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Readers' Submissions

monitor or TV

by Gary
(Houston)


Forgive my laziness but I'm wondering what will be the result of my getting a LCD TV with a computer connection instead of a computer monitor to use exclusively for my computer.

Does the fact of a TV having a computer connection necessarily mean that it *is* a computer monitor and make my question a dumb question?

Is there a quality difference between a monitor and a TV with the same resolution?

Thanks for the help. I didn't know where else to ask.





Comments for
monitor or TV

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May 26, 2010
 Differences between TV and Monitor
by: Anonymous


1. No tuner. You must have some sort of tuner, such as a dish receiver, cable box, or ATSC "over the air" tuner in order to "watch TV".

2. No picture optimization. Most "TVs" have picture optimization for certain modes, such as viewing DVD movies, anti-blur, faster refresh, color correction, and the like. Most monitors operate at 60Hz (some a little faster), and support only basic color correction.

3. Inputs. Most TVs have multiple HDMI / DVI (Digital) and S-Video / RCA (Analog) connections. Most monitors have 1-2 inputs, with larger or higher-end monitors having 3 inputs max. Of those, you typically have 1 digital, 1 "PC" (HD-15 analog), and 1 RCA / S-Video analog. A solution for this would be to use an external analog or digital switch box, available for $30 or less.

4. Size. You CAN purchase a 60" TV. You CAN'T purchase a 60" monitor. Most monitors go up to 32" or less, while TVs go way past that.
May 26, 2010
 HDTV with computer input
by: Andrew


It is worth taking note that most of today's HDTVs come with a PC input. The real difference between a monitor and a TV is that a monitor does not include a TV tuner - but picture wise, they are the same.

In other words, an HDTV with a PC input is not a 'monitor' in the strict sense of the word but can still serve as a computer monitor when connected to a PC.

What you have to be aware when using a TV with a PC input as a computer monitor is to ensure that the supported resolution and refresh rate over the PC input of the TV suits your computer needs.

Hope this helps.

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