Quick Question On Monitors

[Sailor Steve]

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.

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]

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")

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by Arclight

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")

I have an old 19" CRT that works well but weighs four tons and takes up a huge amount of space. I loaded up some of the many shots I've taken, and at 200% I see what you mean. At 150% it's not so bad. I just keep remembering (and being envious of) people who've said they play using their huge big-screen TVs.

But I'll keep investigating before I make a decision - especially since I'll likely be watching all TV on it as well.

Originally Posted by stoppro

My inc runs at 1900 by 1200 at 28inches and is much better and they are always on sale somewhere.

How much on sale? $300 is pushing my limits.

[stoppro]

compusa has it for 249.00last time i looked

[Sailor Steve]

WOW! I'll definitely be checking that one out! Thanks!

What does everyone else think?

[edit] I do see that most of the reviews mention one dead pixel, though one of them managed to fix it and several others did not have the problem.

[edit 2] After looking around I found the higher-rated Hanns-G 28" at NewEgg for $279. I'm getting excited.

[Arclight]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

But I'll keep investigating before I make a decision

That's all I ever would dare ask; think about want you want and what you need. Too many people just make "ooh pretty colours" decisions when it comes to electronics.


The fact you're planning to use it as TV as well actually makes a very good argument for getting a TV instead of just monitor. Monitors don't have the additional functions a TV offers.

Tricky nowadays with the overlap in functionality.

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by Arclight

The fact you're planning to use it as TV as well actually makes a very good argument for getting a TV instead of just monitor. Monitors don't have the additional functions a TV offers.

I guess I wasn't clear enough on that. It's just the opposite. I don't watch TV except for favorites, which I buy or borrow on DVD. I'm currently watching Stargate via HULU, so the monitor side is the more important part. The 32" TV really was "Ooooh, pretty!", which is why I started asking questions first.

28" isn't all that much smaller, and the Hanns-G looks like the right one for the right price, so that's my current plan.

[stoppro]

Yes I got my inc at tiger direct 2years ago when they had them in the store,the price was so good. I was suspect so i made them plug it in before I bought it. turned out all right. playing shv on it right now.I want another hanns or inc but they have to be ordered on line. I like to test them first if I can.but the hann has three year warrenty so I will prob get another this weeksince I saw the same ad you did.I never would have checked if you hadn't mentioned it.

[Sailor Steve]

WOOHOO! I'm worth something after all!

I agree, the online problem is a pain, but what else can you do? None of the stores in my area have anything comparable.

I recently bought a memory upgrade for my old computer through NewEgg. One of the sticks was bad, but they were very good about getting me a new set within a few days, so I have no complaints about them or their service.

Oh, and the deed is done - I placed my order. Thanks for your help.

And thanks to everybody else! At the risk of repeating myself...