LCD TVs vs LCD monitors - Can you clarify for me?

Question

I'm looking for the cheapest possible flatscreen TV for my lounge (mainly as my current TV is so old it doesn't have the sockets for the audio leads for my DVD player...). I'd like something which is about 22" and I've done a bit of research but whenever I type in LCD TV 22" into a search engine on a website (Amazon for e.g.) it brings up LCD monitors as well as LCD TVs. The monitors are significantly cheaper - but am I right in thinking I'd need a 'thing' (technical term!) to turn it into a TV? Some kind of TV signal reciever? Would this work? Where would I get one from? Would it work out cheaper to buy a monitor and a 'thing'? (And if anyone knows WHY Amazon etc insists on confusing me like this, I'd like to know that too! ;) Thank yous in advance... :)

Answer 1

You're better off with the TV if that's what you want to do (Watch TV)

A monitor has no receiver in it to receive TV signals you would need to buy a TV card for your PC meaning you would need your PC and the monitor on to watch TV

Answer 2

Hi smc.

For monitors without an in-built digital tuner, you will need a TV Adapter/Card, which allows the monitor to receive a TV signal. Most monitors will allow this. Generally TV's and monitors are similar in specification and price, although the TV has the benefit of the tuner built into the unit. A good quality TV Card is generally available for around £30.

Basic TV's with a built in digital tuner are quite affordable. The LG, (a reliable big brand) - LG 22LS4D for example is just over £250, with the step-up to 26" starting from around £269!

An equivalent monitor would be the LG M228WD. This is a similar specification to the TV and costs just under £230. If you plan to wall mount it, this may be more difficult with a monitor as it is designed for table top use.

So to conclude the main things to look out for if you are buying a TV or monitor:

- Is it HD Ready? - This is important if you want to be able to use High definition channels that are being aired increasingly via digital broadcasts. Also, if you use your TV for Gaming, high definition will significantly improve picture quality.

- Contrast Ratio - Sometimes a good contrast ratio is sacrificed in TFT monitors - This improves the colours and brightness of the picture you receive - the bigger the number the better.

- Digital Tuner/TV Card - This allows you to view up to 41 free digital channels. Digital TV will be rolled out in the UK and analogue TV signals are due to be stopped in places such as areas in Cumbria this year:

"The Selkirk transmitter and its 11 relays, serving Scottish Borders starts switchover on 6 November 2008 and the process will be complete on 20 November 2008" - Source Digital UK website (30/5/2008)

Hope this helps you decide between a monitor and a TV!

Answer 3

I am also looking for a TV, and I came across a Sony TV which had in the spec "TV compatibility/capability" it was definately a bility word.  I didn't follow up on it as I didn't need it.  I think it was the Currys website.  Anyway, they do exist with an in-built "thing".  

PC compatibility it is

TVcompatibility, ha! I need a coffee...

If I find it today, I'll put the address below

Answer 4

LCD TVs  Good support  DVD  Component

http://astore.amazon.com/full-hdtv-20

Answer 5

I understand your confusion.  In that size you can get a monitor that has the ability to broadcast tv if there is a tuner (aka 'thing') built into your computer or added on.  But it won't work by itself.  You need a TV, not a monitor, as other's have found.  The best way to get the correct search results on Amazon for what you are looking for is look by department.  Select the TV's first, then start filtering down by size or price.  Typing in the 22" and LCD in the search is going to give you everything that fits any of those words, which includes a lot of monitors.  22" is a common size of monitor now.  Good luck with your search.  Try Best Buy and Circuit City for price comparison.

Answer 6

A monitor is only for PCs unless it says otherwise. It will not work with any TV tuner or any other bit of TV equipment.

To use a monitor you would need a TV tuner and a hardware rescaler. A decent rescaler is much more expensive than a TV.