I cant decide.. Monitor vs HDTV

[Judgegeo]

So.. I'm looking to purchase a 22inch screen, maybe slightly bigger. Not looking to spend more than £250-300, so I need some help deciding on either a monitor or a HDTV. So far the only difference I see is that you cant watch TV on the monitor unless you have a PC tuner card, PlayTV or infact some monitors come with a TV tuner, so that rules out any differences straight away.. Can anyone else bring anything to light?

Now i know if I went with HDTV i'd probably be picking a Sony, or something like that, but monitors I dont have a clue where to start.

Bear in mind I have a laptop not a desktop so I dont need a PC monitor (not yet anyway) for any other reason than for PS3.

Rawr, any help appreciated.

[RobJackson85]

Personally, I'd go with the TV. you could always connect other items to it, via scart or hdmi in the future if you required.

[Sam_From_Space]

Yep, same.


TV seems like the most worthwhile purchase.

For suggestions of which, look Here (http://www.directtvs.co.uk/20-25_Inch_LCD_TVs/prod.asp)

[Judgegeo]

Yea but are TV's not more expensive than Monitors? Also bear in mind lots of monitors have many input/output connections these days too!

[wyeth124]

If I had my way.... HDTV will be my choice. But TVs are generally expensive.... so I settled for a HannsG "22" HDMI monitor. It just cost me 250 Euros when I bought it a year ago. You can see here:

http://computers.search.ebay.co.uk/hdmi-monitor_Monitors_W0QQcatrefZC12QQfromZR40QQsacatZ1 74

[cybermonkey1]

i purchased 32'' lcd hd ready tv and use 15pin vga cable to connect to the pc input from my laptop! also have dolby 5.1 connected to laptop and ps3 connected via hdmi socket so think tv is the best bet!!!

[FANTASYX72]

Monitors looks way better HDMI connected with the ps3.

[mrnagy88]

Would people agree that TV's generally last longer than monitors? or is it just that monitors get used so much more, they wear out faster?
That might be where the price difference lies...

[FANTASYX72]

Would people agree that TV's generally last longer than monitors? or is it just that monitors get used so much more, they wear out faster?
That might be where the price difference lies...Do you mean in quality???

[jamesclark1991]

TV and hold no regrets, samsung do cheap yet small 21" HD TV's.

[Varsh]

If you're looking for quality, monitors has and always will outshine HDTVs for the sole reason that their DPI is unrivalled, the difference is HUGE. The reason I got a HDTV is simply because I watch TV, have 3 consoles hooked up to it, and have my PC hooked up to it (for triple screening at times). If you're wanting to use the HDTV as a monitor then get ready to put on your anti-blur glasses above 1280x720.

If you're not going to watch TV then go for the monitor. In fact it's probably cheaper to buy a monitor and a TV card.

[Ru$$]

http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/3515232/-/Product.html?searchstring=lg+flatron&searchsource=0

I hope this helps, its a combinations :D

[Judgegeo]

If you're looking for quality, monitors has and always will outshine HDTVs for the sole reason that their DPI is unrivalled, the difference is HUGE. The reason I got a HDTV is simply because I watch TV, have 3 consoles hooked up to it, and have my PC hooked up to it (for triple screening at times). If you're wanting to use the HDTV as a monitor then get ready to put on your anti-blur glasses above 1280x720.

If you're not going to watch TV then go for the monitor. In fact it's probably cheaper to buy a monitor and a TV card.

Yea, TV cards are what, about £15?

[Varsh]

I'd go more than £15 as those cards are terrible. :p

A Hauppauge is around £50 and does Digital, Sky, and more.

[Trunksssj34]

I would get the HDTV over a monitor anyday.
Reason 1. Size, 2. Size 3, Size. If you can afford LCD TV, Its like a oversized Monitor.

But yes a monitor will have a faster response time, and a better contrast ratio, But if you have the money get a HDTV with 120hz refesh rate.

