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PC Monitor as a cable TV?
ViolentY
Member Posts: 1,458
Let's start off by saying, I know very very little about television equipment. I've never really been HUGE with TV (love watching TV, but just basic cable... never gotten any special channels or TiVo or a Slingbox or anything like that).
Well, I'm moving into a new place in a little over a week. The bad part is, that I'll only have room for one monitor/TV on my desk due to size and cable/ethernet ports. So, I was thinking of either getting a 720p HDTV that has input for a computer monitor. But after awhile, I got the idea of maybe getting a PC monitor with higher resolution and using that as a television. I know it's possible, but I have no idea what I'd need to buy, what I'd need to do, and how I'd need to set it all up. I know there are a lot of cool things you can do with TV on your computer, but like I said, I've never been really big with TV.
What do you guys think? I like the idea of being able to record TV shows and stuff through my computer with a slingbox or whatever, but how much would all of that cost? And what exactly would I need to buy? What am I looking for in a monitor so I can use it as a TV for cable and for my xbox 360 as well as my computer?
Thanks in advance.
PS: Would this be a good buy?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254026
Well, I'm moving into a new place in a little over a week. The bad part is, that I'll only have room for one monitor/TV on my desk due to size and cable/ethernet ports. So, I was thinking of either getting a 720p HDTV that has input for a computer monitor. But after awhile, I got the idea of maybe getting a PC monitor with higher resolution and using that as a television. I know it's possible, but I have no idea what I'd need to buy, what I'd need to do, and how I'd need to set it all up. I know there are a lot of cool things you can do with TV on your computer, but like I said, I've never been really big with TV.
What do you guys think? I like the idea of being able to record TV shows and stuff through my computer with a slingbox or whatever, but how much would all of that cost? And what exactly would I need to buy? What am I looking for in a monitor so I can use it as a TV for cable and for my xbox 360 as well as my computer?
Thanks in advance.
PS: Would this be a good buy?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254026
_____________________________________
"Io rido, e rider mio non passa dentro;
Io ardo, e l'arsion mia non par di fore."
-Machiavelli
Comments
I used to have a video card with TV tuner capability and that worked fine for me. It was one of the All-in-Wonder cards.
If I were to need this these days however I would probably just go with the HDTV with computer input, were I not on a budget.
The best HDTV I could get, however, would probably be about a 28" 720p TV for like $800... the one I listed would get 1080p for only $700, and would look much nicer as a computer monitor.
_____________________________________
"Io rido, e rider mio non passa dentro;
Io ardo, e l'arsion mia non par di fore."
-Machiavelli
Well I know my mom actually still uses one of those older all-in-wonder tv tuner cards. I'm sure you can get a new version at your local computer store. It's great for watching tv through your comp (and even may come with a interactive digital TV guide type program) as well as recording.
What you could also do (which is similar to what I'll be doing shortly) is use one monitor and then just use the two different inputs and switch when you need to. For example I've got a really awesome BenQ 24" monitor that can do full HD (1080p) and native resolution of 1920x1200. Right now I simply use it as my PC monitor, with the output from my video card going into the dvi-d port in my monitor. I'm also planning on buying a ps3 shortly, and what I'll do with that is hook up the ps3 to the HDMI port on my monitor. Then if I wanna play ps3 or watch blu-rays, I just press the button to switch inputs on my monitor and presto, ps3 input. Then when I wanna go back to my comp and troll/flame these boards
I just switch back the monitor to the DVI-D input.
Pros and Cons:
If you go with the TV Tuner card, you'll be putting the signal right into your computer and it'll come out through your current setup. However, if you want to be able to play blu-rays or your tv tuner card can't do HD stuff, then you're limited there. I mean you could get a blu-ray drive, but those are really expensive last time I looked.
If you go with putting another input source to your Monitor (ie a digital tv box from the cable company or a ps3) then you're getting the specialized device that can do things your tuner card may not be able to (ie play blu-rays through your ps3), however there are some limitations. For example, my monitor, while it's a freakin awesome monitor, has no built-in speakers, so if I want sound I have to worry about getting it output to my speakers seperately. Also I can't really effectively just alt-tab to either ps3 or pc, I have to reach up and hit the button. While this is still pretty easy, it takes more than a milisecond alt-tab that a tv tuner card's program would likely have.
