Using a HD TV as a monitor

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ianjmatt

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Hi. What, if any, are the implications of using a 1080p LED TV as a monitor? Planning to go mini-dv out of the Thunderbolt port of my new MacBook Air to an adaptor and then HCI to the TV.

Thanks!
 
All sorts of variables there and it'll depend on the monitor. Some things to think about:

  • TV (i.e. what you get out of the back of a standard HDMI port) output is 16-235, PC output is 0-255. You need to be sure there is a PC mode to enable you to display the full range correctly
  • Ability for the TV to not overscan when connected to the PC. Depending on monitor age/design, even when in 1080p mode, you may be losing the edges of the pictures as traditionally, analogue signals have had to be wider than the display to hide timing errors.
  • Display gamma. HDTV display gamma (pixel value to brightness) is higher than sRGB. You should be able to calibrate this out though
  • A 50" 1080p TV has awfully big pixels compared to a 24" 1080p monitor. I'm now liking my 15.6" 1080p resolution for fine work. YMMV though as this is a really personal choice.

Just some points that came to mind. May or may not worry you....

BTW, what's HCI - do you mean HDMI?
 
Thanks - yes I meant to type HDMI - not sure what my fingers did there!

This is going to be a new purchase for the office. I need a 27 - 32" TV for use at some exhibitions and stuff with looped video and am hoping to combine it with a computer monitor to make use of it back in the office.
 
If it's a new purchase, go for a monitor. Something like a Dell U2711 - whilst expensive - is an excellent monitor and has enough input frequency support and connectors around the back to take inputs off every consumer product with HDMI on it. The only issue would be if you wanted sound at the same time....
 
Yes. That is the issue. I need to show looped presentations with sound at the exhibitions, but have it double up as a usable monitor as well.

Hmmm
 
PS. In order for Bob to be your favourite uncle, make sure that the powered speakers have an in-line volume control ;)
 
I use a PC connected to my 50" Panasonic plasma, mostly for watching HD movies, with great results. The video card has a DVI output, which connects to an HDMI input on the TV, via a DVI > HDMI adaptor, and a normal HDMI lead (I'm not sure if this connection carries audio - I use a seperate AV amp)
The video card driver (nVidia) allows you to adjust the picture for height and width in case of problems with overscan.
 
i use a 32" toshiba i bought top act as monitor to the new mac mini, mail as i watch a lot of movies on it, and for that its perfect. the only real issue i have (and its a very small one) is with photos, they just never seem as sharp as they did on my iMac, just seem to be a little off - if that makes any sense. overall a great set up but just not quite 100%, and i connect using hdmi - and no end of adjustments seem to make it better.
 
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