I have a Sony 55" SXRD 1080P projection HDTV. LOVE it
Only 55''lbs and 13" depth and was cheap, $1900. The sony has a simmular product to the DLP (SXRD) but i was told you dont have to worry about mirrors getting dusty,

A Must get is a TV that supports 1080P!!!!!!!!!!! A thing that not to many monitors can do. Something to think about.

[Lozt_again]

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/638876/art/belinea/o-display-24-tft-wide-for.html

That and PlayTV should do it.

It supports 1:1 pixel mapping too. So movies and games in 1080p without stretching. Pixmania are reliable.
They are owned by Dixons. Some stigmata attached (Curries,PCWorld) but at least you'll actually get your
product with better customer service than most.

[Black F 0 X]

get the samsung T260 26" or T220 i dont know how that transfers to your type of money but...

[retsimco]

Depends on what you want. If you just want to play games and don't give a **** about watching TV then get a monitor. But in reality buying an HDTV makes more sense because it's the best bang for your buck. You can get a fairly decent size HDTV for the price of a HDMI monitor.

[leukoplast]

Well, you probably already have a decent monitor, even if its a old CRT. And unless you want to get something like SageTV, and install a TV tuner in your PC, a HDTV would be the better choice.

But a monitor exclusively for your PS3 will look miles better than a small HDTV. And if you want to watch TV on it, then just buy a separate device that can tune for you, rather than the TV. Like a DVD recorder, or maybe you have a cable Set top box, or Tivo maybe even a satellite box..Any of those would tune for you and just send the video to the monitor directly. Honestly, unless you have no way at all to tune aside from directly off the HDTV, I would get the monitor. The PQ would be a heck of a lot better looking.

Oh and keep in mind that monitors usually don't have built in speakers. So if you have a receiver and speakers separate then this shouldn't be a problem..but if your rely on the speakers from your TV to produce sound, then you will have to get a HDTV.

[nikolina]

Hdtv all the way because later in long run you will be glad you got a tv instead of a monitor. You can hook more stuff up to a tv and plus you can double up your hdtv to be a monitor too, its kinda hard to do that with a monitor.

[Advance]

I wasn't aware that you could use a computer monitor as an alternative to using a proper HDTV. However, now I know, I might be tempted to buy a nice 22" LCD computer monitor rather than fork out nigh £400 for a HDTV of the same size. I'm just curious as to what the picture quality is like, I mean, can it output in 1080p like most televisions or is it restricted at all?

[Black F 0 X]

true if you are going cheap you can get a sony bravia 26" for 600 US dollars

[Sai]

PS3 is made for HDTV so HDTV all the way. HDTV will have more imputs, better sound speakers, and better picture correction and picture adjustments. Monitor, have less inputs. usuall, a VGA/DVI or VGA/HDMI, or VGA/Component. HDTV have like 2 of each inputs you need or more. Some monitor don't have build in speaker and if it does, it's usually weak. PS3 games are 16:9 aspect ratio, HDTV is 16:9 aspect ratio wide screen, while PC monitor is 16:10 aspect ratio.

Go for HDTV, you can also use it for your computer monitor if you ever need it in the future. Plus you will need an HDTV in the future.

[Womble]

Yea but are TV's not more expensive than Monitors? Also bear in mind lots of monitors have many input/output connections these days too!

Seems like you already know what your going to get ?

[Black F 0 X]

Newer monitors can be used as TVs too

[FunkyP]

If you're going under 30" get a Monitor, HDTV's are good because they are viewed at slightly longer distances, and a small HDTV is rather quite pointless, not to mention overpriced. A 22" or larger monitor can achieve 1080p, however most HDTV's under 32" do not, and if they do are rather quite expensive.

Many modern Monitors have almost all the features of HDTV's sans the tv tuner. If you are really short on budget definitely get the monitor as it will have better picture and quality for the price.

