Which one should I choose? HDTV or PC Monitor?

[LVUER]

Here's my case. I just bought a netbook which only have 12" display. It's big for pretty big for a netbook but I want something bigger. The bigger the better, so I decided to buy another display unit. Any size is alright, as long as it's bigger than 17" (in wide screen and HD). And since my netbook have HDMI out port, I want my display unit to have HDMI in port.

Another problem is that I'm also going to buy PS3 in perhaps several months and right now I don't have any decent TV to enjoy the HD content of PS3 games. I have a 8 years old TV which is simply not up to par with PS3 (it's small, low-res, and 4:3). I even have lots of difficulty in reading some latest PS2 games text (ex: Mana Khemia 2).

So the question is: should I buy a PC monitor or an HDTV (with HDMI port)?

For now, here's the pros and cons of buying either:
PC monitor
Pros:
- PC monitor have reputation of being able to display sharp pictures, especially when watched up close. HDTV, even having same resolution as PC monitor, looks bad if watched too close, which is understandable since we don't really want to watch TV too close...
- Specially designed for computer (in my case, netbook) use.
Cons:
- Is it capable of being used as TV (when I play my PS3) without turning on my computer/netbook?
- Doesn't have a speaker (or if it have, the built-in speaker usually low in quality).
- Lack of port/connection in case I want to attach something else (like any device that we usually hook to a TV), ex: DVD player.

HDTV
Pros:
- Already have everything I need to enjoy multimedia experience. Namely a speaker.
- I definitely sure since it's a TV, it would act like a TV easily. Meaning I could enjoy my PS3 easily and to the fullest.
- Could hook up any other device easily to all available ports that usually there in a TV (those L/R/Video connector and others).
Cons:
- More expensive compared to a PC monitor
- Looks bad when watched too close, which is something I definitely do when using my netbook.

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So guys (and girls)... any suggestion or something to add?

[DaFool]

HDTV. It was simple decision for me since my only computers were a laptop and an imac (both with built in screens). If I wanted bigger screen I connect to HDTV. While my permanent connections are to DVD player (through component cables) and PS3/Blu-ray player. I can even watch TV. I used to recompress anime videos for use on PS3, but lately I just end up hooking the laptop directly.
I don't really see a need for resolutions over 1920x1080 anyway, even on a PC.

I'm pretty sure you'd enjoy Atelier Meruru on a big screen and 5.1 home theater setup. Also Shadow of the Colossus HD... that was the epitome of the console gaming experience. Don't shortchange it through a computer desktop setup... being hunched over a desk with an office chair.

[LateWhiteRabbit]

Well, I'm going to have to disagree with DaFool.

Money-wise, HDTVs are hundreds of dollars more expensive than a PC monitor, and the resolution is lower. A flat-screen LCD PC monitor with HDMI is very cheap in comparison and works the same if not better. Playing PS3 or XBOX 360 on an HDMI computer monitor is exactly as easy as on an HDTV as well - plug one end of the HDMI cable into the PS3, plug the other end into the PC monitor. Done.

The speakers are an issue, sure, because you'll never get good sound out of a PC monitor's speakers, even even it has them. But that is easily remedied with a set of PC speakers. They sell adapters for the L/R audio connectors to connect to PC speakers for like $2 at RadioShack. Plug the HDMI into the back of the monitor and the L/R (white and red) cables into your PC speakers.

It is an awesome set up and one I use myself. I got a very large PC monitor and a good set of speakers to use with it, plus the adapter, for less than $300.

And if watching TV on it is important to you, you can get a PC monitor HDMI with a TV Tuner in it for $300 or less as well! I don't want to insult anybody, but I see a lot of people spending hundreds of dollars more than they have to for the same experience, all just for a sticker that says "HDTV" on the front.

That monitor I linked to above for instance even has good speakers and all the attachments for things like DVD and Blueray Players. Even if you don't get one of those types of monitors that are explicitly made to double as TVs, you can get all those connections with a cheap $30-40 switch box - it's what I use.

And bonus - you can set far away or shove your nose right up to it, and the PC monitor image stays sharp and fresh.

So, to finish:
I have a 27" LCD HMDI PC monitor that hooks directly to my Xbox 360 for 1080p (actually higher) gaming, with hookups to a stereo speaker set-up, and my DVD player and PS2 hooked up to it through a switch box - all for less than $300. EDIT: And I put this set-up together over 2 years ago, so it is probably even cheaper to do now.

So - that's my input.

[leon]

Asking which is better, computer display or TV, is like asking whether red cars are faster than white cars. They may be cheaper or more expensive, but unless you are looking at two different models, the quality is the same.

You should only be deciding about which model you want and how much does it cost, including the upgrades, such as TV tuner, surround sound decoder and speakers.

Pros:
- PC monitor have reputation of being able to display sharp pictures, especially when watched up close. HDTV, even having same resolution as PC monitor, looks bad if watched too close, which is understandable since we don't really want to watch TV too close...

They had such reputation years ago... If you are looking at comparable models of the same size, resolution and other specification, this is not true. Some TVs are using identical technology, as comparable computer monitors or to put it in another way - they *are* monitors, with additional electronics (TV tuner). If a monitor and a TV use identical parts for display matrices, why would the quality be different?

You will notice a difference in quality only if you compare different sizes, different input or if you are comparing two models in a very different price range. Of course my 60" TV doesn't look as sharp as my 19" monitor, as the pixels are quite larger on the TV, but that's not really a comparison...

- Is it capable of being used as TV (when I play my PS3) without turning on my computer/netbook?

Yes, but only if you intend to buy a very expensive TV tuner, which supports this. This may push it into a price range of TVs, however.

