Monitor/TV set-up

timb38 · 12-02-2008, 01:18 AM

I've been throwing around the idea of getting myself a TV/High Def Monitor to use as my computer monitor and for watching DVD's in my room. So I'll go ahead and see if any of you have any ideas. Also, I wasn't sure if this was supposed to go in this forum or the LCD TV forum, but since it's for a computer I decided I should probably post it here. If it's in the wrong place, I'm sorry and would love if a mod would move it.

Anyway here is the information you will probably need, if there's anything else that would be needed to know before making recommendations let me know. Thanks ahead of time.

Windows:
I have one window right to the left of where I'd be placing the TV, but I have a sun block pull down blind on it to keep the sun from pouring into the room while I'd be using it.

What it would be used for:
Watching movies (DVD, streamed from netflix, etc..) Would not be watching any tv or sports on it currently, as I wouldn't be able to hook up high def to it right away and I like to be able to use my computer and watch TV at the same time. So I'd just use my current TV for that purpose.

I would also have my computer hooked up to it, so I'd be doing word processing, internet surfing, maybe CAD Drafting, and playing computer games on it. The games I'd be playing would also be pretty graphically intensive and/or fast paced (i.e. Crysis). So the TV would have to be able to keep up with that

How far away will you be planning on sitting from the TV?
Well the TV would be placed on my desk, so while sitting in my computer chair I'd be 2-3ft away, and while lying in bed I'd be 6-10 ft away.

Do you want to wall mount your TV?
No, there wouldn't be room to wall mount it.

What size limitations do you have?
It couldn't be any taller than 27" and would like to keep it no wider than 37 or 38"

What cost limitations do you have?
This is the problem. I'm kind of low on funds being a college student. I'd like to keep it at or below $600ish, but if I wait until after Christmas break I could probably scrounge up about $800 or $900.

When are you looking to purchase?
Doesn't matter, I've been throwing this idea around for a while so I'm in no hurry.

Paying cash or credit?
Cash

What brand/model TV do you have now?
Right now I'm just using my Samsung 20.1" 5ms LCD Monitor. I believe it's a Samsung 204B.

I'd also like the TV/Monitor to be 32+", but I could probably make do with a 28".

Elitimus · 12-02-2008, 02:47 AM

Well I've got a good recommendation for you but its only 26 inches. The samsung T260hd. Still plenty big, I've got the 24in in my office. It is my primary display for my pc, 360, and PS3. It has vga, hdmi, dvi, component, and an OTA hd tumer. 1900x1200 resolution and does 1:1 pixel mapping over all the inputs so 1080p sources can be letterboxed if you don't care for the slight stretch. It has speakers as well if you don't have a separate system and a remote too. It really is a great all in one setup. The 26in is going for 449 right now on amazon including a rebate. There is a T260 that is just a monitor with no tuner and I think fewer inputs. So be careful which one you search for. Hope this is of some help.

DexterMorgan · 12-02-2008, 07:04 AM

I'd agree. I use the 24" Samsung.

timb38 · 12-02-2008, 04:38 PM

Would this be a good deal? Also, how would the viewing angles be on this, and the suggested Samsung? I like to watch movies from my bed so that I would be looking up at the monitor/TV, and with my current Samsung monitor it can sometimes be hard to distinguish what's going on.

Edit: It didn't let me post the link but it is a "I-Inc iF-281DPB 28" Widescreen LCD Monitor - 3ms, WUXGA 1920x1200, HDMI, D-sub, Built-In Speakers" priced at $350.

Elitimus · 12-03-2008, 12:07 AM

Well, I checked out the specs for that on tigerdirect and it's not really impressive. There is a reason it only costs $350 for 28in. Seems like a fairly generic monitor from a no name company. At least I've never heard of them. I'm not saying it's a POS, but considering your budget I'd look for a quality 24" or 26". If you don't need the tuner functionality or all the inputs on the samsung you can find better deals than what I posted for more established brands. In fact, samsclub has a new model vizio 26" for $399. I'd stay away from that I-inc, but that's just my personal opinion.

