[geeks] 1080P LCD HDTVs for use as monitor?

[Mark Benson]

On 12 Mar 2009, at 21:24, Patrick Giagnocavo wrote:

> Right now Costco has 2x 40" 1080P "Sceptre" brand HDTVs as a "two  
> pack"
> for $1099.99 .

Okay this is all just opinion and based on the fact I've never heard  
of Sceptre and their website looks like it was designed by a 5-year  
old in 1997 ;) Hey, they might make good quality stuff, but I don't  
know that so I can't assume they do. A quick scan of reviews on NewEgg  
revealed some people having issues wit htheir LCD TVs too. it would be  
wise to do research before you sink 1100 buks on them...

For measure I'd suggest seeing one operating next to a 37" or 40" LG,  
Samsung or Sony Bravia and make sure you see a SDTV signal upscaled on  
both. Why? 70% of what makes a HDTV great is it's upscaling engine. Be  
honest here, a major part of what you watch on TV is still not going  
to be in 1080p HD yet, so if the upscaler is nasty so's your TV  
experience. Of course, if you have a high quality HDTV compliant  
receiver for your TV service that upscales for you this may be less of  
an issue, but then again *it* might have a crappy upscaler in it too.  
That, and the quality of LCD panels varies *hugely*, accumulating my  
knowledge and that of various reviews and sets I and my dad have seen  
working in stores, I'd probably say buy 1 37" LG, Samsung or Sony  
Bravia. You'll probably pay more for one of those than half of  the  
40" deal but i'll be a good LCD panel and return the sort of quality  
you expect for the money. Plus see below, you might still be able to  
afford a 1080p monitor, although it'd be tight TBH...

As for a monitor 500 USD for a 1080p LCD monitor that's probably so  
big you'll have to sit the other end of the room from your computer  
makes me cringe. I have a really sweet Samsung 24" LCD panel here,  
HDCP compliant, 1920x1200 (so full HD, just over in fact), picture,  
colour and sharpness is excellent, great contrast and the back light  
is near lighthouse brightness (I think I have it on like 40% most of  
the time to stop it grilling me ;o) ). How much? NewEgg sell the exact  
same screen for 309USD. That's saved you 200 USD almost and the cost  
of a DVI to HDMI lead. Plus it won't microwave you when you're sat at  
your computer.

Just my 2 cents/5 pence.


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Mark Benson

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