- Doesn't have a speaker (or if it have, the built-in speaker usually low in quality).

Most TV speakers have low quality too. In fact a lot of TVs still have only mono sound on 2 speakers. If you want quality surround sound, a computer is a cheaper option, as you don't need to buy an expensive decoder.

[AxemRed]

- Is it capable of being used as TV (when I play my PS3) without turning on my computer/netbook?

Yes, but only if you intend to buy a very expensive TV tuner, which supports this. This may push it into a price range of TVs, however.

The question is a bit unclear...

You can hook up a PS3 to any screen that has an HDMI port.
You don't need a TV tuner to use a PS3 or PC.
If you want to watch television on the screen, you may need a TV tuner.

[leon]

- Is it capable of being used as TV (when I play my PS3) without turning on my computer/netbook?

Yes, but only if you intend to buy a very expensive TV tuner, which supports this. This may push it into a price range of TVs, however.

The question is a bit unclear...

You can hook up a PS3 to any screen that has an HDMI port.
You don't need a TV tuner to use a PS3 or PC.
If you want to watch television on the screen, you may need a TV tuner.

I see... Yes, I think I have misunderstood the question.

Well, if you don't plan on watching TV or require a big display, than the answer should be clear: buy a monitor, unless you have money to throw away.

[JustAnotherMe]

That's really hard to choose... I want to buy them too, but delayed it coz I need to use my money for other things.
But I think the most practical one is HDTV, since you can watch, play your PS3 and connect your computer. Sure it lacks the visual quality, but it's bigger so you can just... move a bit far and everything will be nicer. (HDTV has good resolution too I think, 1080 pixels... that's quite clear for me)

[LVUER]

What I mean is that when the PC/netbook is not turned on, will I be able to use my TV to watch movies/play PS3? A TV is obviously able to do that but I never try it with a PC monitor. And how about the sound? Since the PC is turned off, meaning there's no audio driver present. Will it be alright? Or do I need another sound system (like a stereo tape or something)?

My budget is not too big, only around $150. Well, it's pretty big money in my country... (remember the currency rate). With that kind of money, I could buy a 22" PC monitor (without TV tuner or anything fancy) OR a 20"-24" HDTV (already with HD resolution, HDMI port, and PC input capabilities which I don't know what it is).

[LateWhiteRabbit]

What I mean is that when the PC/netbook is not turned on, will I be able to use my TV to watch movies/play PS3? A TV is obviously able to do that but I never try it with a PC monitor. And how about the sound? Since the PC is turned off, meaning there's no audio driver present. Will it be alright? Or do I need another sound system (like a stereo tape or something)?

My budget is not too big, only around $150. Well, it's pretty big money in my country... (remember the currency rate). With that kind of money, I could buy a 22" PC monitor (without TV tuner or anything fancy) OR a 20"-24" HDTV (already with HD resolution, HDMI port, and PC input capabilities which I don't know what it is).

A pc monitor is plugged into a power outlet separately, so no PC needs to be on for it to be used with a gaming console or other device. Audio drivers aren't needed for sound, as long as your HDMI cable has an audio splitter. So you have a cable that forks, and one end is plugged into the console, one end into the monitor, and one end to your speakers.

But seriously, if you can buy an HDTV in your country for less than a same size PC monitor, AND it has the ability to plug into your PC, why are you asking this question? Obviously in that case then the HDTV is going to be the better choice. The PC monitor is just a better choice in America because they are so much more ridiculously less expensive than HDTVs.

[CombatEye]

Personally, I agree with the pro-monitor crowd and think that you'll get more of your money's worth with the monitor. You can always use headphones or buy speakers later on.

[leon]

Yes, you can use a monitor for everything except watching TV. Speakers don't need drivers; drivers are needed by the computer to output the sound. The only difference between computer speakers and regular, is that they contain magnetic shielding, so they can be placed next to a monitor, without interference.

I did had some major issues, trying to plug a computer sound output to a HDTV, however as the plugs on the TV were not the right size.

PC input would be what you would use to plug your PC in. If it doesn't have it, you can still use a converter for the video, but sound could be an issue.

If watching TV is not a requirement, you should buy a monitor or you will pay more for less. If they are in the same price range, TV will lack the quality.

As for the speakers, almost anything integrated, doesn't have the necessary size/depth for even semi-decent quality. And quality speakers are rather cheap...

[lordcloudx]

Nubbycakes question: Can't most LCD/LED TVs be also used a monitor nowadays anyway? My China-made LCD TV has the standard VGA port for PCs, normal A/V ports as well as the newer HDMI port.

[leon]

@lordcloudx: Yes they can. And you can use a monitor+tuner as a TV. But the question is, which is better for what.

[lordcloudx]

@leon: Thanks. I'm aware of LVUER's initial question. Just wasn't sure why the question was asked. An LCD/LED TV costs about the same as an LCD/LED monitor with the same size and resolution here. Can't say I can really notice a marked difference in quality between the two, but maybe I just have pretty low standards.

[DaFool]

An LCD/LED TV costs about the same as an LCD/LED monitor with the same size and resolution here.

My first LCD TV was a Coby... I was going to get a monitor until I saw how stupid cheap it was. The viewing angle was extremely narrow but it still enabled me to enjoy Valkyria Chronicles in full glory when it first came out.

But seriously, if you can buy an HDTV in your country for less than a same size PC monitor, AND it has the ability to plug into your PC, why are you asking this question? Obviously in that case then the HDTV is going to be the better choice. The PC monitor is just a better choice in America because they are so much more ridiculously less expensive than HDTVs.

...and Coby was an American company. What gives?