Can I use a DHtv for computer monitor?

[xmacdaddy]

I've seen regular Tvs used as monitors and the resolution isn't good enough. Will an HDtv set work well. Like a 24 or 27" ?

Do any Tvs have VGA ports built in? like the philips 27PT8320 ?

thanks

[zarlor]

Yea, any HDTV can be used as a computer monitor with excellent results. In fact I am typing this using my 61" Zenith HDTV as a computer monitor.

THere are sets with VGA (usually called RGBHV on TVs) inputs. But even if you don't have that you can still use a VGA to Component Transcoder (aroun $80, I believe). You will need to let you computer know what resolutions and frequencies your TV can use, however. Head over to http://www.entechtaiwan.com for a program called Powerstrip that lets you set up custom resolutions for that purpose. It's free if you are only using it for the custom resolution function, shareware if you want to use it for the other capabilites of the program. (Although the shareware version is not crippled in any way.)

There are some distinct advantages to using a computer with your HDTV and home theater. Computers are naturally a progressive scan platform, and could save you the cost of a progressive scan DVD player. It also acts like a scaler and line doubler/quadrupler, which could easily be several thousand dollar expense. Not to mention the games that look oh so awesome on the big screen at say 1920x540p or 1920x1080i resolution. With an HD Tuner card your computer can also act like a TIVO and is one of the few ways to record HD (presuming you have a LOT of hard drive space).

Of course the biggest drawback is that it is not a plug and play solution. It takes a little bit of work to get going, but with just a little bit of understanding of computers and how to install cards in them, you should be fine. There are even companies that sell turnkey systems for this purpose, usually referred to as HTPCs. I would reccomend check out the FAQ in the HTPC forum at http://www.avsforum.com for plenty of great info on doing this. The sponse of the forum, AVScience also sells HTPCs as does another fairly reputable company at http://www.digitalconnection.com to name just a couple (or that might be http://www.digitalconnections.com)

Best of luck and I definitely reccomend gogin down teh HTPC road!

[xmacdaddy]

I didn't realize that the component inputs were capable of the max resolution of HDtvs. So dod you figure a using a VGA to Component Transcoder would give just as good results as with a HDTV with built in RGBHV plugs? I imagine they both probably do the same think. I'm all about the tinkering so that's not a problem.

thanks,
bob

[zarlor]

It should be just about the same. Especially over short runs with good cables. And you are quite welcome. :)