The TV Versus the Monitor

[big_mike]

I went to a big box store last night and looked at a $900 LCD TV to hook up to my PC, it was 32' (full hd 1080) and had 120hz processor. (Newegg has it for 699)
Someone drop some knowledge on me why it would be superior to a 27' Viewsonic 1 MS monitor with a 100000:1 contrast ratio, that sets me back only 399? 3 Inches ain't much difference in the gaming world, at least for me.

LG 32" LCD TV (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889005153)
Viewsonic Monitor(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824116441)

 

[jaguarskx]

120Hz HDTVs uses internal processing to give movies that "live" look; kinda like a soap opera. 120Hz monitors and 120Hz HDTVs operates differently. 240Hz HDTVs does even more internal video processing.

According to a friend of mine who has a 240Hz HDTV, it kinda gives that a simple 3D-ish effect on top of the "live" look. The things in the foreground seems to have thicker outlines to make them standout a little more. All this is done internally by the TV's video processor it does not mean these HDTV accept 120Hz / 240Hz inputs. For games it creates input lag which makes sense since it takes time to process video. Gaming on any HDTV should be done in 60Hz mode.

Most HDTV use S-PVA panel which offer better colors and viewing angles than cheap monitors which uses TN panels colors are generally not as good, but most consumers can't tell. However, viewing angle is an issue with TN panels.

Don't pay attention to those high dynamic contrast ratios. Static contrast ratios are more important and generally ranges between 700:1 and 1000:1.

 

[big_mike]

So would I get the absolute best gaming performance out of a smaller TFT low MS monitor? Just trying to make sure that after I spend 1500 bucks on a computer it doesn't look crappy because I have the wrong display device.

 

[jaguarskx]

If the sole purpose is gaming, then just get a monitor. If you want to connect your cable box and watch TV from time to time then get a HDTV.

 

[big_mike]

Best answer selected by big_mike.