[tuaamin13]

If you're going under 30" get a Monitor, HDTV's are good because they are viewed at slightly longer distances, and a small HDTV is rather quite pointless, not to mention overpriced. A 22" or larger monitor can achieve 1080p, however most HDTV's under 32" do not, and if they do are rather quite expensive.

Many modern Monitors have almost all the features of HDTV's sans the tv tuner. If you are really short on budget definitely get the monitor as it will have better picture and quality for the price.

Agreed

I just kinda glanced over the previous posts, but I'll throw in my $0.02 since I own a monitor.

Monitors:
Significantly cheaper comparatively. No TV Tuner, but you can find ones with HDMI inputs, DVI, and VGA. I have a Dell SP2208WFP which has a HDMI input, so I play my PS3 on that, and use a set of logitech Z-2300 speakers for audio. However, it's a 22" monitor, so it's only 1680x1050 = Not 1080p. It will accept up to 1080p input, so 720p on 1:1 has a black box around it, and 1080p will be cropped (slightly; I worked it out and it's only 15px on the top and bottom, and 120px on the left and right sides). As such, I'd recommend a 24" monitor, which will do 1080p out of the box. Samsung has a pretty nice one, though their latest model has those fake buttons (like the PS3's power/eject), which I find annoying because you go to adjust the monitor and it flips inputs or turns off :?

Another good thing about the monitor is you can do full RGB without losing detail. However, there's usually no component (some have this though) or composite, so if you play a Wii or whatever you can't. Then again, if you have a receiver + speakers you can just run everything through the receiver and do HDMI or HDMI>DVI to your monitor.

TVs:
You can get tv-tuner-less TV (Westinghouse makes a lot of them), but they're a lot bigger. My work recently purchased a 37" 1080p Westinghouse from Newegg; it was like $800, but the good thing about that is you get all the normal AV inputs. I'm pretty sure there's still a coaxial input, but you can't decode TV signals, you need a cable box for that. Generally though, with a TV, you have to go pretty large to get 1080p, whereas with a monitor you can get it with smaller.

If you're buying a screen <30", go with a monitor, otherwise a TV will probably be a better deal for you.

[xXx-Tricky-xXx]

not to steal ur thread, but i am also looking for a monitor... but i dont understand, whats the point in half the HDMI monitors not having speakers? Doesnt that defeat the purpose of hdmi over the dvi? I woudl still get hd ps3 without the audio.

[Lozt_again]

not to steal ur thread, but i am also looking for a monitor... but i dont understand, whats the point in half the HDMI monitors not having speakers? Doesnt that defeat the purpose of hdmi over the dvi? I woudl still get hd ps3 without the audio.

I think it's to do with the HDCP nonsense.

I still think the Belinea O.display 24" from pixmania will be the way forward. You can use a stereo or audio
receiver and co for sound.

[xXx-Tricky-xXx]

how do you know if a certain monitor is 1:1 pixeled? If i cant afford a 24inch, i dont want stretching or cut off in 1080, 1920x1200 if a 22" can only support 1680x1050 since a monitor is 16:10 and tv is 16:9 i think it was. if i go 22" then i can buy some cheap 50-100 dollar surround sound speakers to plug into the audio so I would have sound, else I have to find a 24" with speakers built in for under 400 or buy cheap 5-10 dollar speakers with YRW.

this monitor looks promising:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014169

[wyeth124]

Although my HannsG "22" HDMI monitor does has speakers, it is not that good so I also got myself a gaming chair with better sound and vibrations (massage).

[ttech10]

I have a Samsung 22" LCD Monitor and I'm glad that I got it because now whenever I want to watch TV AND play the PS3 I can. I'll just hook the monitor up to my PS3 on the table in the living room while having a show playing on the TV. I'm pretty bad at needing something on in the background when I play a game.

The only thing though that is a drawback is that I can't just hook up cable to it... which doesn't really matter in a way since every cable jack in our house already has a TV hooked up to it... and you said you wouldn't mind buying a TV Tuner card for hooking it up to a PC.

