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Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

#1
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11/4/08 at 5:13am
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Don't jump on me on this as I know some of you will think me crazy.

I currently have a Dell 30" display on my desktop. I like it, but
I don't love it. The reason? It lacks the glossy surface that I have
come to adore with the iMacs and Macbook Pros.

When I visited Warner Bros. last week I was impressed that the
color restorationists were using what looked to be 40" HDTV displays
on their computers. Now granted, I understand the need to use a
40" HDTV display when doing color correction.

But it got me thinking....

Is it possible for me to go out and buy a cheap 40" 1080p HDTV
display and use it as a monitor for my Mac Pro?

First, I would gain the extra real estate which would be awesome.
Secondly, I would hope that the glossy HDTV would get me to the
level of resolution I would want.

Now I realize some of you will call this overkill and unnecessary.
However, all I am asking is if this could be done with the dual DVD-I
connection (I think that is the cable I have ) I have available?

Also, what would be the resolution I can expect? 720p? 1080i? 1080p?
Also, Plasma or LCD? Will I risk burn-in with either display as computer
desktops have images that do not move.


Also, a recommendation on an HDTV would be neat as well.
Ronald J Epstein
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#2
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11/4/08 at 9:47am
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
First, I would gain the extra real estate which would be awesome.
Secondly, I would hope that the glossy HDTV would get me to the
level of resolution I would want.
...
Also, what would be the resolution I can expect? 720p? 1080i? 1080p?

Ron, in my meager knowledge of HTPC, I'm understand you can connect a Mac to a 1080p HDTV and have 1920 x 1080 resolution.

But what matters are your goals. You'll get a bigger screen at 40"; you'll also get bigger pixels. The resolution of a 40" 1080p HDTV, displaying 1920 x 1080, is less than that of a common 24" LCD monitor, running at 1920 x 1200. Your 30" monitor crushes both, at 2560 x 1600!

This may be what you want depending on your eyesight, sensitivity to eyestrain, viewing distance, and personal preferences. But you're sacrificing pixel count (and information density) in doing so.

All that matters is your specific tastes and uses. Bigger isn't always better. I thought I'd need an external monitor with my MBP. But I've found that a 15" screen at 1440x900 works really well for my home use. So happy hunting for the perfect display!
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#3
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11/4/08 at 10:24am
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Tough choice here.

J&R is advertising a Panasonic TH-42PZ80U 42" 1080p Viera
plasma TV with PC input for $849

Something sounds wrong with that price so I have to do more
research. Plus, I am not certain if there are burn-in issues with
using a PC on a Plasma.
Ronald J Epstein
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#4
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11/4/08 at 3:40pm
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

You should make sure the TV does one-to-one pixel mapping. The last thing you want is overscan, because the Mac menu bar is on the edge of the screen, and if the TV routinely masks that off, you can't see it.
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#5
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11/4/08 at 3:53pm
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Ken,

I am an idiot with these things.

Want to take a look and tell me what you think?
Ronald J Epstein
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#6
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11/4/08 at 5:44pm
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

I would highly recommend against using a plasma screen for anything with static images like a computer desktop. Even with the newer plasmas that are designed to reduce burning possibilities, something like the full time use of a computer desktop will burn in and ruin the screen over time.

Also as already mentioned, the resolution of a computer 30" monitor is MUCH higher than that of a 1080P TV set. Using a screen that large with the limiting factor of a 1080 resolution will become annoying. Objects on the desktop will be larger than you will want them to be.

Samsung makes a 30" LED monitor that is reportedly pretty vivid. More so than LCD. It also comes with a detachable hood that allows you to eliminate ambient light interference and an inner fabric that removes reflection from the screen.

It might be something to at least check out if you can find it in a store.

it is called the Samsung SyncMaster XL30 LED BLU 30" Professional LCD Monitor

Regards,
Brian W. Ralston

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#7
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11/5/08 at 12:42am
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Hiya Brian!

You pretty much nailed the coffin as far as not going this route.

The fact that a 40" display would diminish resolution has me worried.

That Samsung monitor is $3400, far too expensive.

Thanks very much for all the assistance, everyone.
Ronald J Epstein
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#8
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11/5/08 at 4:05am
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

You also have to remember that most of these TVs have HORRID refresh rates compared to a quality monitor.

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#9
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11/5/08 at 8:20am
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

I have a feeling that there will be glossy screen 30" monitors at an attractive price point very soon. Apple's new 24" monitor is glossy like their new laptop screens. And I have a feeling they will at some point soon replace their 30" with one that is similar.

And since Apple does not make their displays...that means that Samsung and other actual manufacturers (or whoever makes the Apple one at that time), will come out with their version of the same thing. Then Dell will probably release a glossy 30" to compete, etc...

