Okay, another dumb question for you all. TV as monitor?

[wurm]

My secondary computer monitor is dying. It randomly shuts off and reboots. It's an old Dell that I bought years ago and I don't even use it that often. So I'm thinking of getting another monitor as a main one, then using my now main one (22" Acer) as my secondary.

So as I look at replacements, I'm seeing the cheapest 24" for about $150. That would probably be fine for my purposes. But then I see 32" TVs for the same price!. I occasionally like to watch TV in my "studio" while working and usually have to either fiddle with my old EyeTV or log into a network's website to do so. Well, an actual TV might be an answer. That is, if it wouldn't suck as a computer monitor.

I don't do any heavy lifting on the computer. Browsing, email, the usual YouTube stuff. With my old eyes, I do like to be able to read text on a monitor easily, but I don't do any gaming at all, no Photoshop work, no video editing. Would a TV work as a main monitor? My computer itself is a 2012 Mac Mini. Does that make a difference?

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Gareth]

wurm wrote:
Would a TV work as a main monitor?

Yes, but how well can depend on the TV's settings. Make sure you get at least a 1080p set (I doubt there are 4k 32" TVs) and not some super cheap 720p set.

Be aware that TV's (even LCDs) will sometimes "overscan" where they increase the picture size a bit and cut off the edges (i.e. like was common with CRTs). Sometimes you need to change a setting on the TV, or in your Mac's display preferences, or both to avoid this.

[jdc]

as long as you have space for a 32" TV, then sure.

Although you will be limited to 1920 x 1080... I'm betting you can find a 32" 2560 x 1440 for $200ish.

Id setup an alert at slickdeals.

[Marc Anthony]

I currently use a TV as my home monitor with a 2014 Mini, so it can be done. Things to keep in mind are that there are probably significantly larger quality differences in TVs than in most monitors, especially at your size target. If you get a higher range offering with a crystal sharp picture, it would work out, but lower end 32" TVs will probably make reading uncomfortable. Your Mini can stream to a regular monitor, and that's probably the better option.

[wurm]

Okay, folks. Thanks for the info. Maybe I'll experiment with the 32" Sony in the bedroom and hook it up over the weekend to see what it's like. Otherwise, I'd likely opt for a real computer monitor. My son works for Dell and he keeps reminding me I can get a bit of a discount there.

[jdc]

Odds are you will need a MDP to HDMI cable to connect them. $10 at amazon. Bestbuy has them as well, if you go locally.

They prob have a MDP to HDMI adapter, then use a HDMI cable you already have.

[wurm]

Thanks, jdc.

You know, the more I think about it, a regular monitor might be my best option. I thought I found something decent TV-wise at Best Buy for $140. It's their Insignia house brand, and it's 1080p, but it's a Smart TV. Decent reviews except the one common negative is a long boot-up time, largely due to having to navigate through all the Smart TV crap. Not worth it for the rare time I'll want to watch TV.

[anonymouse1]

If you’re willing to go up to 43”, which is what I did, and I totally love it, check out the Hisense A6G. Not for gaming, but for office work it is a sweet deal.

[pRICE cUBE]

Occasionally a 30-40” hdtv will pop up on slickdeals that to me see quite expensive for the square inch per dollar. Upon reading the specs and discussion, these unit seem to have more color depth or something to that effect. Seems like some people are pretty serious about these specs. If you aren’t photo toning or video grading, maybe you don’t need whatever those higher end specifications.

I have a 55” 4 tv hooked up to a Mac Mini and k400 wireless KN trackpad and it works great as an entertainment unit.

[wurm]

I thought of one other thing leaning me away from a TV. Most all of them have legs that won't fit on the monitor stand on my desk. I have no where to easily attach a VESA mount (plus that'd be an added expense) and I don't have the desk space to have it sit directly on the desk. And I'd need to raise it to the best ergonomic height to work. So there you go.