[xXx-Tricky-xXx]

can you get 1080 on ur 22"? It doenst cut off part of the game or stretch?

[gruddy]

If you have the money, get a TV.

In the long run, it will be a better investment.

You should set up a poll ;)

[Judgegeo]

So, for me Monitor would be the way to go from the looks of things, any idea which brands? I've seen quite a few Samsung and they seem to be pretty top notch. Also, speaker wise.. I'll probably get the Logic3 Soundstation3 speakers, as I dont need as much sound as the Z5500's produce hehe, so with this thread I aim to end my PS3 setup =D.

[wyeth124]

can you get 1080 on ur 22"? It doenst cut off part of the game or stretch?

My display settings is at 1080i. As many games are in 720p, I guess it stretches the picture.... but it is not noticeable.

[xXx-Tricky-xXx]

well judgeo, I myself was looking between:

a cheaper but reliable 22" many awards: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009094

and then you got the rest to buy on a sound system, i was checking out this because its dirt cheap:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121006



or theres this nice 340 dollar 24" that has built in speakers and hdmi:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014169


but since u live in UK, im not sure what you can buy.

[coolguy]

get the HD tv.... and if you can afford a bigger one get it.
like a 32.. you will reget geting a small tv

[madhi19]

Monitors are the way to go if you don't have much space and you want more than one screen and it dirt cheap! For 400$ I got two Envision 20" for the house one in the bedroom for my computer and my ps3 and an SD sat box. One in the living room/kitchen for her Wii and the HD sat box. Total cost including two vga box and one HDMI to DVI cable 450$ I already had one home theater system so I only needed to get another very cheap one. The whole setup costed me under 550$ You cannot get cheaper than that.

[GuitarrassDeAmor]

I have a monitor for gaming and my PC and love it...however, I think it increases aliasing a little bit (jaggies) when the game is not in the optimum resolution, so I think if you have another monitor already that a TV would be better.

[Kazomi]

Personally, I'd go with the TV. you could always connect other items to it, via scart or hdmi in the future if you required.

100% agreed! I just got a 40 inch HDTV and I love it, esp when i can see in most of my games whereas i couldn't before.

[Illusion]

I would definately go with the HDTV over the monitor because you can get more out of it by playing games and watching movies.

[Ven]

I also agree with the TV setup. Bought a 32" LCD TV years ago and I still use my PC with it (VGA) as well as my PS3 (HDMI). It just makes more sense seeing as LCD TVs are pretty cheap nowadays. I bet the next thing you'll want is a surround sound system (makes a big difference too).

[crozz]

I would get the HDTV over a monitor anyday.
Reason 1. Size, 2. Size 3, Size. If you can afford LCD TV, Its like a oversized Monitor.

But yes a monitor will have a faster response time, and a better contrast ratio, But if you have the money get a HDTV with 120hz refesh rate.

I have a Sony 55" SXRD 1080P projection HDTV. LOVE it
Only 55''lbs and 13" depth and was cheap, $1900. The sony has a simmular product to the DLP (SXRD) but i was told you dont have to worry about mirrors getting dusty,

A Must get is a TV that supports 1080P!!!!!!!!!!! A thing that not to many monitors can do. Something to think about.


Well with that reasoning he should just go buy a 60" Pioneer Kuro Elite!
But I think you're missing the main focus here: money. When you don't have much of it, a pc monitor can be a very reasonable choice given the value. If you're looking for something in the 250-300 range, a 22" monitor would be a good choice. It would be very difficult to find a decent HDTV in that price range.

[Stewie Skywalker]

I would get the HDTV over a monitor anyday.
Reason 1. Size, 2. Size 3, Size. If you can afford LCD TV, Its like a oversized Monitor.

But yes a monitor will have a faster response time, and a better contrast ratio, But if you have the money get a HDTV with 120hz refesh rate.

