High Definition TV/Monitors

[jsr]

With the Xbox 360 and PS3 on their way i've started looking into HD TV's. I'm a little confused what the difference between a HD TV and a high resolution PC monitor is?

For instance, could a LCD monitor with DVI connection capable of 1600x1200 display HD TV?

I've found a Dell 19" LCD TV that supports 480i,480p,576i,576p,720p,1080i and has DVI-CE input - i pressume this is HD?

I only intend to use the monitor/tv with the next gen consoles and my mac mini - not TV. So would be good if i can get away with a cheaper high res monitor

[pjskel]

Personally, I'd suggest going to Apple's own 20" - it's not much more than the Dell one.
I see the Dell is a TV, with a tuner card and HDCP on DVI - so your covered if you hook up an STB or HD-DVD player in the future.
Only downside is it's still 25ms - too slow for gaming. You need 16ms or less to reduce lag and smearing.

You should really hang off until Sept onwards as the new stuff from JVC/Samsung/etc will be rolling out into the stores, and these will be fast switching TVs with HDCP on DVI or HDMI.

Don't rush your decision until you see what else appears shortly that might be the better option.

>> Edited by pjskel on Saturday 11th June 18:18

[mikef]

There are a few different HDTV standards, the two used in broadcast - at least in the US - are 720p (1280x720 non-interlaced) and 1080i (1920x1080 interlaced).

Manufacturers are describing TVs and monitors as HD-ready when they can accept a 720p or 1080i signal and downscale it to the monitor's resolution.

To display all HD pictures pixel-for-pixel needs a 1920x1080 monitor. Most 23" and larger monitors support this resolution. Some have TV (component) inputs as well as DVI and VGA computer inputs, for instance HP's F2304 23" and Dell's 2405FPW 24" - both great monitors. The Apple 23" has the screen resolution, but only DVI (computer) inputs.

The XBOX has a few HD-capable games and they look pretty good on a 23" monitor connected with a component HD cable.

[jsr]

Thanks for your replies.

mikef said:

Manufacturers are describing TVs and monitors as HD-ready when they can accept a 720p or 1080i signal and downscale it to the monitor's resolution.

That makes perfect sense - i understand what i need to look for now

Haven't done much looking round yet and don't intend to buy until at least Autumn, but it looks as if HD-ready displays are around £500, and the true HD displays upwards of £1000.

Better start saving.

>> Edited by jsr on Monday 13th June 13:38