http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
There, every HDTV now connects to your PC.]]>May 8th 2008 6:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
http://bluejeanscable.com/store/dvi-cables/index.htm]]>May 8th 2008 6:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
1920x1080p
1920x1080i
1280x720p
720x480p
720x480i

If you want to run non-standard resolutions (say 1368x768 to match the native res), you'll still need a VGA port or at least a PC-compatible DVI port. Most HDMI ports are locked down pretty tight.]]>May 8th 2008 6:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812337036]]>May 8th 2008 6:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
Computers output 1080p fine. They output any res up to 2560*1600 fine, unless the videocard doesn't support it for some reason.]]>May 8th 2008 6:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/It maxed out at 1680x1050 on either VGA or HDMI.

A week after we got it Viewsonic released a new display that will handle 1920x1080 over VGA or HDMI.

-Ed]]>May 8th 2008 7:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 7:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 7:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-definition_television

Also see my previous post for an example of why you'd want to use a non-standard resolution...to match the TV's native resolution.

Another example of wanting to run at non-standard resolutions is for gaming. Some games only support the more common non-widescreen resolutions such as 1600x1200 or 1024x768.

Two major manufacturers who don't allow non-standard resolutions on the HDMI input are Sony and Panasonic. I know because I have a Panny plasma and a Sony LCD that won't accept 1680x1050 on the HDMI input. The Panny shows a blank screen and the Sony says "out of range".

I suggest the OP check the back of the manual before putting down $1000+ for a TV. My manuals actually do state the supported resolutions on the HDMI port.

Also, I suggest the OP check out www.avsforum.com. The user base there is significantly more technical and would likely have the answer you're seeking.]]>May 8th 2008 8:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
My 60" LCoS (rear-projection) Sony TV supports computers just fine.]]>May 8th 2008 8:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
I had this same problem as my laptop only had a VGA output. I eventually went with a Samsung LCD.]]>May 8th 2008 8:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 9th 2008 3:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
Resolution limited by the "primary monitor"? What?

I've got a PC with two LG 19" Widescreen monitors each running at 1440x900. I've also got a 42" Sharp QUOS 42LD64U TV hooked up to the same computer, running at 1920x1080p. One of my monitors is set to be the "primary" one.

Resolution is limited by your video card's capabilities, not your other monitors/displays.]]>May 9th 2008 4:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 6:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
40":
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889102208

and

46":
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889102161]]>May 8th 2008 6:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 6:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 8:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
However: You can not run them in 120hz mode on VGA signals. The VGA processor is limited to 60hz and the 120hz oversample mode is disabled on VGA. However, one of the converters mentioned early on is a DVI-HDMI adapter. If you have a DVI port you can run through the HDMI and then have all the 120hz you desire! That's what I did.]]>May 8th 2008 8:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
However: You can not run them in 120hz mode on VGA signals. The VGA processor is limited to 60hz and the 120hz oversample mode is disabled on VGA. However, one of the converters mentioned early on is a DVI-HDMI adapter. If you have a DVI port you can run through the HDMI and then have all the 120hz you desire! That's what I did.]]>May 8th 2008 8:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
However: You can not run them in 120hz mode on VGA signals. The VGA processor is limited to 60hz and the 120hz oversample mode is disabled on VGA. However, one of the converters mentioned early on is a DVI-HDMI adapter. If you have a DVI port you can run through the HDMI and then have all the 120hz you desire! That's what I did.]]>May 8th 2008 8:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/I wanted to buy my LN40A650 from the 'Egg (because they rock), but it was $250 cheaper at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-LN40A650-40-inch-1080p-120Hz/dp/B0014175NE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1210293145&sr=8-1
$1556 w/ free shipping.]]>May 8th 2008 9:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
Whay anyone would want LCD is beyond me. LCDs do suffer from stuck pixels, motion blur, poor colour, poor contrast, and poor black levels; all of those elements are cirtical to a decent moving image and LCD fails at all metrics. LCD back lights can consume lots of energy and may burn out after just a few years of service leaving you with a $400-600 repair bill. With that in mind, I recommend Panasonic's 50 inch TH-50PZ80U Plasma with anti-reflective filter for $2,200. For a few hundred more or two hundred over budget (2,700), you can step up to the Mercedes of HDTV's, the Pioneer Kuro PDP-5010FD. If you don't believe me, head over to your nearst Kuro Dealer and see for your self.

