Discussion Forums > Technology
PC + Monitor
Freedom Kira:
--- Quote from: Osmo on June 26, 2011, 01:18:56 AM ---So just because this model isn't a monitor it has less pixel density? Not sure how that works.
--- End quote ---
The difference between a TV and a monitor is basically the size to pixel density ratio (aside from the types of inputs they accept). It's uncommon to see a TV under 32" with full 1080p resolution, but monitors typically do have 1080p once you hit 22", and even higher resolutions as you go up in size. That's why monitors cost considerably more than TVs of the same size, or larger.
Makes sense too, as TVs are designed to be put a fair distance away, so you don't need the high precision that a monitor offers. That's the exchange for the significantly lower price. Throw in the fact that dead pixels are not as important in TVs, too, since a single pixel is less visible on a TV than it is on a monitor.
I should also mention that monitors tend to be 16:10 width to height, while TVs prefer 16:9. So you'd more commonly see 1200p (1920x1200) in a monitor than a TV.
kureshii:
--- Quote from: Osmo on June 26, 2011, 01:18:56 AM ---So just because this model isn't a monitor it has less pixel density? Not sure how that works.
--- End quote ---
Pixel density = number of pixels you can cram in a certain area. If we assume that square pixels are used (safe enough for consumer TVs and monitors being sold today), DPI (dots per inch) is a sufficient measure; it tells you how many pixels you'll cover if you draw a line one inch long on your monitor. You can easily calculate this yourself: on a 1080p monitor, divide 1920 by the length of the screen (without bezel) in inches, or divide 1080 by the breadth. This gives you the DPI for the monitor, which should be a number above 90, below 120, for a typical PC monitor.
If you still have your mathematical intuition about you, it should be immediately clear that a larger 1080p monitor/TV will have a lower DPI. What does this mean? If you can cram more (square) pixels into an inch, that means each pixel is smaller. Conversely, on a larger TV, the DPI is lower, which means each pixel is larger. This is common mathematical sense and needs no further elaboration or defense.
If you attempt to put that TV on a desk and use it as a monitor, the pixels will be quite noticeable to the naked eye and it is going to look pretty awful. Either sit further away from that 32", or be sensible and buy a proper PC monitor for desktop use.
You should also stop taking hardware advice from that friend. I say this for your own good.
Temuthril:
--- Quote from: Freedom Kira on June 26, 2011, 04:26:42 AM ---I should also mention that monitors tend to be 16:10 width to height, while TVs prefer 16:9. So you'd more commonly see 1200p (1920x1200) in a monitor than a TV.
--- End quote ---
I'd say most monitors are 16:9 these days too, unfortunately.
Freedom Kira:
I noticed that too, lately, though I don't follow LCD displays much, monitor or TV. My intended meaning was that 16:10 is more commonly found in monitors than TVs.
kureshii:
16:10 is never found in TVs AFAIK, which is unsurprising considering how unnecessary it is for video entertainment.
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