HDTV as a Computer Monitor

SgtSprinkles · 03-21-2010, 11:00 PM

1. How far away will you be from the display when watching it?
6-8’

2. What TV will it be replacing
None, this room is a virgin (be gentle)

3. What will you be watching on it?
60% gaming, 20% movies, 20% TV Shows

4. Will a computer be connected to use the display as a monitor? If so, what percent of the time?
Yes, 80% of the time

5. Will you be getting a Blu-ray player to watch movies and will you be getting any HD service from cable/sat, or will you just be watching SD programming, and an upscaling SD DVD player?
I’ll be watching HD quality TV shows (720p) and movies (1080p/720p) that are stored on my laptop (mainly .mkv files.)

6. Are you looking for the best in class display, the best bargain display, or best bang for the buck in the middle display?
Best bang for my buck

7. What is the room lighting situation? (i.e. can you control the lighting? Can you use light blocking blinds, etc to control it?)
Yes, I have complete control over lighting.

8. What is your budget range?
Ideally $0-1000,but, $1100 if it’s completely necessary.

9. Will people be watching at multiple viewing angles or just usually one person sitting directly in the center?
Most of the time it’ll be just one person sitting directly in the center.

10. When will most viewing be done on the display (i.e. Daytime or after sunset.)
Since I have control over lighting, I don’t think it really matters.

I’ll mainly be using the tv as a monitor (connected by hdmi) for my laptop and to play games on my xbox360. If it helps, my video card is a ATU Mobility Radeon HD 4670.

Which one of the following sets would be the best for my situation? If there’s a better choice out I’m open to ideas.
Panasonic TC-P42G10
Samsung UN40B6000
LG 42SL80

Thanks,
Andrew

strait6tt · 03-22-2010, 08:11 AM

What games will you be playing? I have the same graphics card and I don't care for it...

**rbinck** · 03-22-2010, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SgtSprinkles

Which one of the following sets would be the best for my situation? If there’s a better choice out I’m open to ideas.
Panasonic TC-P42G10
Samsung UN40B6000
LG 42SL80

Of those choices for a display to be used with a computer, I'd go with the Sammy or LG. Even though the plasmas have made great improvements in reducing burn in they still do over long periods of time. So with the Panny you could expect to have the bottom line on your computer desktop to show up perminately after a while. Plasmas are great for video use, but I can't recommend them for computer monitors.

Also it would be good to review the specs on the HDTV and PC to make sure your PC will be able to output a resolution and video format that the TV will accept. Some PC video cards will not output 1920x1080i which may be required if the TV won't accept 1080p. Then some cards do not offer 1920x1080p/60Hz as an output format even if the HDTV will accept 1920x1080p/60Hz. A new video card is pretty cheap, so matching up to the HDTV is not a big problem, just a hassle if it becomes a surprise.

PFC5 · 03-22-2010, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbinck

Of those choices for a display to be used with a computer, I'd go with the Sammy or LG. Even though the plasmas have made great improvements in reducing burn in they still do over long periods of time. So with the Panny you could expect to have the bottom line on your computer desktop to show up perminately after a while. Plasmas are great for video use, but I can't recommend them for computer monitors.

Also it would be good to review the specs on the HDTV and PC to make sure your PC will be able to output a resolution and video format that the TV will accept. Some PC video cards will not output 1920x1080i which may be required if the TV won't accept 1080p. Then some cards do not offer 1920x1080p/60Hz as an output format even if the HDTV will accept 1920x1080p/60Hz. A new video card is pretty cheap, so matching up to the HDTV is not a big problem, just a hassle if it becomes a surprise.

I agree with this completely. I much prefer plasma over LCD for movies, TV shows, & gaming, but for computer monitor use a plasma would be a mistake. There are just too many static images when web browsing or using programs for more than about 10% monitor use with plasmas IMO.

SgtSprinkles · 03-22-2010, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strait6tt

What games will you be playing? I have the same graphics card and I don't care for it...

Mainly fps's and rts's. Yeah, the graphics card isnt the greatest but it was the only option for my laptop.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbinck

Also it would be good to review the specs on the HDTV and PC to make sure your PC will be able to output a resolution and video format that the TV will accept. Some PC video cards will not output 1920x1080i which may be required if the TV won't accept 1080p. Then some cards do not offer 1920x1080p/60Hz as an output format even if the HDTV will accept 1920x1080p/60Hz. A new video card is pretty cheap, so matching up to the HDTV is not a big problem, just a hassle if it becomes a surprise.

