Might need a new monitor. Suggestions for something on the smaller end?

[onthedownlow]

deckeda wrote:
I actually do like the idea of getting a small TV so that I could have a box that could do double duty in different places of the house but I know I'd pay for it. I don't expect to pay $150 and get a good TV of that size necessarily, but somewhere I should be able to spend $150 or so and get a good monitor.

You could always get a tuner later and add it on, when convenient (no computer necessary...just change the source to the tuner and no worries on any sleep issues, as stated). There are so many others, but I have used several of various KWorld models for excellent monitor-to-TV use: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis...Submit=ENE&N=100007683%20600049968&IsNodeId=1&srchInDesc=kworld&name=External%20TV%20Tuner%20Box&ActiveSearchResult=True

...link just for reference, not for best price. KW's black models are sharp with LCDs.

[onthedownlow]

Oh, and about the I-Inc brand...if you ever look at Hanns-G products, you'll see that some are the 'same' except for the badge.

[Black]

Trouble wrote:
I think your best bet is to buy a 19" or 21" TV to get the better screen that you are used to seeing.

Huh?

[Trouble]

Black wrote:
[quote=Trouble]
I think your best bet is to buy a 19" or 21" TV to get the better screen that you are used to seeing.

Huh?
With that 2ms response time it has to be a TN panel. I think Planar has an ips panel. I think your best bet is to buy a 19" or 21" TV to get the better screen that you are used to seeing.

[deckeda]

Good info, thanks onthedownlow. And I'll keep the sleep issue in mind, Gareth should I get a TV instead.

[Trouble]

onthedownlow wrote: So what if it is a TN panel (likely)...that is what most all LCD panels are right now.

Most cheap LCD panels. If he wants the same picture quality then he is going to want an IPS monitor. Or at least an MVA or PVA screen. A TN panel is fine if that is all someone has used, but if they are used to a better panel then why take a step back?

onthedownlow wrote: Shouldn't be nit-picky with the response time. While there are other factors to compare, even Apple's LCDs only have around 14-16ms response time. ; )

Not picky with the response time. Just pointing out that a 2 ms response proves it is a TN panel. Apple's monitors have a slower response time because they use an S-IPS panel; the best available.

Adding a tuner is more complexity and more expense. More cables and another remote.

[deckeda]

I don't know the differences in monitor panels. Planar still has the press release on mine from 2003: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=111133&p=irol-newsArticle&t=Regular&id=478591& (mine's not nearly that old)

[Trouble]

deckeda wrote:
I don't know the differences in monitor panels.

Here is some good info http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD
If you look at the majority of LCD monitors at the store and you slowly move to the side, you know how the pictures darkens quickly and the colors shift? That is a TN panel. Now you know how if you look at a flatscreen LCD TV (and your current monitor) you can move to the side and the colors don't shift and the screen stays bright? That is a MVA, PVA, or IPS (the best) LCD screen.

If you are going to always view the monitor from one angle and the color shift doesn't bother you, then buy the less expensive monitor you can get. Once I started using an MVA monitor, I can't go back to TN. My current monitor uses an S-IPS panel (the same panels Apple uses). If you are content with the TN panel, then save the money. But I'd recommend getting a 19", 21", or 23" tv. You will get a great picture and you have the tuner if you want it.