[mdlug] Moniter w/tuner vs HDTV

[Robert Adkins]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: mdlug-bounces at mdlug.org 
> [mailto:mdlug-bounces at mdlug.org] On Behalf Of Dan Pritts
> Sent: Monday, September 21, 2009 4:59 PM
> To: MDLUG's Main discussion list
> Subject: Re: [mdlug] Moniter w/tuner vs HDTV
> 
> if you're planning on using it as a monitor, make sure you 
> understand the difference between a TN LCD panel (which is 
> what you're getting in this price range) and everything else.  
> 
>   http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/lcd-panel-types.php

  Nice read, good information.

> 
> I found teh viewing angle of a 24" TN panel to be 
> unacceptable; my solid background color looked noticeably 
> different from top to bottome, due to the poor viewing angle.
> 
> This is less of an issue with TVs since you generally sit 
> farther away.
> 
> non-TN displays cost a lot more, though.  I have the dell 
> 2408wfp which is currently $449 (plus shipping & tax).  it 
> does not have a tuner, or speakers (a speaker bar is an 
> optional extra).  
> 
> They might not be great for gaming or action movies, either, 
> their refresh rates are somewhat slower than TN, i think.
> 

  Yeah, those refresh rates are lower than TN.

  There are tricks that can be put into play that can shrink the gulf
between the capabilities of a TN and non-TN screen. Asus employs more than a
couple of those tricks to bring one of the absolute best TN based LCD
screens to the desktop.

  The reviews that I looked at before purchasing this monitor covered the
issues with TN monitors and the distance that one would need to sit away
from the monitor in order to elminate the color issues (for this monitor are
next to nothing to begin with per the review testing), which is 24 to 36"
away from the screen. Coincidentally, in order to actually see the entire
screen at the same time, without having to greatly shift ones eyes around,
you have to sit at least 24" away from a 24" Wide Screen monitor.

  So, it's not a big deal at all.  

  For my gaming, it's going to be a great monitor, for web surfing and basic
desktop tasks, it's going to be a great monitor. For my amateur photography,
it's not going to be the absolute best monitor, but it is at the top of the
list for TN based monitors.

  -Rob