I suppose the best advice would be to look at TV Tuner cards and see if you can get one that does all the different things you need. It's not really an issue for me as I only want the alternate usage for a ps3, and I just download all my fav tv shows, heh.
"Because it's easier to nitpick something than to be constructive." -roach5000
Would a slingbox be a good idea for a TV tuner?
Also, I have a 5.1 surround system that I will be using, however I'm not sure how I'd hook them up to be able to be used by both my PC and my xbox 360/television. How would I go about doing that?
Thanks for the info.
_____________________________________
"Io rido, e rider mio non passa dentro;
Io ardo, e l'arsion mia non par di fore."
-Machiavelli
well a reciever for the sound should have a speaker cable that will connect to a decent sound card.
but it will just be a pain to set up.
thats why i bought my HDTV for my xbox and have entirely seperate speaker and video systems for everything.
98% of the teenage population does or has tried smoking pot. If you''re one of the 2% who hasn''t, copy & paste this in your signature.
All you need is a tv tuner card. It can be seperate from your video card (the all in wonder series was a vide card with a tv tuner card built in).
You can spend as little as $20 or over $100 for a tuner card with remote controll.
As far as I know, basic cable doesnt really have any scrambling, copy protection, or digital rights management stuff. But, when you want to watch DVDs or Blue Ray disks on your computer you run into all sorts of problems. HDMI or HDCP DVI monitors, and video cards are necessary to bypass the copy protection. So, if all you are doing is watching cable any hardwre should do. But, if you plan to watch movies you have to do some research to get the right parts.
There is a nifty little program called anydvd that lets you play whatever dvd on your computer, regardless.
And it has a LOT of other nice functions as well.
Sold by sysoft
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Originally posted by Jerek_
I wonder if you honestly even believe what you type, or if you live in a made up world of facts.
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I'd probably use my 360 for playing dvds, wouldn't that eliminate the problem?
Also, what exactly am I looking for with inputs and outputs on the monitor? S-video? HDMI? DVI? What do I need to be able to watch cable, play my 360, and be on my computer all with one monitor?
_____________________________________
"Io rido, e rider mio non passa dentro;
Io ardo, e l'arsion mia non par di fore."
-Machiavelli
The "cable company" coax cable plugs into a TV tuner card wich you put in your computer.
Edit: Looks like the 360 has HDMI... Plug the Xbox output into the Hanns-G monitors HDMI input. Plug your PC video card output into the D-SUB input. Plug your PC sound output into the monitors ADIO inputs. Should all work just fine. And yeah, if you get Windows Media center edition (not vista) you can use your PC like a Tivo.
Voila. You now have Tivo for free. I even have my own computer remote for it and I can record anything from movies, an episode to an entire series. Anything TiVo can do I can do for free.
But of course, I got this package from HP (media center). Well, worth it.
People who have to create conspiracy and hate threads to further a cause lacks in intellectual comprehension of diversity.
The xbox 360 does not have HDMI, only the xbox 360 elite does. I, unfortunately, don't have an elite.
Also, did you take a look at the monitor that I posted? Would that have everything I need?
_____________________________________
"Io rido, e rider mio non passa dentro;
Io ardo, e l'arsion mia non par di fore."
-Machiavelli
Thanks, that's exactly what I needed to hear.The xbox 360 does not have HDMI, only the xbox 360 elite does. I, unfortunately, don't have an elite.
Also, did you take a look at the monitor that I posted? Would that have everything I need?
No
According to this Xbox 360 page... to use 1080p for everything you have to use either HDMI or DSub/VGA connectors for your 360. Component and S-video cables do not allow you to use 1080p resolution for everything. So you need a monitor with inputs you can use for your Xbox and your PC. You still havent said what your PC video card outputs are DVI, VGA/D-Sub, or HDMI?