You will probably see a glossy 30" within a year if I had to guess.

Regards,
Brian W. Ralston

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#10
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11/5/08 at 11:46am
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Brian,

I am going to hold you to that.
Ronald J Epstein
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#11
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11/5/08 at 2:53pm
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian W. Ralston
I have a feeling that there will be glossy screen 30" monitors at an attractive price point very soon. Apple's new 24" monitor is glossy like their new laptop screens. And I have a feeling they will at some point soon replace their 30" with one that is similar.
...
You will probably see a glossy 30" within a year if I had to guess.

I (am/was) betting that Apple will release new displays at Macworld. Why would people keep buying their old DVI displays, when with the new Macbooks and the 24" ACD it is clear that the future is Display Port. I will be shocked, shocked I tell you, if a bunch of new displays doesn't materialize at Macworld.
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#12
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11/5/08 at 2:55pm
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian W. Ralston
I have a feeling that there will be glossy screen 30" monitors at an attractive price point very soon.
It seems a cinch that Apple will refresh the 30" to follow the 24" lead: glossy, DisplayPort, USB & power integration.
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#13
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11/5/08 at 5:48pm
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Glossy is the debbil!

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#14
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11/5/08 at 7:31pm
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

i guess i am a little confused.

i use macs and pc's and i am bewildered about the big deal here.

my htpc (AMD 64 3500+, radeon x1050) displays 1920x1080 via hdmi on my 47 inch toshiba lcd and i have no issues. i have adjusted the settings so i don't go blind straining my eyes to see the information on the screen. i primarily browse online and watch 720p/Ac3 downloads (movies and television.)

additionally i do everything i do on my htpc with my 17 inch toshiba gaming laptop (Core2Duo and dual 8600gt in sli) connected to the same tv via hdmi plus run 1080p video. when i hook up my laptop the the tv to play whatever i want to play (gaming/video or otherwise) i have no issues with refresh rates or anything else.

my brother uses a much more powerful desktop connected via component (AMD Phenom with a EVGA Nvidia 8800gt) on my old 57 inch rptv i sold him with no issues. he also uses a 32 inch lcd hdtv connected hdmi with a different desktop (cant remember brand) as his primary monitor in his office with some old crt monitors in a triple display setup. once again no issues.

we both do web and graphic design and use the associated programs.

so why is everyone saying that this is a bad idea?

listen with your own ears...
watch with your own eyes...
make your own decision.
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#15
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11/5/08 at 11:08pm
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Diallo B
so why is everyone saying that this is a bad idea?

So....are you sitting at a desk with your eyes a few feet away from the screen? Or are you sitting on a sofa or chair (in a position where you normally watch TV), and you are 7, 10 or more feet away from those TVs?

The 30" LCD monitors are designed for close viewing and setups where you are at a computer desk and sitting within a couple feet of the screen. Large format TV screens are not designed for viewing that close and their resolutions reflect that.

And...a 30" monitor does have a significantly higher resolution capability (more pixels on the screen) than 1080 TV sets designed for viewing from a far. So...those desktop monitors have a much larger desktop working space as a result. You can have more on the screen at the same time and that is a benefit.

But...if working off of a TV from a little bit further away works for you...then that is good. But...in a close viewing set-up, it is not ideal and probably not the best on the eyes. Afterall...how many DVDs do you watch while sitting 2-3 feet away from your 47" TV set?

Regards,
Brian W. Ralston

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#16
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11/6/08 at 1:07am
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Quote:
Glossy is the debbil!

Perhaps for those doing photography work.

Me, I enjoy a vibrant screen that is more in line with the
old CRTS.
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
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#17
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11/6/08 at 5:46am
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Diallo B
my htpc (AMD 64 3500+, radeon x1050) displays 1920x1080 via hdmi on my 47 inch toshiba lcd and i have no issues. ...

so why is everyone saying that this is a bad idea?
I'm saying that a 30" LCD Monitor has 78% higher resolution than the best HDTV, so don't confuse "real estate" with "resolution". If that's a good tradeoff, then enjoy.

A new 30" Apple Monitor is $1800; so maybe it could be sold used for $800 - $1000? That would defray much of the cost of a new 40" HDTV.
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#18
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11/6/08 at 6:10am
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

hi guys

Lots of good info relating to resolution, and HT vs Computer seating distances.

Sam is 100 % on the mark about the glossy surface. All it does is add to eye fatigue (as you have to filter out reflections) and detract from resolution (as detail will be hidden from view).

On the ONLY plus side of glossy...it is easier to clean.

For a much cheaper solution...you may want to consider 2 smaller screens (ie24 " x 2 ) ??

