Computer monitor VS. TV Monitor

[Guest]

I am using a GeForce 4 Ti4200 which also has a TV/out via the S-Video connector. I wanted to upgrade my 15" monitor to a larger one...at least 19". My question is this. If I purchase a 20" TV monitor with the S-video input (less expensive than a PC monitor) what will I be giving up in terms of quality (resolution, sharpness, brightness, etc) ?? Thanks for your help.Vincent CarloUSA Virginia

[Guest outtatimeiii]

You will lose a LOT of quality, I mean a LOT. Since TV (any standard one) has a native resolution of 640x480, it cannot be scaled too easily to better res. Also, most text will be unreadable on the TV at any resolution (at least thats the case on my 20" RCA that uses composite). Color is sometimes better, but its not worth it because of the low resolution and low 60Hz refresh TV's have. TV's are designed for good quality picture at a good distance away (watching a movie or something), rather than monitors which are designed for close viewing and high resolution.In general, TV's are the best for movies or shows on cable or satellite, and monitors are best for computer applications, where sharpness and higher resolution counts.

[Guest]

Thanks a lot, Zack. You have kinda confirmed what I suspected, but I wanted to find out from someone with experience or knowledge in this area. Guess I'm looking to buy a new PC monitor. I'm hoping to get at least a 19" with ability to display 1200X1600 and good refresh rate.Vincent CarloUSA Virginia

[Guest macman4]

What about a HDTV, is there any way to go from PC to HDTV and make it look good?

[Guest CHRISH]

Hi Vincent,Zack is absoloutely spot on. If you have a DVD player try this simple experiment, play a normal DVD on your TV then play it on Your CRT Monmitor, note the massive difference in quality on the CRT Screen as against your monitor, for the reasons zack mentioned.I faced the same dilemma so I opted for a 22" CRT Screen, and the results in 1600 x 1200 are superb! (FPS are a bit low, but I can't wait for the new Pentium 4 3.00 GHZ running at a FSB of 800 Mhz!!which should make an enormous difference!) what a combination.Don't be tempted for a TFT screen, as you will be disapointed with the quality of resolution, which is worse than a TV!Try:The new 24" CRTs are excellent, if you've got a fork lift truck to move it!!www.mitsubishi.comBest Wishes,ChrisEGBB