HDTV as a Large Computer Monitor

[tbarnes]

My Father is 85 and has failing eye site. I have him set up on a 20 inch monitor and have the resolution set for aroun 1280 x 768
He still needs the fonts when reading bigger , if I go lower then he has problems with the mouse as the screen is outside the window pain and has difficulty location the buttons or bottom of the page .

I am thinking that a 36 inch HDTV may help or be the answer would appreciate input and direction as I have never used a HDTV for a monitor , He is not a gamer will not be using it for movies and will be seated in front of a work desk

Blessings

 

[PhilFrisbie]

I think a 36 inch HDTV would be a good solution for your father.

 

[ssddx]

1920x1080p is ideal for windows.

if using windows 7 there is an option to "zoom" windows itself. i have mine +5 or +10 percent when using a television.

 

[hang-the-9]

That is way too huge for use on a desk, he'll be moving his head side to side non-stop to read anything. At 85, his head is liable to twist right off, then you'll have some explaining to do to the family.

Go with around a 24" monitor or TV. You can also use large fonts and up the size of web browser fonts.

Try stand 2-3 feet from a 36" TV at a store and see what it looks like, that's about what it will look like on a desk.

I'd lean towards a small TV rather than a large monitor, a large monitor with low resolution will look worse than a TV.

 

[ssddx]

it depends on the size of the desk. keep in mind that the tv can always be wall mounted and the desk moved to accomodate it.

i agree with using large fonts. that would work. the effect would be even more pronounced on a larger screen. i know people love how i can blow things up on my 40" tv which i use as a screen at 3.5 feet away. they are 50-55 and like it. not too huge at that distance either

i agree, go to a store and size check

large monitors should be 1920x1080p....some small tvs may only be 720p...bear that in mind!!!

 

[hang-the-9]

it depends on the size of the desk. keep in mind that the tv can always be wall mounted and the desk moved to accomodate it.

i agree with using large fonts. that would work. the effect would be even more pronounced on a larger screen. i know people love how i can blow things up on my 40" tv which i use as a screen at 3.5 feet away. they are 50-55 and like it. not too huge at that distance either

i agree, go to a store and size check

large monitors should be 1920x1080p....some small tvs may only be 720p...bear that in mind!!!

Agree larger TV far away won't be too bad, but then what's the difference between a smaller TV closer up?

It's like buying a fast car then loading it with bricks so you don't drive too fast.

I don't know if you are suggesting getting a 1080p monitor here or not, but I think the lower resolution is best here, that way the monitor can display large text and resolution without having to use scaling to use a non-native resolution. Larger TV/Monitor at 720p would be good here.

 

[ssddx]

i understand what you are saying about making things larger with 720p but it will look like crap. i've seen this in person...it was not pretty. you would be better off using windows zoom on either your regular monitor or a 1080p screen.

windows 7 includes a nice windows zoom which works well.