Thanks for this, I have a laptop and since upgrading the graphics card isnt really an option this is definitely something I need to watch out for.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

I agree with this completely. I much prefer plasma over LCD for movies, TV shows, & gaming, but for computer monitor use a plasma would be a mistake. There are just too many static images when web browsing or using programs for more than about 10% monitor use with plasmas IMO.

Alright thanks, Ive read that before but wasn't sure if the difference in the quality of the picture would be worth the risks.

Even though I was pretty impressed with the LG when I saw it in person(the fact that its on sale doesn't hurt either), I haven't read the greatest reviews about them (lip syncing).
Should I take the risk or is there a particular brand I should be looking at?

Heywood · 03-22-2010, 01:12 PM

Which one of the following sets would be the best for my situation? If there’s a better choice out I’m open to ideas.
Panasonic TC-P42G10
Samsung UN40B6000
LG 42SL80
Thanks,
Andrew[/quote]

I have a Samsung UN46B7000
Home Theater, Blueray, ethernet to Internet, cable & antennae.
I didn't care for the direct Internet streaming from Samsung or Panasonic Blueray, so wanted to use ethernet to 'computer - to TV' for Internet videos. I purchased a Gateway SX2840 with intel HD capability and added it to my computer network. The 2840 is an impressive little box and I really like it but --- The display from the SX2840 overlaps the screen area by about half an inch on the Samsung TV. (missing half inch on all edges) I've been trying to resolve this with Gateway and have sent an email to Samsung. No resolution, so I adjusted the display as best I could and do get access to the internet and do get 1080p videos and they are excellent so I'm keeping the computer but since I only use it in the house to the TV, I guess I'll have to live with the bad display from the 'computer/TV'. I get the videos and I'm really pleased with the display. Maybe the problem would go away if I used it with a 1080p capable omputer monitor but I'm not going to buy one to find out.
I'm curious if anyone else has had problems with the TV overlap on 1080p resolution using a computer. All other resolutions are fine.

Loves2Watch · 03-22-2010, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heywood

Which one of the following sets would be the best for my situation? If there’s a better choice out I’m open to ideas.
Panasonic TC-P42G10
Samsung UN40B6000
LG 42SL80
Thanks,
Andrew

I have a Samsung UN46B7000
Home Theater, Blueray, ethernet to Internet, cable & antennae.
I didn't care for the direct Internet streaming from Samsung or Panasonic Blueray, so wanted to use ethernet to 'computer - to TV' for Internet videos. I purchased a Gateway SX2840 with intel HD capability and added it to my computer network. The 2840 is an impressive little box and I really like it but --- The display from the SX2840 overlaps the screen area by about half an inch on the Samsung TV. (missing half inch on all edges) I've been trying to resolve this with Gateway and have sent an email to Samsung. No resolution, so I adjusted the display as best I could and do get access to the internet and do get 1080p videos and they are excellent so I'm keeping the computer but since I only use it in the house to the TV, I guess I'll have to live with the bad display from the 'computer/TV'. I get the videos and I'm really pleased with the display. Maybe the problem would go away if I used it with a 1080p capable omputer monitor but I'm not going to buy one to find out.
I'm curious if anyone else has had problems with the TV overlap on 1080p resolution using a computer. All other resolutions are fine.

Turn off the overscan...

Heywood · 03-23-2010, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

Turn off the overscan...

Thank you. I had a vague idea what was happening, but your four word directive got me looking for a way to do that. I found it and it solved the problem.

Loves2Watch · 03-23-2010, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heywood

Thank you. I had a vague idea what was happening, but your four word directive got me looking for a way to do that. I found it and it solved the problem.

Glad it worked out for you...

SgtSprinkles · 04-17-2010, 06:54 PM

I went ahead and bought the LG 42SL80 and am enjoying for the most part(no lip syncing, great picture.) Unfortunately though, I'm having the same problem with overscan(while my laptop is hooked up to the hdtv by hdmi) and after going through all the standard menu options, still have not found a way to turn it off.

Is there a way to access a service menu (pressing menu on the remote and tv at the same time didn't work), or should I try connecting the two through a vga cable?

