Quick Question On Monitors

Sailor Steve · 08-21-10, 09:50 AM

I'm looking at getting a new computer, and I'm pretty much settled on where I'm going with that. I do have question about monitors, though.

I've found some good deals on monitors, and I want to go as large as I can within my budget. I've found a couple of 23" widescreens for around $200 and a 24" for $300. However, my local Wal-Mart has a 32" widescreen TV for $300 as well.

Any reason not to go that route?

Konovalov · 08-21-10, 09:57 AM

What graphics card do you have and what sort of games/sims do you run? You need to make sure that you have a graphics card which can cope with your screen's native resolution in the games you run. Not sure about the 32" tv but I'm sure someone can give some advise.

Gerald · 08-21-10, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

I'm looking at getting a new computer, and I'm pretty much settled on where I'm going with that. I do have question about monitors, though.

I've found some good deals on monitors, and I want to go as large as I can within my budget. I've found a couple of 23" widescreens for around $200 and a 24" for $300. However, my local Wal-Mart has a 32" widescreen TV for $300 as well.

Any reason not to go that route?

23 "is a good size not too big, not too small

Sailor Steve · 08-21-10, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Konovalov

What graphics card do you have and what sort of games/sims do you run? You need to make sure that you have a graphics card which can cope with your screen's native resolution in the games you run. Not sure about the 32" tv but I'm sure someone can give some advise.

The new computer will have an ATI card, at the very least 5750, probably better. If I'm approved for credit I'll go ahead and get a 5800 series card.

Gerald · 08-21-10, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

The new computer will have an ATI card, at the very least 5750, probably better. If I'm approved for credit I'll go ahead and get a 5800 series card.

and you should get new so would you get Nvidia card, better performance, 32 "is okay to run as a monitor

Jimbuna · 08-21-10, 10:40 AM

Most new TV's are pc compatable now Steve but check the specs before you buy and if your not sure, ask.

Thje article below may be of a little help to you.

http://www.howtodothings.com/electro...r-monitor.html

Personally, I like the 22" widescreen myself....not too small and not too big.

This is my monitor (or a very close sister model).

http://uk.buy.com/pr/product.aspx?sku=212814104

Sailor Steve · 08-21-10, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vendor

and you should get new so would you get Nvidia card, better performance,

I've used both, and I'll take ATI every time, thanks.

Sailor Steve · 08-21-10, 11:21 AM

@ Jim: Thanks for the link. At first the article had me worried, but then I looked at the TV again and while I'm not fully decided yet I'm thinking I'll probably go with the TV. Here's the one I'm looking at - it has a VGA input, so no problems with the connection:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Emerson-LC320EM1/14237649

Arclight · 08-21-10, 11:36 AM

How far away will you be from the screen? That TV has pretty low resolution; ain't gonna look too pretty up close.

Also, these modern cards all have DVI connectors. You'll need a DVI-VGA adapter (comes with the videocard usually, at least all the ones I bought) to use the VGA connection on the TV, and find an "old" VGA cable somewhere.

Jimbuna · 08-21-10, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

@ Jim: Thanks for the link. At first the article had me worried, but then I looked at the TV again and while I'm not fully decided yet I'm thinking I'll probably go with the TV. Here's the one I'm looking at - it has a VGA input, so no problems with the connection:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Emerson-LC320EM1/14237649

Careful Steve....I must agree with Arclight, the resolution is 'mid range' at best.

You should be looking for something around 1680 by 1050 pixels and better.

My monitor is 2 year old now and can go to 2048 by 1536....newer models usually go even higher.

Your going to be looking into the thing for long periods of time so give as much consideration as possible to your eyes.

Edit: I've just noticed the Display Menu Language is only in English, French and Spanish....no Amerukan

Sailor Steve · 08-21-10, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arclight

How far away will you be from the screen? That TV has pretty low resolution; ain't gonna look too pretty up close.

Three to four feet - i.e. on the desk.

Quote:

Also, these modern cards all have DVI connectors. You'll need a DVI-VGA adapter (comes with the videocard usually, at least all the ones I bought) to use the VGA connection on the TV, and find an "old" VGA cable somewhere.

Okay that's a new wrinkle. What about the HDMI connectors on the TV?

Arclight · 08-21-10, 01:37 PM

HDMI should work, but can't tell you anything about it from first hand; I still use an old clunker with a VGA plug.

Thing is, the cable is attached to it and like I mentioned all my cards came with DVI-VGA adapters. My worry is about finding a cable with a VGA connector on both ends, but I'm sure you can still track those down... at least, I would think so. Or just get a VGA-DVI cable, think those are around as well.

It's much the same for HDMI; either get a cable with DVI connector on one end and a DHMI connector on the other, or use a standard HDMI cable and a HDMI-DVI adapter at the videocard.

HDMI might give sligthly better picture. Bet the cable is more expensive though.