That Hanns-G 28" you linked has two inputs HDMI and VGA/D-Sub. So you need to have your PC use one and your Xbox use the other. Looks like you will have to at least buy this 360 to VGA/D-Sub cable. Then you have to have your PC plug into the HDMI port on your monitor. If your video card does not have HDMI you can pick up a cheap 2600XT. But, no guarantees your motherboard/soundcard is new enough to have HDMI audio connections to the video card. Or you can use a 2 port KVM switch. I dont know how compatable the 360 is with a KVM switch so no guarantees.
Edit: If you don't care about 1080p for everything then you can get the other 28" at newegg. It also has component inputs it will be easier to hook up.
Thanks so much for the info... it has helped A LOT, and it makes MUCH more sense now.
My graphics card has DVI, I believe I've seen DVI-to-HDMI cables before. Is that correct? And buying the 360 to VGA/D-sub cable would set everything up how I want it with the monitor, right? My computer and my 360, both in 1080p?
There's just two things I'm not sure of: how to set up my 5.1 audio system so that I can easily switch between my computer and my 360, and if it would just be easier to get a 32-37" 720p HDTV that has all the inputs already for the same price, if not maybe even a little bit less.
Again... thanks for your help. It is greatly appreciated.
_____________________________________
"Io rido, e rider mio non passa dentro;
Io ardo, e l'arsion mia non par di fore."
-Machiavelli
Yes I have seen DVI to HDMI cables before... but I cant seem to find one that has the audio also.
That is the difference between HDMI and DVI. HDMI has both audio and video cables... while DVI only has video.
So if you just get a straight DVI to HDMI cable you will not be able to use the speakers on your TV/monitor. It sounds like you want to use a 5.1 sound system. No need to use the speakers on the 28" monitor. If that is the case... just run the audio from your Xbox and PC to a home stereo or computer speaker system if you have one. They usually have connections for multiple sources of audio. That would be great for watching TV or DVDs.
But, for gaming on the Xbox and PC I would just get a headset. I find myself more into games while wearing a headset as opposed to any surround sound system. Plus, you can use voice chat with a headset.
To each thier own.
Actually, when I'm PC gaming, I play the game sounds through the 5.1 and voice programs like vent or ts through the headphones, and--like you said--use the mic on the headset.
The thing is, though, is I'll be doing more gaming with friends in person, as well as movie watching and stuff on this setup, so I'd like the 5.1. I definitely understnad where you're coming from, though.
This is what I think I'm doing: 28" hanns-G widescreen LCD monitor, a slingbox tuner, USB 5.1 Audio Adapter, XBox 360 VGA HD AV cable, and a DVI to HDMI cable. I'll follow this guide (shaymus22.wordpress.com/2006/08/11/pipe-your-xbox360-audio-through-your-pc-speakers-in-10-steps/) to have my 360 play through my PC speakers, and use the usb adapter to have my 5.1 play through my PC.
According to newegg, this would come to $863.95 before shipping, and that includes an extended 1 year warranty on the monitor.
Would that work?
_____________________________________
"Io rido, e rider mio non passa dentro;
Io ardo, e l'arsion mia non par di fore."
-Machiavelli
Hmm don't pay for the extended warranty. Read Neweggs return policy on thier monitors. It is very limmited. I usually reccomend people do not buy monitors from newegg. Personally, I would by a monitor from Dell as they have a better return policy for monitors. But it looks like that particular monitor is a good deal so you can take your chances. All of the dell monitors of that size are way more expensive.
Anywho, the point is that extended warranties are usually a waste of money especially from a place that has a sub par return policy.
Edit: Instead of getting that USB audio converter. Look at your 5.1 audio speaker system. See how many inputs it has. You might not even need that USB converter. Most speaker systems I have had have had at least 2 inputs.
What about this: accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx
It's 4" shorter, but has a 1000:1 aspect ratio as apposed to an 800:1 ratio. Also, the viewing angle is bigger, from 160 to 178 degrees. Not to mention... it's $130 cheaper. Yeah, size is important for me, but the difference from 28" to 24" won't be that bad, since I'll be sitting up close most of the time anyway... especially since the picture will be nicer. However, with the Dell, I'll be getting 400 cd/m2 brightness as apposed to 500 cd/m2... and I love my bright LCD monitors.
Oh, and my 5.1 sound only has one input.