I have a Sony 55" SXRD 1080P projection HDTV. LOVE it
Only 55''lbs and 13" depth and was cheap, $1900. The sony has a simmular product to the DLP (SXRD) but i was told you dont have to worry about mirrors getting dusty,

A Must get is a TV that supports 1080P!!!!!!!!!!! A thing that not to many monitors can do. Something to think about.

What? Do you know how many WUXVGA(1920x1200) monitors there are out there.

[Switch]

I would say it depends on how close you plan on sitting to the screen. Go with a monitor if you are putting your PS3 at a desk. Go with a TV if you are putting the PS3 in a living room and playing from a couch/chair.

Monitors looks good up close, HDTV's do not.

[Asian_Tiger]

check out www.ebuyer.co.uk (http://www.ebuyer.co.uk)

They are usually pretty cheap...i've purchased off them many times, and i've never had a problem with them to date..I'm sure you can find a bargain deal there! :D

[The Sith]

get a pc monitor. I do all my gaming on a 24 inch 1920x1200 monitor w/hdmi inputs and the quality blows away my 55 inch hdtv. I finally realize bigger is not always better you look at MGS4 on it you would swear the game is true 1080p.

[nskinnear]

I'd get the TV, but that's just me.

[Judgegeo]

Maximum I want is 24 inch. Im re-designing my room, getting a PC desk and stuff so everything has its space, and 22-24inch would fit my plan.

[BonafideZulu]

Buy a monitor with HDCP and a HDMI or HDCP connection. Why a monitor? Much more versatile than a TV.

[Judgegeo]

Buy a monitor with HDCP and a HDMI or HDCP connection. Why a monitor? Much more versatile than a TV.

Can you explain in a little more detail? What makes them more versatile?

[sameer768]

I am in the same boat as you, i went to Currys today, and they had a 22" Samsung hd monitor with a hdmi connection for 150 pounds (on offer - normally 200 i beleive). I think i am going to go with that. Here are some others i have looked at:

LG 22" Flatron M228WD WideScreen LCD HD Ready / Freeview / HDMI / TV Monitor (BL Digitalpromo.co.uk (http://www.digitalpromo.co.uk/lg-22-flatron-m228wd-widescreen-lcd-hd-ready-freeview-hdmi-tv-monitor-black-p-2881.html)

BenQ G2400W 24" TFT Monitor 1920 x 1200250 cd/m2 5 ms 16:9 HDMI/DVI-D/VGA Black - Ebuyer (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/139277/show_product_reviews)

[wyeth124]

Can you explain in a little more detail? What makes them more versatile?

If versatile is in terms of how you use it, I don´t really see any difference. I mean... I use my HDMI monitor as my gaming tv and I have a friend who use his HDTV as his PC monitor.

Of course the monitor must be with HDCP compliance because of some high-definition protection crap, and the HDMI connection is obviously just for high def resolution.

I tried once to connect my PS3 with my Ilyama ProLite E435S (DVI connections) without HDCP..... and I just got a blank screen.

[karbineftw]

Get a TV!! deffo
You will always want to watch TV no matter what. get one with a digital tuner in it so you don't need an extra box

[BiGGieStuFF]

I game on a Dell 2408FPW and it's great, but I'm still going to get a larger HDTV reason being is that I want to watch my blu-ray movies in all it's glory. Obviously if you can't afford the HDTV the 24" monitor is the way to go because I plan on getting at LEAST a 42" 1080 (hopefully 120hz). I plan on getting a digital receiver for the monitor as well so i can watch TV in the bedroom as well where the PC monitor is.

I read though with the Dell monitor that even though it has HDMI to get true 1080p output it's better to go with the HDMI to DVI connection. It has 2 DVI inputs and component and composite so you can hook up your PC and your PS3 at the same time.

[JusIdle]

Great thread. I have to make the same decision soon too.

What about the Samsung T260HD? http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=itbusiness&type=monitors&subtype=lcd&model_cd=LS26TDDSUV/EN (http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=itbusiness&type=monitors&subtype=lcd&model_cd=LS26TDDSUV/EN)

[linuxghost]

TV sucks.