**rbinck** · 04-17-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SgtSprinkles

I went ahead and bought the LG 42SL80 and am enjoying for the most part(no lip syncing, great picture.) Unfortunately though, I'm having the same problem with overscan(while my laptop is hooked up to the hdtv by hdmi) and after going through all the standard menu options, still have not found a way to turn it off.

Is there a way to access a service menu (pressing menu on the remote and tv at the same time didn't work), or should I try connecting the two through a vga cable?

I don't know if you can turn the overscan off on that TV. The VGA may not have the overscan since it is intended for a PC.

03-21-2010, 11:00 PM	#1
SgtSprinkles What is HD? Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 3	HDTV as a Computer Monitor 1. How far away will you be from the display when watching it? 6-8’ 2. What TV will it be replacing None, this room is a virgin (be gentle) 3. What will you be watching on it? 60% gaming, 20% movies, 20% TV Shows 4. Will a computer be connected to use the display as a monitor? If so, what percent of the time? Yes, 80% of the time 5. Will you be getting a Blu-ray player to watch movies and will you be getting any HD service from cable/sat, or will you just be watching SD programming, and an upscaling SD DVD player? I’ll be watching HD quality TV shows (720p) and movies (1080p/720p) that are stored on my laptop (mainly .mkv files.) 6. Are you looking for the best in class display, the best bargain display, or best bang for the buck in the middle display? Best bang for my buck 7. What is the room lighting situation? (i.e. can you control the lighting? Can you use light blocking blinds, etc to control it?) Yes, I have complete control over lighting. 8. What is your budget range? Ideally $0-1000,but, $1100 if it’s completely necessary. 9. Will people be watching at multiple viewing angles or just usually one person sitting directly in the center? Most of the time it’ll be just one person sitting directly in the center. 10. When will most viewing be done on the display (i.e. Daytime or after sunset.) Since I have control over lighting, I don’t think it really matters. I’ll mainly be using the tv as a monitor (connected by hdmi) for my laptop and to play games on my xbox360. If it helps, my video card is a ATU Mobility Radeon HD 4670. Which one of the following sets would be the best for my situation? If there’s a better choice out I’m open to ideas. Panasonic TC-P42G10 Samsung UN40B6000 LG 42SL80 Thanks, Andrew Last edited by SgtSprinkles; 03-21-2010 at 11:31 PM. Reason: Messed up the title

03-22-2010, 08:11 AM	#2
strait6tt All things glossy Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lowcountry, SC Posts: 9	What games will you be playing? I have the same graphics card and I don't care for it... Last edited by strait6tt; 03-22-2010 at 08:31 AM.

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03-22-2010, 01:12 PM	#6
Heywood old guy Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Slower lower Delaware Posts: 6	Which one of the following sets would be the best for my situation? If there’s a better choice out I’m open to ideas. Panasonic TC-P42G10 Samsung UN40B6000 LG 42SL80 Thanks, Andrew[/quote] I have a Samsung UN46B7000 Home Theater, Blueray, ethernet to Internet, cable & antennae. I didn't care for the direct Internet streaming from Samsung or Panasonic Blueray, so wanted to use ethernet to 'computer - to TV' for Internet videos. I purchased a Gateway SX2840 with intel HD capability and added it to my computer network. The 2840 is an impressive little box and I really like it but --- The display from the SX2840 overlaps the screen area by about half an inch on the Samsung TV. (missing half inch on all edges) I've been trying to resolve this with Gateway and have sent an email to Samsung. No resolution, so I adjusted the display as best I could and do get access to the internet and do get 1080p videos and they are excellent so I'm keeping the computer but since I only use it in the house to the TV, I guess I'll have to live with the bad display from the 'computer/TV'. I get the videos and I'm really pleased with the display. Maybe the problem would go away if I used it with a 1080p capable omputer monitor but I'm not going to buy one to find out. I'm curious if anyone else has had problems with the TV overlap on 1080p resolution using a computer. All other resolutions are fine.

04-17-2010, 06:54 PM	#10
SgtSprinkles What is HD? Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 3	I went ahead and bought the LG 42SL80 and am enjoying for the most part(no lip syncing, great picture.) Unfortunately though, I'm having the same problem with overscan(while my laptop is hooked up to the hdtv by hdmi) and after going through all the standard menu options, still have not found a way to turn it off. Is there a way to access a service menu (pressing menu on the remote and tv at the same time didn't work), or should I try connecting the two through a vga cable?