New TV advice

Shrimply

Hi, I'm sort of looking at getting a new TV. Currently I have a 19" tecknika and want to replace it for various reasons.

One of the main reasons is I have a Samsung monitor (T220), and the Teckinka next to it just looks shoddy.

Another reason is I'd like to be able to hook my computer up to the TV as an additional monitor, which I can do just now and its fine for video, but it blurs all the text. SO first question is, will a decent quality set also do this or can I expect a TV to display PC output as well as a dedicated monitor.

Second question, what's the difference between a TV that can take PC input ( VGA, DVI, HDMI etc) and a moniter that has a built in tuner. Considering I don't really have any thing else to hook up does it matter for my needs.

Finally ( I think) I'd be looking at a 22" and it seems I'd have to choose between full HD or LED backlit, any opinions here. As I say currently the only HD input would be from the PC, but that might change in the future. But to be honest I'm not totally convinced that HD especially on smaller screens is all that important.

Many Thanks

Shrimply

Anyone prepared to give me some answers?

I know they're probably basic questions but some expert help would be really good.

fwor

I don't qualify as an expert, but I have looked into this recently.

At 22" widescreen format, you should not be able to perceive any difference between HD ready and Full HD when watching either SD or HD sources, but the latter will be better if you are using it with a PC.

That size is slightly odd - much larger and it's cheaper to just buy a TV with DVI or HDMI inputs, but with small screens it seems to be cheaper (and in some ways more flexible) to get a monitor with DVI and put a TV tuner in the PC. But that depends on the PC and how you use it.

Definitely go for DVI or HDMI inputs, as the picture quality will be better than VGA.

penrhyn

DVI and HDMI are both digital interfaces and are essentially the same.
The only difference being that DVI does not carry sound.
VGA is the older analogue interface.
LED is simply a different backlight for an LCD display.
If I were you I'd go for a 26" monitor/TV it will seem a little large at first but I thing you would be happier in the long run.

Shrimply

Thank you,

fwor, I was more meaning monitors which have a built in tuner, there seems to be plenty that do.

I do understand the differences between the connections, I have been told in the past though that there is very little benefit of DVI over VGA if your not outputing HD content, that said my graphics card has two DVI outputs I use a converter to VGA currently to hook up the TV.

From what I understand though the LED backlit TVS are actually generally better than a regular backlit TV, also the fact they are slimmer means that I'd quiet like one, but as I say you can't seem to get a full HD one that small.

I sit about a meter away from the TV at my desk, the 19" is really fine a 26" would be far too big.

penrhyn

What about this?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-P2270HD-22-inch-Widescreen-1920x1080/dp/B002DPSKDO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1279132457&sr=1-3

Shrimply

Thanks, my main dilemma is how that compares to something like this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-UE22C4000-22-inch-Widescreen-Freeview/dp/B003DNSJ2W/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1279190285&sr=1-12

penrhyn

The resolution of the monitor I suggested is 1920 x 1080 whereas the TV you are looking at is 1366 x 768.

If your primary use is for a monitor then the more pixels the better.

I use a 24" Dell monitor @1680 x 1050 .

MothballsWallet

penrhyn wrote: »

What about this?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-P2270HD-22-inch-Widescreen-1920x1080/dp/B002DPSKDO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1279132457&sr=1-3

That looks great - I can't see a mention of a VGA input, I'm looking for a new TV too, I'd like it to have VGA as those are the only video outputs my laptop has

Shrimply

Hey, I'm still looking at TVs, kinda a toss up between wanting to upgrade and the fact the old one still works and I don't use it all that much.

What about this one though, its got VGA and is the one I'm considering now.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-XL2370HD-widescreen-Monitor-Freeview/dp/B003NAMOKI/ref=pd_cp_computers_1

Shrimply

Just to add you can get this from Ebuyer for under the £200 mark

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/227381

I'm really tempted by this now, has anyone got any thoughts, also because this is also a monitor it is covered by a 2 year warranty rather than the 1 year you would get with a Samsung TV.

Only down side is it doesn't have built in Freeview HD, but I don't think thats really a fair complaint given the price.