Monitor for use as a TV

[Davit2005]

I only have the need for a 43" or max 55" TV and prices of 4K monitors of 43" are around £600.

 

I don't need a projector so wondering if one of these monitors could replace a TV as I do not want or need to receive any terrestrial based stations of even any main stream media. I've blocked even BBC , ITV, and sky websites along with iPlayer through firewall and PiHole.

[FN-GM]

The sound on monitors might be an issue. I guess you could get a soundbar to resolve this issue.

[paulkerton]

The major differences between monitors and televisions these days are in-built speakers on TVs and a wider gamet of resolutions and refresh rates on monitors.

[Davit2005]

Thanks both @FN-GM and @paulkerton

 

I have a decent enough 5.1 surround system so not much too worry about there, apart from the neighbours :-)

 

I only play computer games on a PC which will not be used with the monitor at this stage, although it does sound appealing to get the driving games on the bigger screen.

Edited June 12, 2020 by Davit2005

[Davit2005]

I went for a BenQ EW3280U in the end, all working with the AMP. I did have to swap around the HDMI cables a bit to get HDR working and made a change on the Denon AV amp as the Apple TV was having a few issues picking up the HDR capabilities of the monitor.

 

I couldn't decide on any of the bigger screens and the 32" BenQ is not too much smaller than the 42" I have and for watching YouTube and Movies is fine.

Edited June 22, 2020 by Davit2005

[Protec]

I have a pair of Vision SP-1300 speakers for my projector. The speakers I use at my desk are the Logitech Z625.

[Davit2005]

I have a pair of Vision SP-1300 speakers for my projector. The speakers I use at my desk are the Logitech Z625.

 

I already have a full 5.1 so pretty much covered on the sound side, for a small flat anyway, lol.

Edited July 1, 2020 by Davit2005

[Norphy]

The thing that I've found with TVs vs monitors is that TVs tend to have wider viewing angles than monitors do so that could be a concern.

[Protec]

That is not always the case. My AOC monitor has excellent viewing angles compared to my Philips TV. I have never used the built in speakers and have always used separate speakers anyway.

[Davit2005]

That is not always the case. My AOC monitor has excellent viewing angles compared to my Philips TV. I have never used the built in speakers and have always used separate speakers anyway.

 

Think it depends on the panel type largely. VA, IPS, TN etc. Mine is a IPS.

 

https://www.ebuyer.com/monitor-panels?mkwid=s_dc&pcrid=341593488920&pkw=&pmt=b&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9NiT0KGs6gIVSYBQBh1p-AprEAAYASAAEgKRevD_BwE

Edited July 1, 2020 by Davit2005

[slugshead]

We've been buying Samsung TVs, £500-£600 for 65" ones, 4k HDMI in, builtin speakers etc etc, picture is REALLY crisp from a PC with a graphics card that is capable of 4k video. Plus the addition of the Logitech c920 and wireless keyboard/mouse, you've got everything you need for a really tidy meeting space or great workstation at a low cost.

[Norphy]

Yes, it will depend on the monitor. The low end AOC monitor I've got sitting on my desk right now is awful, the viewing angles are so bad that the colours shift just by shaking your head. The cheapo LG I've got in the corner of my living room is much better in that regard.

[Protec]

Interesting... My main monitor which is an AOC E2460S has really good viewing angles. I have to admit the colours do look slightly better on the Philips TV but I use them as monitors so not really bothered about that. I've had the AOC monitor since 2016 and it runs every day for long hours.

[Norphy]

It’s a cheapest of the cheap piece of 22” garbage I borrowed from work when the lockdown started. It’s adequate as a second screen but I wouldn’t want to use it long term.

[Protec]

Yeah, AOC are known to make budget monitors. My particular model is fine but if I had a reason to replace them I would get better monitors. What brands do you like

 

[3s-gtech]

AOC make everything up to some very respectable gaming and productivity options - this 31.5” Freesync IPS screen is still on my *want* list:

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CG41Y8Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Tyo.Eb6BJFJZG

[Davit2005]

AOC make everything up to some very respectable gaming and productivity options - this 31.5” Freesync IPS screen is still on my *want* list:

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CG41Y8Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Tyo.Eb6BJFJZG

 

For gaming a single monitor would be good but as I do so much creativity it seems difficult to break away from 2 single monitors, doing screen captures it might make it a bit awkward. I need to get a decent graphics card and probably another PC to be honest. My current PC is an old TS140 that has a proprietary PSU connection to M/BRD. I can get hold of an adapter though, got one somewhere I think.

 

I also have a NUC plugged into the second screen for music and handy to be able to have different clean workspace for that away from my main PC which has all the usual crud installed.

Edited July 6, 2020 by Davit2005