LCD TV and computer

[altyspn]

I am looking for an LCD TV that I can use with my Mac Mini. It has DVI connector. Around 30" size. I have read some reviews and some have problem with text not sharp. Computer is mainly used for photo's, email and some word processing.

 

[BMXTRIX]

At 30" you will likely find several displays that are about 1365x678 in resolution. Using your DVI connection, you want to make sure you set your output resolution to exactly what the display is. That will keep text as sharp as possible.

But, at 30" you really don't want to be 2 feet away from your screen. A 30" television display with a 1365x768 pixel structure is designed to be viewed at a distance of no less than (about) 5 feet or so. At Best Buy it looks like there are a few models - Westinghouse, Philips, and Sharp that are in your size range. The resolution on the Philips is 1280x768 while the Sharp is 1366x768 - the Westinghouse is not specified. Now, it also is not shown WHAT computer resolutions are accepted by any of the displays. It would make sense that the Sharp having a native 1366x768 resolution would accept 1366x768 computer input... But, this is not required or necessarily the case.

You can always get an Apple Cinema Display - or whatever they are called from Apple. You know that'll work and look good, but may not work with television.

 

[altyspn]

As you stated a 30" should be view at no less than 5ft. Why is that, does the text become blurry? If reduced to 27" is that better or is it just the resolution, 1028x768 vs 1366x 768?

 

[BMXTRIX]

Well, it has to do with viewing distance vs. pixel size. It never becomes blurry, but as you get closer to a display, it becomes easier and easier to see individual pixels. With LCD displays designed specifically for computers, most 17" displays have a resolution of 1280x1024 pixels. The larger Apple Cinema displays are 1920x1200!

Television's high end resolutions are 1280x720 and 1920x1080. Those are what are pumped into 100" projection systems and 50" plasmas. So, it starts to make sense that part of that lower resolution looking so good is because of the distance you are from the display. Walk up and sit 24" from you current television and decide how it looks. Probably pretty bad. This isn't because the image IS bad, it's because you are just to close.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Check out this site...

http://www.lcd-tv-reviews.com/modules/newbb/viewforum.php?forum=7

And check out this 32" set and it's specs. I have the 20" and it's amazing for pc use and dvd's. Cable tv is good.

http://www.lcd-tv-reviews.com/modules/newbb/viewforum.php?forum=7

 

[Sleestack]

I use a 26" Sharp AQUOS LC GD6U as a computer monitor. I also use it for video games and to watch DVDs when I'm sitting at my desk. It works great for each of the applications. I almost went with a 32", but I found the 26" to be a better size for a monitor.

 

[awesomebase]

Resolution difficulty

What you need to check out is whether the LCD tvs actually accommodate the DVI signal that you get from a PC (believe it or not, there are many that do not, despite the fact that they have a DVI connector, it is not intended to be used with a PC), and whether it will resolve the computer's resolution.
It sounds weird that a DVI slot would not work with a PC, but that can be exactly the case. Do not be fooled by salespeople that don't know the product, do some research online to find out first. The reason being that the refresh rate that the DVI connection was made for in TV sets was to accommodate a HD signal. That refresh rate is anywhere from 40% to 50% of a regular computer monitor (which is why it will not display). Also, even though the LCD may be 1366 x 768, it may only display 1024 x 768 or some other derived resolution that is not native. That is why text, etc can appear blurry on these screens. There is no quick fix for resolving this and unfortunately the Mac mine does not have dual-dvi slot to drive its 30" screen, so you'll need do your homework on this.