BTW. I have a samsung 19" 906BW setup on my wife's computer (was running a dual monitor setup, but whats mine is hers

) The viewing angles and overall picture quality are tons better on my t240hd.
Also, don't worry about built in speakers when making a final decision, a $24 logitech 2.1 setup will kill any built in speakers for the size tv/monitor you are looking at.

timb38 · 12-03-2008, 02:53 AM

Oh, I'm not worried about the built in speakers. I have a logitech 5.1 speaker setup. The problem with just getting a 24 or 26 inch is that I feel like I'm not getting enough of an upgrade over what I already have to really account for how much I'm spending. I mean if I only get another 3-6 inches, is that really worth spending that kind of money? My picture quality is fine with my monitor I have now, I just want a bigger set up that will last me a few years and that I will eventually use to watch blu rays, play video games, etc. on.

If I end up buying a 24 or 26, I'm going to want to get something bigger in the not too distant future. I probably will with a 32+"er as well, but I'll be able to hold off a lot longer because of this same argument. I just don't see how I can get myself to spend that kind of money over a small upgrade.

Elitimus · 12-04-2008, 09:01 AM

I understand what you are saying as far as feeling like you've made a descent jump in size vs what you have now. 19 to 24 at a desk felt like a huge jump for me, but considering you want this to be a tv at a distance your best bet may be to wait and get a 32" 1080p. Definitely stick to lcd though. The holidays are always a good time to find deals. Scour the tv sections of this forum and others as well as sites like slickdeals. It sounds like if you buy anything smaller you'll probably regret it. Good luck and happy hunting.

PS. Tell your family and friends for cash, checks, or visa gift cards for christmas. Every little bit helps

timb38 · 12-04-2008, 02:10 PM

Thanks for the advice. Would I be better served to post this in the Flat Panel forums?

Elitimus · 12-05-2008, 06:34 AM

I think so. Once you hit 32" you are really looking for a tv. Honestly though, if you find a few tvs that suit your taste, a "model name + review" in google will likely get you all the information you need much quicker. That's how I picked my current monitor.

12-02-2008, 01:18 AM	#1
timb38 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 13	Monitor/TV set-up I've been throwing around the idea of getting myself a TV/High Def Monitor to use as my computer monitor and for watching DVD's in my room. So I'll go ahead and see if any of you have any ideas. Also, I wasn't sure if this was supposed to go in this forum or the LCD TV forum, but since it's for a computer I decided I should probably post it here. If it's in the wrong place, I'm sorry and would love if a mod would move it. Anyway here is the information you will probably need, if there's anything else that would be needed to know before making recommendations let me know. Thanks ahead of time. Windows: I have one window right to the left of where I'd be placing the TV, but I have a sun block pull down blind on it to keep the sun from pouring into the room while I'd be using it. What it would be used for: Watching movies (DVD, streamed from netflix, etc..) Would not be watching any tv or sports on it currently, as I wouldn't be able to hook up high def to it right away and I like to be able to use my computer and watch TV at the same time. So I'd just use my current TV for that purpose. I would also have my computer hooked up to it, so I'd be doing word processing, internet surfing, maybe CAD Drafting, and playing computer games on it. The games I'd be playing would also be pretty graphically intensive and/or fast paced (i.e. Crysis). So the TV would have to be able to keep up with that How far away will you be planning on sitting from the TV? Well the TV would be placed on my desk, so while sitting in my computer chair I'd be 2-3ft away, and while lying in bed I'd be 6-10 ft away. Do you want to wall mount your TV? No, there wouldn't be room to wall mount it. What size limitations do you have? It couldn't be any taller than 27" and would like to keep it no wider than 37 or 38" What cost limitations do you have? This is the problem. I'm kind of low on funds being a college student. I'd like to keep it at or below $600ish, but if I wait until after Christmas break I could probably scrounge up about $800 or $900. When are you looking to purchase? Doesn't matter, I've been throwing this idea around for a while so I'm in no hurry. Paying cash or credit? Cash What brand/model TV do you have now? Right now I'm just using my Samsung 20.1" 5ms LCD Monitor. I believe it's a Samsung 204B. I'd also like the TV/Monitor to be 32+", but I could probably make do with a 28".