I use a monitor to play PS3 with a VGA box, which has component inputs.

However, you should be forewarned, if you intend to use a monitor, it either has to have the inputs built-in, or you'll need a VGA box, and there are some downfalls:

1.) If the monitor doesn't have HDMI inputs, you won't be able to use HDMI at all. Component is the highest possible input on VGA boxes. (There may be HDMI boxes, but they're outrageously expensive.)
2.) Monitors cannot display interlaced pictures. This means 480i, 720i, and 1080i will be completely unusable. The highest I'm able to play at is 720p. (Which obviously still looks fantastic, but yeah.)

Regardless, I love my monitor for gaming, and the VGA box only cost $20 on ebay. Totally worth it.

[BiGGieStuFF]

Great thread. I have to make the same decision soon too.

What about the Samsung T260HD? http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=itbusiness&type=monitors&subtype=lcd&model_cd=LS26TDDSUV/EN (http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=itbusiness&type=monitors&subtype=lcd&model_cd=LS26TDDSUV/EN)


Looks pretty damn nice. 600 bucks is the lowest price I see. Not sure how great the speakers are on it but for me they wouldn't do so that feature isn't gonna cut it with me. The built-in Digital tuner is pretty nice too so technically it's a HDTV. It has component in and HDMI and appears to have a optical out so if you have a speaker set or receiver you can output the audio from it. 26" though seems a bit small for really enjoying hi-def movies but if you're using this basically for gaming purposes it'll more than do the job it would seem.

[BiGGieStuFF]

TV sucks.

I use a monitor to play PS3 with a VGA box, which has component inputs.

However, you should be forewarned, if you intend to use a monitor, it either has to have the inputs built-in, or you'll need a VGA box, and there are some downfalls:

1.) If the monitor doesn't have HDMI inputs, you won't be able to use HDMI at all. Component is the highest possible input on VGA boxes. (There may be HDMI boxes, but they're outrageously expensive.)
2.) Monitors cannot display interlaced pictures. This means 480i, 720i, and 1080i will be completely unusable. The highest I'm able to play at is 720p. (Which obviously still looks fantastic, but yeah.)

Regardless, I love my monitor for gaming, and the VGA box only cost $20 on ebay. Totally worth it.

If it doesn't have an HDMI input you can still use an HDMI to DVI adapter. Mine has an HDMI input but from reviews it says i'd get true 1080p if i use the adapter instead of the HDMI input. Weird i know. Probably something with the Dell monitor.

[linuxghost]

Ahh, yes, that's true. I hadn't considered it, because my monitor doesn't have a DVI input.

[ripnburn]

I was leaning monitor until I payed only 699.99 for my 37" Olevia, best choice I ever made was the Olevia.

I am not a super serious gamer but I would not even consider gaming on anything less thatn 35".

[PumpValve]

Since I can't post a thread yet, I'd figure I'd bump this one and ask here instead.

I want to hook up my PS3 to my monitor which has VGA, and DVi connectors. Could I just buy an HDMI to DVi connector, a DVI cable, and plug and play?

One problem I can't figure out out is how I would get sound. My sound card doesn't have the optical cable input, just mic, and computer speaker ins. How could I get sound through my computer speakers? Is it even possible?

Thanks for the help.

[netherdragon]

personally i would go for the moniter if its gonna be under 26 inches and a tv for over, (a hdtv of 22 inch is kinda pointless imho)

though if your lookign for a bargin may i suggest argos right now, there haveing their anual end on catalouge sale and there are some half decent cheap moniters and hdtvs in there that could suit u.

Since I can't post a thread yet, I'd figure I'd bump this one and ask here instead.

I want to hook up my PS3 to my monitor which has VGA, and DVi connectors. Could I just buy an HDMI to DVi connector, a DVI cable, and plug and play?

One problem I can't figure out out is how I would get sound. My sound card doesn't have the optical cable input, just mic, and computer speaker ins. How could I get sound through my computer speakers? Is it even possible?

