Possible to use LCD monitor?

[gregmac]

Just wondering if it's possible to use a regular PC LCD monitor with the HD-200? It would presumably need an HDMI-to-DVI adapter, but otherwise I'd guess it is possible? Just want to confirm.. a decent-sized LCD monitor (say, 21", perfect for a bedroom) can be had for <$200, and close to half the price of the equivalent LCD TV. Since I'm using the HD, it's not like I need any of the tuner functions, just a way to display video.

[Clift]

Yeah that should work fine, but don't forget that you will need a way to get sound since PC monitors do not usually come with speakers.

[paulbeers]

Just wondering if it's possible to use a regular PC LCD monitor with the HD-200? It would presumably need an HDMI-to-DVI adapter, but otherwise I'd guess it is possible? Just want to confirm.. a decent-sized LCD monitor (say, 21", perfect for a bedroom) can be had for <$200, and close to half the price of the equivalent LCD TV. Since I'm using the HD, it's not like I need any of the tuner functions, just a way to display video.

Some of the Asus ones even have HDMI and speakers (check out the VH222H or the VH226H). Newegg has them for 150 and 160 (after mail in rebate). I actually just ordered the VH226H and am going to use it both as a monitor for my Secondary PC and as a TV by hooking it to my HD200 I just ordered.

[MitchSchaft]

Nice. Can you wall-mount that Asus?

[paulbeers]

Nice. Can you wall-mount that Asus?

Sure can. :D

Obviously I haven't tried this yet, to say for sure what the experience will be like (since both my HD200 and my Asus VH226H are still in transport), but it made perfect sense for me to go this route for my office. The one big downside to all of this, is the lack of a remote to power the unit on and off. For me, I will be within arms reach of the tv since it will sit on my desk with my other 22" LCD and 19" LCD, but from a bedroom standpoint, that may not be ideal.

[evilpenguin]

You can find some great deals on Samsung TOC 22-26" HDTV's that work great as monitors.

[stanger89]

And being that they're probably more targetted at CE sources, the might work a bit better with the extender, ie being 1080p or 720p, rather than the odd 16:10 resolutions of most computer monitors.

[maninblack_30]

I borrowed a neighbours monitor and tried it with a hdmi>dvi adapter and it worked really well, it was an older monitor though and only displayed 720p.
The monitor powered off when the HD-200 was switched off too!

Next time I have a little spare cash, I'll be getting a 24" for my bedroom

Fraser

[paulbeers]

Just in case anyone is following this thread. I received my Asus VH226H today. It works great with my HD100; however, if I shut the HD100 off it does not turn off the monitor. So someone planning to use it for a bedroom tv may want to consider something else. This isn't a problem for me, since the reason I bought it was dual purpose (as a monitor for a secondary pc and Sage) and the power button will most of the time be within arms reach.

Just thought I would share!

[Olias]

I've been using an ASUS VH242H in our exercise room hooked up to a HD200 for several months now. While the built in speakers are a bit weak, they are acceptable for that environment.
I also had an issue with it not turning off but found a workaround.
If I connected it via straight HDMI, the monitor would not turn off when the HD200 was powered off. But I found that if I connected the HDMI cable to a HDMI-DVI adapter at the monitor, it turns off right away.
Because the DVI input on the monitor doesn't carry audio, I also had to connect an analog audio cable betweeen the two devices.
Now the family can enjoy the benefits of Sage while working off the pounds. :)

[paulbeers]

I've been using an ASUS VH242H in our exercise room hooked up to a HD200 for several months now. While the built in speakers are a bit weak, they are acceptable for that environment.
I also had an issue with it not turning off but found a workaround.
If I connected it via straight HDMI, the monitor would not turn off when the HD200 was powered off. But I found that if I connected the HDMI cable to a HDMI-DVI adapter at the monitor, it turns off right away.
Because the DVI input on the monitor doesn't carry audio, I also had to connect an analog audio cable betweeen the two devices.
Now the family can enjoy the benefits of Sage while working off the pounds. :)

Nice trick. It is too bad I already have my DVI port being used for something else, but for me it isn't a big deal as I am within arms reach of the power button and yes I have noticed that the built in speakers are very weak. From 3-4 feet away they aren't bad but I wouldn't want to use it from a long distance.