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HDTV vs. Computer Monitor, any real difference these days?

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I'm in the market for a new PC monitor. Costco has some nice Samsungs. The HDTV set is a bit cheaper than the PC monitor. Aside from the fact one has a tuner and speaker, (and more inputs) they seem fairly identical looking, at least cosmetically. Stated resolutions are the same.

Any compelling reason to buy the monitor over the tv? I've used my big Samsung flat panel a PC monitor before and was pretty happy with it.

Where were you in '77?

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I have my Laptop plugged in my TV via HDMI (Vaio and Samsung) and it's crystal clear. As  good if not better than any monitor I've ever seen or owned. I assume it is also still a much cheaper option, as last time I bought a very large widescreen monitor it cost the earth.

However I used to have an acer Laptop and that looked bloody awful on a TV. So I'd imagine reading up heavily on the graphics card beforehand will help.

Between myself and the rest of my family we own at least 5 different sizes and models of Samsung HDTVs and they are all great with whatever you plug into them, in my experience. iPhones/Digiboxes/DVD & BR players/HDMI PCs & Macs/old PCs/Hi-Fis etc

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I have a Vaio, so I concur. :)

Where were you in '77?

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If the resolutions and the hookups are the same, I'd say there's no difference. 

Generally, I'd say it comes down to DVI and Display port over HDMI and higher/less common resolutions.  1080p for a computer monitor (especially a big one) is quite low.

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 (Edited)

It used to be the case that here in UK you had to have a license if you had a televison tuner (it didn't matter if you used it or not). Which is why my VHS machine is a car video player.

But now you can have a tuner and as long as it's not connected to an aerial ever you are okay.

So even that regional reason has gone.

Aren't monitors cheaper?

 

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Depends on what's on sale I guess.

Anyway, thanks for the replies. Bought a nice 28 inch set. Felt like the holiday madness was already in full swing at the store today. The analog inputs and tuner might come in handy later on.

Best of all, I got the laptop back in the ancestral computer room after nearly two years, and I'm sitting in a more comfy position again.

Now, I just have to get used to the ergonomic keyboard I bought. ;)

Where were you in '77?

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SilverWook said:

Now, I just have to get used to the ergonomic keyboard I bought. ;)

"Ergonomically terrific!"

VIZ TOP TIPS! - PARENTS. Impress your children by showing them a floppy disk and telling them it’s a 3D model of a save icon.