Thanks for the help.

dont think hdmi to vga or dvi wont work not 100% on this though (though im pretty much certain on the hdmi to vga not working).

in regards to the speakers set your ps3 to output sound through the composite cables you get with the ps3 and then use the red and white cables with stereo, to single 9mm jack wire/adapter. im using something similar myself woth my cheap *** soround speakers till i can afford a decent home theartre system next month.

sorry if thats a little hard to understand but i kinda suck when explainung stuff

[Switch]

get a pc monitor. I do all my gaming on a 24 inch 1920x1200 monitor w/hdmi inputs and the quality blows away my 55 inch hdtv. I finally realize bigger is not always better you look at MGS4 on it you would swear the game is true 1080p.

However, trying to play MGS4 in my 17 foot deep living room on a 24 inch monitor would suck, which is where a large HDTV LCD TV comes in more affordable...AND...easier to see :mrgreen:

[DrunkKnight]

For the record there are only HD TVs left.....no other tvs have been in sale for at least a year now...so just say ...TV that,d sufice,and i,d go with tv dude at least 32 inch,but if space or power consumption is an issue then it,s up to you....

[netherdragon]

For the record there are only HD TVs left.....no other tvs have been in sale for at least a year now...so just say ...TV that,d sufice,and i,d go with tv dude at least 32 inch,but if space or power consumption is an issue then it,s up to you....

dude in the uk we still sell some sd tvs.

i work in a major retair i should know :P

maybe different in norway but the poster is from the uk so meh...:p

[Judgegeo]

dude in the uk we still sell some sd tvs.

i work in a major retair i should know :P

maybe different in norway but the poster is from the uk so meh...:p

Maybe he means don't produce? =/. Though I'm willing to bet he's wrong anyway ;).

Thanks for the help guys. My shopping list in the next few months is LCD Monitor, Logic3 Soundstation3, Camcorder =/ Going to be expensive next few months.

[netherdragon]

just wondering how much are you looking to pay for your moniter? depending on your price range i have a few i could recomend? if you like. maybe what you need in terms of connectivity would be helpfull to know?

[Judgegeo]

Im thinking about this one;
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1688300595.121555284 4@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccceadeeigdmjdjcflgceggdhhmdfhm.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=436241&category_oid=-35052

[Mikbuster]

i don't like sitting down in a couch, i just end up falling asleep.

so imo i like sitting down in front of a 22" monitor, it just gives me that "game on" vibe

[FaLLeNMoNkEy]

Go with the HDTV, if your going big.
And Monitor if your looking to buy a better HDTV in the future.

[xXx-Tricky-xXx]

can someone explain how the resolution to 720p and 1080p. If i buy a 22" monitor will it cut off part of the image? And if I buy a 24" will it get stretched? Im concerned if I buy a 22" itll cut off part of the image or stretch it vertically, and the same for the 24" if it cant have the black lines on top and bottom since 1200 is too tall for 1080p.

[linuxghost]

A lot of current monitors don't even support 1080p resolution currently. Same with HDTVs; 1080i is the maximum on a lot of lower-price brands.

And remember, you need HDMI to use 1080p, if your TV/monitor does support it. Component will not work.

[pig098]

TV make sure u get a good brand if u r getting LCD hdtv

[DR_Born]

HDTV is the way to go...especially since you can hook up everything to it

[Astray]

TV sucks.

I use a monitor to play PS3 with a VGA box, which has component inputs.

However, you should be forewarned, if you intend to use a monitor, it either has to have the inputs built-in, or you'll need a VGA box, and there are some downfalls:

1.) If the monitor doesn't have HDMI inputs, you won't be able to use HDMI at all. Component is the highest possible input on VGA boxes. (There may be HDMI boxes, but they're outrageously expensive.)
2.) Monitors cannot display interlaced pictures. This means 480i, 720i, and 1080i will be completely unusable. The highest I'm able to play at is 720p. (Which obviously still looks fantastic, but yeah.)

