Large wide screen monitor or HDTV?

[Court_vision]

Me and the mrs are in the midst of a pretty big move the next couple of months.

As a result, I've sold / selling most things I have. TV / PC / Stereo is all gone or going.

This also means that when we get to our new place, I'll be buying everything new again. Looking forward to that as it means updated models / better / bigger

I've been checking prices on a new PC + TV.

It occurred to me though that I don't actually watch that much TV nowadays / that most things I watch are online.

We'll have a very fast ADSL set up at the new place and I'll be watching most things I like "streaming" / via the net.

We will have a TV obviously. A 'normal' one / no thrills.

The Mrs has said I can also get a big screen HDTV for my own room (I have like a study area in the new place that is half work / half a games room)

However, I've been giving a lot of thought to getting one of those BIG widescreen PC monitors instead.

There's no chance I'll get the "yes" vote on both...so it would have to be one or the other. i.e big screen HDTV or huge PC monitor (23 / 24 inch).

What do you fellas reckon is the way to go?

I have to factor in also:

1. My Xbox360. A big screen HDTV would be sweeeeeeeeet.

Would a 23/24 inch widescreen PC monitor be comparable?


2. PC gaming. I don't play many PC games nowadays. However, as we'll be getting a new PC...I wouldn't mind playing some again. A big WS monitor would be pretty cool.

As stated, it's one or the other...

Thoughts?

Anyone got a 24 Inch WS monitor? How's it compare to a big sized HDTV?

[DXZeke]

Re: Large wide screen monitor or HDTV?

A 23" screen isn't to bad... but you figure this...

for a 23" LCD for your PC you can pay anything from 700-1500
For a 32" LCD for your PC is 1500-2200

Now for the 1500-2000 price range you can buy a LCD HDTV or DLP HDTV that could be anything from 32"-46" depending on the brand.

So here's an idea.. buy the big screen HDTV with an HDMI port.

If you buy a newer model of a LCD HDTV or DLP HDTV you could always hook your PC up too your HDTV via a DVI (on most CPUs now) to HDMI cable.
Then buy yourself a wireless keyboard and mouse.
You'd be able too enjoy the computer from your couch (or bed). You'd have the XBox, the PC, and your cable all at one major hub. A huge TV.

If you've got the money, that's a lot cooler than spending a lot of money on a CPU monitor that'll be small.


As for High Def graphics the 360 will look good on a CPU monitor that can support resloutions of 1024 or higher... and it looks great in 720p or 1080i on an HDTV.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Large wide screen monitor or HDTV?

A 23" screen isn't to bad... but you figure this...

for a 23" LCD for your PC you can pay anything from 700-1500
For a 32" LCD for your PC is 1500-2200

Now for the 1500-2000 price range you can buy a LCD HDTV or DLP HDTV that could be anything from 32"-46" depending on the brand.

So here's an idea.. buy the big screen HDTV with an HDMI port.

If you buy a newer model of a LCD HDTV or DLP HDTV you could always hook your PC up too your HDTV via a DVI (on most CPUs now) to HDMI cable.
Then buy yourself a wireless keyboard and mouse.
You'd be able too enjoy the computer from your couch (or bed). You'd have the XBox, the PC, and your cable all at one major hub. A huge TV.

If you've got the money, that's a lot cooler than spending a lot of money on a CPU monitor that'll be small.


As for High Def graphics the 360 will look good on a CPU monitor that can support resloutions of 1024 or higher... and it looks great in 720p or 1080i on an HDTV.

Pretty much what he said. Only thing I'd add is that if you didn't mind the size and weight of a traditional rear projection tv....you could be looking to spend less than a grand.

The extra $700-900 could come in handy.

[Court_vision]

Re: Large wide screen monitor or HDTV?

Cheers for the advice fellas.

Thanks especially for the detailed response Dxzeke...i appreciate it.

I'm definintely going to be on a budget, so tips to avoid spending too much / getting the best set up are appreciated greatly.

That sounds like a good idea. I'd forgotten you can link the PC to a TV pretty easily...so that would work for PC games also.

