LCD TV or TFT?

[dannichols]

Can anyone offer advice as to whether I would be better purchasing an LCD TV or a TFT screen for dual purpose use? (Computer and Movies)

 

[kinetic_tw]

What size are you looking for? If you're looking in the traditional computer monitor size range (ie 15-20 inches), stick with a computer monitor, and save yourself a boatload of cash in the mean time. If you want something larger, then consider a TV. Something to keep an eye on though, many LCD televisions do NOT have a VGA input (assuming you would use VGA instead of DVI).

Edit: I just wanted to ammend my post and say: Go with a TFT monitor all the way. Your computer applications will look SO much better than they will on an LCD tv.
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by kinetic_tw on 12/04/03 11:38 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[dannichols]

Thanks for the reply. What about the brightness levels on TFT screens? They appear to be around 250cd/m2 whereas TV's are nearly all 500cd/m2 plus. Will this make a difference when watching DVD movies?

 

[kinetic_tw]

One of my biggest complaints about LCD TV's and monitors also, is that sometimes they can be overly bright at the cost of proper contrast/color balance. On my Viewsonic VP171b, I've had to turn the brightness almost all the way down in order to get a picture that I'm happy with.

 

[dannichols]

As it happens the Viewsonic VP171b is one of the monitors I am considering. Would you recommend it?

 

[flamethrower205]

You're gonna have a blinding experience with 500cd/m^2..literally. In fact, 250 will annoy ur eyes like nothing else. FYI, the human eye is most comfortable at 40cd/m^2....

The one and only "Monstrous BULLgarian!"

 

[Raczyk]

The LCD TV offer beter display quality because they have better quality electronics inside.

 

[flamethrower205]

Got specific proof?

The one and only "Monstrous BULLgarian!"

 

[Raczyk]

No actual proof but this is what the old sales man in the store said. I mean what other reason would justify the double price increase compared to TFT. Although most LCD's have TV tunner and speakers build in I would get a TFT. Then buy the tunner and speakers seperatly.

 

[flamethrower205]

Dude, it's the same stuff. The LC's, manufacturing processes, RT, viewing angle, etc. is same. Contrast and brightness may be higher but that just takes a more powerful backlight. Reason they are more expensive is they may feature the speakers (which may very well have a tinny sound- if u want a proper speaker system, you're gonna pay $700+) and the TV input. They can thus jack up the price all they want.

The one and only "Monstrous BULLgarian!"

 

[kinetic_tw]

No actual proof but this is what the old sales man in the store said. I mean what other reason would justify the double price increase compared to TFT.

Man, you're a salesman's dream. The cost actually comes from other places, it's not because LCD TV's are "better". TV Panels are usually larger, they usually have an integrated NTSC tuner, and they usually have speakers; Not to mention any other of a hundred gimic features and whatnot that you'll find on LCD TV's. Hell, Samsung has a model now with an integrated Dolby Digital 5.1 Decoder and 5.1 speaker outputs.

So, the cost definately comes from somewhere.

 

[kinetic_tw]

As it happens the Viewsonic VP171b is one of the monitors I am considering. Would you recommend it?

Yes. <A HREF="http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?s=8d298e434155e961f0f6a6c5afd42d0d&threadid=625882" target="_new">Here's why</A>. This thread was started way back in June over on the HardOCP forums, and it's still active as of a few days ago. 508 replies worth of testimonials about the VP171b.

 

[flamethrower205]

That 140º viewing angle is sketchy. When you're using a 17"+, I'd suggest 160º as a minimum. So unless that viewing angle is underrated, it will be problematic.

The one and only "Monstrous BULLgarian!"