuck pixels though occasionally, but they only come up on gray. Basically only noticeable on GAF :lol

 

[duckroll]

If you're getting anything under 30", a monitor's definitely an attractive option. If you're looking at 40" and above though, yeah.....