This is kind of a two part question.
Part 1:
I'm curious to understand what the difference is between using a big TV as a computer monitor, specifically for gaming, as opposed to using a computer monitor. What is actually different about the panel technologies that would make someone favor one over the other for big screen PC gaming?
I understand some of the basic differences between IPS, VA, and TN panels for monitors, but where do HDTV's fit into the mix? Are they considered "TN" panels? How are they different for gaming? What about some of the older plasmas, which could still be purchased used?
I've had a S27B970D, which is a Samsung 27" 1440p PLS monitor, and even though the picture quality was stunning, I can't say I would favor it over a 42"+ 1080p sitting a few feet further back. A larger screen just feels more immersive in games like Arkham City or Skyrim. The glow, excessive brightness, and bad black levels were also a deal breaker for me. I would prefer VA over IPS.
I sent that monitor back a while ago and I've been using a crappy 42" LCD screen for the most part.
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Part 2:
I'd like to know what people think about some options I'm looking at:
1.) Buying a used plasma screen, with low input lag, for the best 1080p picture quality (I'm assuming) possible with a screen that's not too bright:
Something like a Panasonic TC-P50S60, a 50" plasma with low input lag.
2.) Getting one of the 40" 4k VA monitors that are beginning to appear:
Something like the Philips BDM4065UC, which I could scale to 2k for gaming with GTX 970 SLI sounds like an attractive idea, especially given that it is VA, so I'd have good black levels for games like Batman, The Evil Within, and dark movies.
3.) Getting a 27" 1440p TN panels with G-Sync:
I would prefer a fast VA with G-Sync over a TN panel, but I haven't seen any of those yet.
Part 1:
I'm curious to understand what the difference is between using a big TV as a computer monitor, specifically for gaming, as opposed to using a computer monitor. What is actually different about the panel technologies that would make someone favor one over the other for big screen PC gaming?
I understand some of the basic differences between IPS, VA, and TN panels for monitors, but where do HDTV's fit into the mix? Are they considered "TN" panels? How are they different for gaming? What about some of the older plasmas, which could still be purchased used?
I've had a S27B970D, which is a Samsung 27" 1440p PLS monitor, and even though the picture quality was stunning, I can't say I would favor it over a 42"+ 1080p sitting a few feet further back. A larger screen just feels more immersive in games like Arkham City or Skyrim. The glow, excessive brightness, and bad black levels were also a deal breaker for me. I would prefer VA over IPS.
I sent that monitor back a while ago and I've been using a crappy 42" LCD screen for the most part.
----------------------------------
Part 2:
I'd like to know what people think about some options I'm looking at:
1.) Buying a used plasma screen, with low input lag, for the best 1080p picture quality (I'm assuming) possible with a screen that's not too bright:
Something like a Panasonic TC-P50S60, a 50" plasma with low input lag.
2.) Getting one of the 40" 4k VA monitors that are beginning to appear:
Something like the Philips BDM4065UC, which I could scale to 2k for gaming with GTX 970 SLI sounds like an attractive idea, especially given that it is VA, so I'd have good black levels for games like Batman, The Evil Within, and dark movies.
3.) Getting a 27" 1440p TN panels with G-Sync:
I would prefer a fast VA with G-Sync over a TN panel, but I haven't seen any of those yet.