Buying Information:
http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Televisions/VIERA-174;-Plasma-HDTVs/model.TH-50PZ80U_11002_7000000000000005702
http://www.google.com/products?q=TH-50PZ80U&oe=utf-8&scoring=p

resellerratings.com/store/Plasma_Connection_Invision_Technologies_ITC ]]>May 8th 2008 10:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665153951

This is what i have and it blows that samsung out of the water... : P]]>May 9th 2008 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/Sorry brad but the 120hz is in the tv. it doesn't matter how you have it hooked up even if it is with a coaxial. If you look at monster cables they advertise some hdmi cables to do the 120hz because its a marketing scheme.
do some research...
www.avsforum.com
]]>May 9th 2008 2:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 9th 2008 4:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 11th 2008 10:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 18th 2008 7:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
Also, you don't need a DVI->HDMI converter. just get a DVI->HDMI cable. You can get them for under 10 bucks shipped from monoprice. Look around the net. HDMI is DVI in just another form factor minus the audio. ]]>May 8th 2008 6:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 6:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/In this case I should use DVI --> HDMI instead of VGA
I really can't understand why Bravia XBR does not come with a DVI port...]]>May 8th 2008 10:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
If sony put DVI inputs into the XBR series
its like
Granite table tops in a trailer
or
a boner in sweatpants

stuff that should not happen.
]]>May 18th 2008 7:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812226016]]>May 8th 2008 6:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 6:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 7:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 7:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 6:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
You can adjust the picture size using your video card drivers, but you'll never get 1:1 pixel-mapping, so text will always suck on a Panasonic Plasma. If you're only going to be using it for Media Center purposes, it's fine, but not if you're going to be using it like a regular monitor for any amount of time.]]>May 8th 2008 7:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
The TV has a dedicated VGA input (with audio jack) for PC's. The resolution is awesome!!

Trust me...you will not be disapointed with this TV. I am only disapointed I could not wait to buy it....Now $100 less than when I bought it 5 weeks back.]]>May 8th 2008 7:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/The plasma gets burn in quite quickly, I tried this by installing linux on the PS3, man, I could see the firefox icon in a few minutes...

-Edward]]>May 8th 2008 7:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 9th 2008 4:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 6:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 6:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 7:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.westinghousedigital.com/details.aspx?itemnum=59). My roommate uses a 37" 1080p LCD as his primary computer monitor and has never had a problem with it. Connects beautifully with either DVI or HDMI and it's pretty much plug-and-play.

I've seen this display on sale for around $1200. So if you're ready to throw down $2500, I'd get this display and spend the rest on some nice home theater audio gear.]]>May 8th 2008 7:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/best investment i've ever made and i think i paid $899 for it on sale at newegg.]]>May 9th 2008 1:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 7:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
We have two 19" monitors in addition to this TV and we primarily use it to display graphics from lab measurements. One thing we found out was that 42" HDTVs are too big to be used only as a primary display. The eyes will quickly get tired and you will feel dizzy. Therefore, you will either want to get a PC monitor in addition to TV or a wireless keyboard and mouse so that you can see the TV far away.]]>May 8th 2008 7:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/
I post only because you can find really good deals on them (Samsung stopped making the model). I got mine for $800.]]>May 8th 2008 7:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 7:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-40-to-50-inch-hdtv-with-pc-inputs/May 8th 2008 7:40PM