Computer Monitor???

[luvrpgrl]

Hey, wondering from the PC experts, is it possible to use a tv as a computer monitor. I would like to have a huge monitor in my living room so I can monitor ebay while watching porn, errr, LASSIE....

[pxland]

Can't help you on the technical side. But be careful, the government monitors Lassie porn. The liberals don't think the dogs are getting paid enough.
Paul X

[1985 300SD Sady]

You need a nice enough video card that comes with a TV out feature. Mine does, its a Nvidia Geforce 4. Also, most if not all of the ATI All-in-wonder series video cards have this feature.

This allows you to switch easily between you computer monitor and computer.

Or, you could get a VGA to RCA converter. (Ebay it)

what kind of hookups do you have for your TV?

I tryed using my RCA out with my video card to run one of my old crappy cheap TV's, but, It does not look good due to the low resolution of many Tv's. For instance, regular computer monitors will have a resolution of 1024x768 pixels, while a TV would only have as little as 480x360 or less. So obviously unless you have a really nice TV with a good resolution your not going to get the quality image that your used to on your monitor on your TV.

[diametricalbenz]

Originally Posted by 1985 300SD Sady

You need a nice enough video card that comes with a TV out feature. Mine does, its a Nvidia Geforce 4. Also, most if not all of the ATI All-in-wonder series video cards have this feature.

This allows you to switch easily between you computer monitor and computer.

Or, you could get a VGA to RCA converter. (Ebay it)

what kind of hookups do you have for your TV?

I tryed using my RCA out with my video card to run one of my old crappy cheap TV's, but, It does not look good due to the low resolution of many Tv's. For instance, regular computer monitors will have a resolution of 1024x768 pixels, while a TV would only have as little as 480x360 or less. So obviously unless you have a really nice TV with a good resolution your not going to get the quality image that your used to on your monitor on your TV.

I would agree. The TV just doesn't put out enough resolution. It's good enough to watch a movie if you step back a few steps using the TV output on a nice PCI Express video card but not sharp enough to use as a monitor unless you have a HDTV or a Plasma TV that can produce 1024 x 768. If that latter option is available check out Costco....they're getting a lot cheaper....but still expensive

[MTI]

Basically, a standard NTSC tv is going to have to run in basic VGA mode and if the screen size is bigger than 13" than the pixelation will degrade the image even more.

[luvrpgrl]

actually, I havent bought the tv yet, thats why Im wondering. There are some plasma tv's on ebay im thinking of buying for that reason. I guess the main thing is to make sure it has high enough resolution, and if it gets tooo big, even with a decent resolution, it will become a low quality image.
thanks,,,,,,,,,ron

[MTI]

Most, if not all, HD capable (1080i) plasma screens have PC inputs, either a DB-9 SVGA port or some other style input. Having a video card that can take advantage of the 16:9 screen and resolution would be best.

[Wodnek]

Its very hard on the eyes for productivity tasks, Word, access, etc. But great for watching movies, video, etc. It works good for fps games. Any time where you have to read alot of text though it iwill give you a headache.