I don't want to push it, but: think about that resolution though; those TVs look fine with TV signal, but when you display computer graphics on them they quickly show the "big screen, low res" problem... try making a screenshot of a game at something like 1024x768 without any anti-aliasing enabled, and then zoom in to 200%. (assuming a 16" monitor, that gives a reasonable comparison, say 150% zoom for 20")

Platapus · 08-21-10, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

If I'm approved for credit I'll go ahead and get a 5800 series card.

your business is your business but be careful with that.

Jimbuna · 08-21-10, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platapus

your business is your business but be careful with that.

You've got me curious now because I nearly got one last week but ended up with a 5750.

Are you aware of any problems?

stoppro · 08-21-10, 02:50 PM

I have never had any luck using a tv for the computer.I t just didn't format right and it was a jvc hd My inc runs at 1900 by 1200 at 28inches and is much better and they are always on sale somewhere.

08-21-10, 09:50 AM	#1
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	Quick Question On Monitors I'm looking at getting a new computer, and I'm pretty much settled on where I'm going with that. I do have question about monitors, though. I've found some good deals on monitors, and I want to go as large as I can within my budget. I've found a couple of 23" widescreens for around $200 and a 24" for $300. However, my local Wal-Mart has a 32" widescreen TV for $300 as well. Any reason not to go that route? __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

08-21-10, 09:57 AM	#2
Konovalov Ocean Warrior Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: High Wycombe, Bucks, UK Posts: 2,811 Downloads: 8 Uploads: 0	What graphics card do you have and what sort of games/sims do you run? You need to make sure that you have a graphics card which can cope with your screen's native resolution in the games you run. Not sure about the 32" tv but I'm sure someone can give some advise. __________________ "In a Christian context, sexuality is traditionally seen as a consequence of the Fall, but for Muslims, it is an anticipation of paradise. So I can say, I think, that I was validly converted to Islam by a teenage French Jewish nudist." Sheikh Abdul-Hakim Murad (Timothy Winter)

08-21-10, 10:40 AM	#6
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 185,356 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Most new TV's are pc compatable now Steve but check the specs before you buy and if your not sure, ask. Thje article below may be of a little help to you. http://www.howtodothings.com/electro...r-monitor.html Personally, I like the 22" widescreen myself....not too small and not too big. This is my monitor (or a very close sister model). http://uk.buy.com/pr/product.aspx?sku=212814104 __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!! GWX3.0 Download Page - Donation/instant access to GWX (Help SubSim)

08-21-10, 11:21 AM	#8
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	@ Jim: Thanks for the link. At first the article had me worried, but then I looked at the TV again and while I'm not fully decided yet I'm thinking I'll probably go with the TV. Here's the one I'm looking at - it has a VGA input, so no problems with the connection: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Emerson-LC320EM1/14237649 __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

08-21-10, 11:36 AM	#9
Arclight Navy Seal Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Land of windmills, tulips, wooden shoes and cheese. Lots of cheese. Posts: 8,467 Downloads: 53 Uploads: 10	How far away will you be from the screen? That TV has pretty low resolution; ain't gonna look too pretty up close. Also, these modern cards all have DVI connectors. You'll need a DVI-VGA adapter (comes with the videocard usually, at least all the ones I bought) to use the VGA connection on the TV, and find an "old" VGA cable somewhere. __________________ Contritium praecedit superbia.

08-21-10, 01:37 PM	#12
Arclight Navy Seal Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Land of windmills, tulips, wooden shoes and cheese. Lots of cheese. Posts: 8,467 Downloads: 53 Uploads: 10	HDMI should work, but can't tell you anything about it from first hand; I still use an old clunker with a VGA plug. Thing is, the cable is attached to it and like I mentioned all my cards came with DVI-VGA adapters. My worry is about finding a cable with a VGA connector on both ends, but I'm sure you can still track those down... at least, I would think so. Or just get a VGA-DVI cable, think those are around as well. It's much the same for HDMI; either get a cable with DVI connector on one end and a DHMI connector on the other, or use a standard HDMI cable and a HDMI-DVI adapter at the videocard. HDMI might give sligthly better picture. Bet the cable is more expensive though. I don't want to push it, but: think about that resolution though; those TVs look fine with TV signal, but when you display computer graphics on them they quickly show the "big screen, low res" problem... try making a screenshot of a game at something like 1024x768 without any anti-aliasing enabled, and then zoom in to 200%. (assuming a 16" monitor, that gives a reasonable comparison, say 150% zoom for 20") __________________ Contritium praecedit superbia.

08-21-10, 02:50 PM	#15
stoppro Sonar Guy Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: vero beach fl Posts: 380 Downloads: 495 Uploads: 0	I have never had any luck using a tv for the computer.I t just didn't format right and it was a jvc hd My inc runs at 1900 by 1200 at 28inches and is much better and they are always on sale somewhere.