1080p TV good for desktop work?

[edogridge]

My brother in law had a 27" Viewsonic LCD that he used to use as a desktop monitor. To be honest, I thought it looked terrible and hard on the eyes.

I have an opportunity to pickup a big 37" Westinghouse that supports 1080p for less than what a 30" PC LCD will cost. I haven't seen it up close yet, but I was wondering if anyone thinks these TVs will be ok to use as a screen. From what I read, it supports 1920x1080, so it seems pretty good for desktop work.

[ElementXsoftwarE]

I've been using a 32" Samsung LCD TV @ 1360x768 as my PC monitor for the past year or so, and I love it. I naturally don't sit right on top of it, but even if I do, it still looks just fine. I do a lot of programming and writing, so I was able to see the text just fine, and I usually stuck a board across the arms of my chair for my wireless mouse and keyboard, kicked back, and went to work. Overall, I think it works out very well, and if the one you are looking at supports 1920x1080 I'd say it should work fine for you as well.

[UnknownSouljer]

Yeah the Westinghouse LVM-37w3 is a really good monitor. I'm planning on buying one after Christmas.

You don't really need something that large if your main usage is for PC use however. You should be a media whore if you want something as large as that with as many inputs... whether it be console gaming, or playing movies PC use doesn't need a monitor that large with a resolution that is that low (similar resolutions can be had from 24" Monitors). Otherwise buying a 30" PC monitor is a better choice simply because the resolution is significantly higher (2500x1600 IIRC).

I want to have something to do it all, that's why I'm going with the Westinghouse.

[BigLoo]

The resolution seems fine, but those of you using LCD TVs as monitors don't find the image too bright? My friend uses a 27" Samsung, and it is murder on my eyes. I suppose you can adjust that, but I figured there was a reason why TVs were meant to be viewed from afar.

[UnknownSouljer]

The resolution seems fine, but those of you using LCD TVs as monitors don't find the image too bright? My friend uses a 27" Samsung, and it is murder on my eyes. I suppose you can adjust that, but I figured there was a reason why TVs were meant to be viewed from afar.
The thing is there is no difference in technology between TV's and Monitors anymore. Made from the same sheets, TV's and monitors can be used interchangeably. The only differences are size and resolution (and TV tuners, but the Westinghouse doesn't even have a TV tuner).

[Mica]

I used to use my Samsung 23" HDTV as my monitor, but went back to the old faithful 17"LCD. Using the TV was fine, but i really missed the vertical resolution. Running 768 really got annoying when working on longer docs. I'll be waiting to get a similar sized pc monitor that has a much higher resolution. As long as you are comfortable with the resolution offered, than you should be fine.

[VoOdoO]

In the case of LCD's you should be fine, but be aware that some TV's often have processing engines that filter the screens output for a better quality video picture which can be detrimental to a PC's desktop output. As an example, my Sony LCD Rear Projection TV has an irritating and permanent sharpening filter via HDMI that makes desktop use a pain in that all of the text looks to be shadowed/ghosted. It's not noticeable during films etc, but text on the desktop can be a little hard to read. As with anything like this, if possible, go audition it before you lay down cash or make sure your rights as a purchaser allow you to return the item within a short period of getting it regardless of the reason.

[sandviper]

The Westy 37" was going for $899, possibly $799 with a coupon, but they were OOS.

[UnknownSouljer]

The Westy 37" was going for $899, possibly $799 with a coupon, but they were OOS.

Yeah, unfortunately I can't find any place online or locally that sells them less than about $950 + 100shipping (US).