Its always fun researching and buying new toys. Enjoy!!
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#19
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11/6/08 at 7:51am
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Agree with Gregg & Sam - A well calibrated matte screen is the trick. If gloss is the future, well...
As for knocking down 2560 and viewing 1920 on something 10+ inches larger. You might like it, or you might think you're missing something.
I have a friend who uses a Westy37 at 1920 and it's not bad for his LogicPro work. The mixer channels are tiny by default, so it works out in that app. In Photoshop/Lightroom it is not so great.
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#20
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11/6/08 at 8:17am
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Actually, the decision to go Matte or Glossy is a personal choice.
From a hobbyist standpoint (not professional) there is nothing
wrong with either choice as some are suggesting.

It is my personal choice to go Glossy. That's why Mac sells Glossy
screens on many of their portable models. Friends I have turned on
to Mac have gone to the Apple store, seen both models side-by-side
and picked glossy Macbooks/Macbook Pros over Matte.

As I stated, I appreciate the eye-popping images that glossy screens
provide. Others don't, and that is the reason why they go Matte.
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
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#21
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11/6/08 at 10:16am
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian W. Ralston
So....are you sitting at a desk with your eyes a few feet away from the screen? Or are you sitting on a sofa or chair (in a position where you normally watch TV), and you are 7, 10 or more feet away from those TVs?


understand your point. my brother actually uses his 32 inch on his desk as a normal monitor. albeit with the two crt's as well. he and i really don't have any issues with real estate as we both use multiple monitor setups. but even if i was going single with the lcd i don't think i would have an issue.

listen with your own ears...
watch with your own eyes...
make your own decision.
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#22
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11/6/08 at 1:33pm
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Ron,
Did you say how you would use the HDTV? Would you have a 40" HDTV on your desk, or would this become like a living room installation?

I'm trying to imagine a 40" monitor on my desk...that would be huge! What was the viewing distance for the setup at WB?
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#23
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11/6/08 at 1:37pm
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Dave,

Right now my 30" monitor sits on my desk about 2' from my face.
That was about the same viewing distance at WB.

I have pretty much given up the idea of getting an LCD or PLASMA
display. I'll just wait for 30" glossy screens to be released.
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
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#24
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11/6/08 at 7:15pm
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Let me know when you are ready to sell the 30" matte =p

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#25
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11/11/08 at 1:20pm
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Maybe you could spray a can of clear gloss spray paint on a matte screen.

Maybe not.

"Scientists are saying the future is going to be far more futuristic than they originally predicted." -Krysta Now

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#26
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11/13/08 at 9:06am
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Quote:
Maybe you could spray a can of clear gloss spray paint on a matte screen.

Maybe not.

LOL....

Quite honestly though...it would have about the same affect on the image quality.
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#27
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11/13/08 at 10:06am
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Ron,

I tried to do something similar, although I got a 32" 720p Samsung to use as a second monitor. The video quality on pictures was pretty good, but text was unreadable. That was due to the larger pixels on the set. I ended up going dual monitor--my 17" laptop in a docking cradle connected to a 22" HP monitor I got open box for about 200 bucks. It is a glossy monitor (which isn't a problem for me since my office is in my basement and I can control the lights). I'll attach a picture--taken with my blackberry so the quality isn't anything to write home about.

I work from home so I spend a lot of time on the computer, thus wanting the extra space and good-looking monitor. This setup has worked well for me.
525x525px-LL-vbattach1160.jpg
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#28
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11/13/08 at 2:43pm
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Justin,

Not really digging the dual monitor thing.

I'll wait for Apple to release a glossy screen despite the fact
that others are unfairly attacking its merits.
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
To View My Massive DVD Collection Click Here
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#29
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11/13/08 at 4:09pm
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

Justin, that is quite cool. I never thought of using the docked laptop as a 2nd monitor. Is there a light output difference ? currently i have my laptop free standing beside my dual 22" Dell monitors. The laptop puts out less then half the light out put of the Dells so my eyes have problems adjusting.

Ron, the glare screen is a problem when considering eye fatigue and perceived resolution. From an imaging science stand point it is a very bad idea (unless you want extra eye fatigue). That being said, when viewing a gloss screen in a darkened room with no room lighting behind the viewer, gloss would be minimized.
The Sonodome - circa 2001
The Newest Sonotube - circa 2001
Gregg's DVDs updated...sometimes
Lion Audio Video Consultants usually current
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#30
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11/13/08 at 7:04pm
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Re: Dump 30" monitor and go with HDTV display?

I only talk the talk Ron, both of my Macs are the evil gloss!

Blog: Navesink.net - My Flickr Stream is here - Click here to Email me - Updates at Twitter & FriendFeed
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