_____________________________________
"Io rido, e rider mio non passa dentro;
Io ardo, e l'arsion mia non par di fore."
-Machiavelli
The smaller Dell is an S-PVA panel monitor instead of an TN panel monitor. Yes, the S-PVA has more vivid colors but might have more input lag and more response time. If you are primarily watching DVDs and TV then I would go with the S-PVA... if you are primarily gaming I would go with the TN. The Dell will look better but might not be as gaming friendly. Also, the Dell has Dsub/VGA, DVI, component, and svideo inputs. It also has a usb (2.0?) hub. Also... the TN is quite a bit larger (but the same resolution).
It is a tough choice.
You need to decide if you want a less vivid but larger (more gaming friendly) monitor with less inputs or a smaller more vivid (and possibly less gaming friendly) monitor.
Edit: I do not watch as much tv and movies as I do game... so I would get the larger TN. But I do not think I would use slingbox and that USB audio solution. Do you really need to watch your TV any other place then home? That is the only reason to get a slingbox, to make your cable programing acessible on the web. Sure if you want to watch your TV from work get a slingbox.. otherwise it seems unnecessary. Also, you can get a Y cable to convert two audio inputs to one. Also, one thing to keep in mind that a TN has less viewing angle.. so it has to be pointed at your couch/bed while watching TV/DVDs because TN panels don't have great viewing angles.
One thing that bothers me about the Dell is that it doesn't have HDMI input... what does that mean for 1080p?
Also, what about this one from BenQ? www.amazon.com/BenQ-FP241WZ-24-inch-Widescreen-Monitor/dp/B000LNH9EG/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-2408304-9414468
Thanks again.
EDIT: The thing is, I'm moving into a new place, and I only have room for either a TV or a monitor. I was thinking either getting an HDTV with input for my computer, or a monitor that I can use for my 360 and watching cable. I was leaning towards the monitor, seeing as how I like the larger resolutions, and the brightness levels and response time typically seem better. Getting a slingbox would allow me to watch cable, as well as record it, correct?
_____________________________________
"Io rido, e rider mio non passa dentro;
Io ardo, e l'arsion mia non par di fore."
-Machiavelli
No
Sligbox is not Tivo. You have to get a Tivo or Windows media center (not vista) to be able to record cable programing to a hard drive.
You can watch your cable from any internet connection using slingbox. But as far as I know slingbox has no recording technology built into it. I could be wrong but that is what I thought.
Just get a TV tuner card (and windows media center XP if you want tivo like funcitonality) in your PC instead of slingbox.
Only the Xbox is selective with wich cables you use that limmit your resolution (ie 1080p). So use the VGA/D-Sub connection (and cable) for the xbox and the DVI connection for your PC. That will allow you to have 1080p for both PC and Xbox.
That Ben-Q is also a PVA panel monitor. You can read about it here. That review is a year old. You still have the TN (less vivid but slightly more responsive for gaming) vs the PVA (wich is brigher colors, more viewing angle, deeper blacks, but possibly bad input lag and respoinse times). Up to you man...
I know I'm beating a dead horse by saying this, but thanks again. I'd be nowhere without you. :P
Could you recommend a good PCI tv tuner card? I have no idea what I'm looking for. Or would an external USB one be better?
_____________________________________
"Io rido, e rider mio non passa dentro;
Io ardo, e l'arsion mia non par di fore."
-Machiavelli
No clue on which TV tuner card is better. Sorry.
if you used your tv as a monitor ..... how would you watch tv during the boring times in an MMORPG .... i usually always have my tv on whenever im on the computer. I like to burn twice the brain cells.
Playing: EVE Online
Favorite MMOs: WoW, SWG Pre-cu, Lineage 2, UO, EQ, EVE online
Looking forward to: Archeage, Kingdom Under Fire 2
KUF2's Official Website - http://www.kufii.com/ENG/ -
Is there such a thing as an HDTV Tuner PCI (not PCI-express)? I can only find regular TV tuners in PCI, but not HDTV tuners.
_____________________________________
"Io rido, e rider mio non passa dentro;
Io ardo, e l'arsion mia non par di fore."
-Machiavelli