12-03-2008, 12:07 AM	#5
Elitimus HD gaming goodness Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 73	Well, I checked out the specs for that on tigerdirect and it's not really impressive. There is a reason it only costs $350 for 28in. Seems like a fairly generic monitor from a no name company. At least I've never heard of them. I'm not saying it's a POS, but considering your budget I'd look for a quality 24" or 26". If you don't need the tuner functionality or all the inputs on the samsung you can find better deals than what I posted for more established brands. In fact, samsclub has a new model vizio 26" for $399. I'd stay away from that I-inc, but that's just my personal opinion. BTW. I have a samsung 19" 906BW setup on my wife's computer (was running a dual monitor setup, but whats mine is hers ) The viewing angles and overall picture quality are tons better on my t240hd. Also, don't worry about built in speakers when making a final decision, a $24 logitech 2.1 setup will kill any built in speakers for the size tv/monitor you are looking at. Last edited by Elitimus; 12-03-2008 at 12:19 AM.

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12-02-2008, 02:47 AM	#2
Elitimus HD gaming goodness Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 73	Well I've got a good recommendation for you but its only 26 inches. The samsung T260hd. Still plenty big, I've got the 24in in my office. It is my primary display for my pc, 360, and PS3. It has vga, hdmi, dvi, component, and an OTA hd tumer. 1900x1200 resolution and does 1:1 pixel mapping over all the inputs so 1080p sources can be letterboxed if you don't care for the slight stretch. It has speakers as well if you don't have a separate system and a remote too. It really is a great all in one setup. The 26in is going for 449 right now on amazon including a rebate. There is a T260 that is just a monitor with no tuner and I think fewer inputs. So be careful which one you search for. Hope this is of some help.

12-02-2008, 07:04 AM	#3
DexterMorgan HTPC Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 220	I'd agree. I use the 24" Samsung.

12-02-2008, 04:38 PM	#4
timb38 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 13	Would this be a good deal? Also, how would the viewing angles be on this, and the suggested Samsung? I like to watch movies from my bed so that I would be looking up at the monitor/TV, and with my current Samsung monitor it can sometimes be hard to distinguish what's going on. Edit: It didn't let me post the link but it is a "I-Inc iF-281DPB 28" Widescreen LCD Monitor - 3ms, WUXGA 1920x1200, HDMI, D-sub, Built-In Speakers" priced at $350.

12-03-2008, 02:53 AM	#6
timb38 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 13	Oh, I'm not worried about the built in speakers. I have a logitech 5.1 speaker setup. The problem with just getting a 24 or 26 inch is that I feel like I'm not getting enough of an upgrade over what I already have to really account for how much I'm spending. I mean if I only get another 3-6 inches, is that really worth spending that kind of money? My picture quality is fine with my monitor I have now, I just want a bigger set up that will last me a few years and that I will eventually use to watch blu rays, play video games, etc. on. If I end up buying a 24 or 26, I'm going to want to get something bigger in the not too distant future. I probably will with a 32+"er as well, but I'll be able to hold off a lot longer because of this same argument. I just don't see how I can get myself to spend that kind of money over a small upgrade.

12-04-2008, 09:01 AM	#7
Elitimus HD gaming goodness Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 73	I understand what you are saying as far as feeling like you've made a descent jump in size vs what you have now. 19 to 24 at a desk felt like a huge jump for me, but considering you want this to be a tv at a distance your best bet may be to wait and get a 32" 1080p. Definitely stick to lcd though. The holidays are always a good time to find deals. Scour the tv sections of this forum and others as well as sites like slickdeals. It sounds like if you buy anything smaller you'll probably regret it. Good luck and happy hunting. PS. Tell your family and friends for cash, checks, or visa gift cards for christmas. Every little bit helps

12-04-2008, 02:10 PM	#8
timb38 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 13	Thanks for the advice. Would I be better served to post this in the Flat Panel forums?

12-05-2008, 06:34 AM	#9
Elitimus HD gaming goodness Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 73	I think so. Once you hit 32" you are really looking for a tv. Honestly though, if you find a few tvs that suit your taste, a "model name + review" in google will likely get you all the information you need much quicker. That's how I picked my current monitor.