I'm completely useless with tech stuff...may need to get a magazine or two to see exactly what can be done.

[Heelfan71]

Re: Large wide screen monitor or HDTV?

Yeah, I would go with a 32" LCD and use it as your CPU monitor and TV.

[23]

Re: Large wide screen monitor or HDTV?

Yeah, I would go with a 32" LCD and use it as your CPU monitor and TV.

Same here.

[Court_vision]

Re: Large wide screen monitor or HDTV?

Anyone recommend a good 32 inch LCD for both TV and PC?

My mrs can normally get samsung stuff reasonably discounted through some friends. Are they are good option / there's much better options?

[Heelfan71]

Re: Large wide screen monitor or HDTV?

Samsung make great TV's. If you can get a discount I would go that route.

[Court_vision]

Re: Large wide screen monitor or HDTV?

Yeah, that may be the way to go.

Seems like they're the best 'in between' option. i.e. HDTV and PC moniitor.

Anyone using one of these babies as a monitor?

If so, what's it like as a monitor / what's it like for the 360?

Samsung LN-S3241D 32" LCD Display

[Court_vision]

Re: Large wide screen monitor or HDTV?

This one I mean...

[CaptainZombie]

Re: Large wide screen monitor or HDTV?

Yeah, that may be the way to go.

Seems like they're the best 'in between' option. i.e. HDTV and PC moniitor.

Anyone using one of these babies as a monitor?

If so, what's it like as a monitor / what's it like for the 360?

Samsung LN-S3241D 32" LCD Display

Samsung LCD HDTV's are awesome. I bought a 23" WS HDTV LCD 2 months ago for my wife since she wanted a TV in our bedroom. The picture quality is just fantastic since they pioneered the technology.

[Pared]

Re: Large wide screen monitor or HDTV?

This one I mean...

Just go to Best Buy/Circuit City. They have a TV similar to that one connected to the 360 display unit.

If it floats your boat, pick it up. I'd prefer to get something larger than that, though. Esp. if you're going to be spending that much on a TV.

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Large wide screen monitor or HDTV?

Court Vision, I personally wouldn't buy that set. Samsung is really vested in DLP, so LCD are like a step-son to them. If your looking for an LCD, I would recommend Syntax/Olevia LCD.

They primarily make LCD's & have some of the best LCD's on the market. Here's there website so you can do a little research:

http://www.syntaxgroups.com/

BTW if you go LCD make sure you purchase yourself the VGA Cables for your 360. This open-up your sets true resolution. Good luck with your move & your purchase
.
EDIT: Radio Shack is running a promo on this set. $899.99 after a $100.00 mail-in rebate.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2156086&cp=2032057.2032170&allCount=62&fbn=Type%2FLCD&f=PAD%2FTV+Technology%2FLCD&fbc=1&parentPage=family

[Court_vision]

Re: Large wide screen monitor or HDTV?

Court Vision, I personally wouldn't buy that set. Samsung is really vested in DLP, so LCD are like a step-son to them. If your looking for an LCD, I would recommend Olevia's LCD.

They primarily make LCD's & have some of the best LCD's on the market. Here's there website so you can do a little research:

http://www.syntaxgroups.com/

BTW if you go LCD make sure you purchase yourself the VGA Cables for your 360. This open-up your sets true resolution. Good luck with your move & your purchase

Cheers for that

I have the VGA cables as i currently use my 360 with a 17inch PC monitor.

The LCD tv's have the same input, is that correct?

Yeah, it's a big move. We are moving countries actually...thus there's a fair bit involved. Lots of fun though

[Court_vision]

Re: Large wide screen monitor or HDTV?

Samsung LCD HDTV's are awesome. I bought a 23" WS HDTV LCD 2 months ago for my wife since she wanted a TV in our bedroom. The picture quality is just fantastic since they pioneered the technology.

Good to hear. Checking some reviews on the net and they seem to say the same thing.

Surprising to read that it works so well as a PC monitor also...i'd have though the clarity would have been terrible. Seems to be excellent though