Regardless, I love my monitor for gaming, and the VGA box only cost $20 on ebay. Totally worth it.

Actually u are wrong on both points. I use my pc 'sony vaio' monitor when playing on my PS3. The monitor has no inputs whatsoever aside from the cable that runs out of it(its fixed so i cannot remove it) and i plug into the back of my computer. So how do i connected to the PS3? I simply use a DVI Female to HDMI Male Video Adapter.　This one actually: http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-11z-77-2-49-en-15-hdmi+dvi-70-1z8j.html

Obviously I have to disconnect the DVI cable from the back of my computer and plug it into the adapter which in turn goes into the PS3. I run the sound to the computer speakers through the av cables that came witht the PS3.
My monitor is 21" or 22" inch, cant remember, and can display 1920×1200、1680×1050、1600×1200、1280×1024、1280×768、1 024×760 and 800×600 through the DVI cable. Thus I can play at 1080p(pictures is slighly stretched vertically) but usually play at 720p because most games so far are optimized to run smoother at that resoluion (i.e. MLB 08).

U have to make sure however that the monitor is HDCP compliant.

[aayman_farzand]

check out the tv in my sig. works both as a monitor and TV. Its 37" though, they should have smaller versions of it

[shogo10]

I think it'll largely depend on how much time you'll use your ps3 and pc. If your going to do a lot of pc gaming or general pc use then I would definitely recommend getting a good monitor (one with hdmi if you can). I don't think its worth getting an hdtv unless your going to watch a lot of tv, dvds or gaming on your ps3. HDTVs are still expensive in the uk so I understand your situation, and I personally wouldn't go for a cheap hdtv, you'll regret it in the long run. In short go for a good monitor.

[Tim Quinn]

I personally went with a Sharp Aquos 32D64U 32" 1080p LCD. It's gorgeous, I have my PC and my ps3 hooked up to it through HDMI and can watch TV at my desk if i get bored.

If you want smaller than a 32" screen... Get a monitor, but make sure its HDCP compliant (or blu-ray's will be downsized to 480p.) And if you want to see it in 1080p its gotta be able to do 1920x1200 resolution.

If you have it hooked up to a monitor, there will be a 0.9% vertical distortion, but it is not noticeable at all. As mentioned you can use a HDMI to DVI adapter to plug it in, but remember, your gonna have to plug that PS3 into something with optical input to hear the audio.

Cheers,
Tim

[Metfanant]

And remember, you need HDMI to use 1080p, if your TV/monitor does support it. Component will not work.

this is flat out wrong....Component cables are 110% able to carry a 1080p signal...

[crozz]

this is flat out wrong....Component cables are 110% able to carry a 1080p signal...

That is true, however not many TVs will accept 1080p through component, at least from what I've had experience with. That's something you should verify before buying a new TV.

[PumpValve]

dont think hdmi to vga or dvi wont work not 100% on this though (though im pretty much certain on the hdmi to vga not working).

in regards to the speakers set your ps3 to output sound through the composite cables you get with the ps3 and then use the red and white cables with stereo, to single 9mm jack wire/adapter. im using something similar myself woth my cheap *** soround speakers till i can afford a decent home theartre system next month.

sorry if thats a little hard to understand but i kinda suck when explainung stuff

Thanks for the help. :D

I think I might go with a VGA box though. Anyone have experience/opinions with any of these? My monitor is a BenQ G900WD BTW.
(http://www.benq.ca/products/LCD/?product=807)

http://cgi.ebay.ca/VGA-BOX-CONVERTER-PS3-XBOX-360-WII-2-PC-MONITOR-DC-PS2_W0QQitemZ160257703086QQihZ006QQcategoryZ139969 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.ca/XCM-1080p-VGA-Box-for-the-Playstation-3-Xbox-360-Wii_W0QQitemZ280243938569QQihZ018QQcategoryZ139969 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[TheGreatDane17]

Make sure its 16:9.(Widescreen)