LCD question? Monitor or LCD TV

[rtwhbw]

Fellows,
I have been using Sage on my computer/monitor for about 1-2 years (don't laugh), but about to upgrade to a 32" Westinghouse monitor. I would like to know if my set up will be a problem, as I do not have HDTV. I am using standard directv sat.

I am using a Dell box, wintv 150 card. I know I may need to post info, but I am not at my tv now.

My concern is the complaints I have seen on some sites regarding the standard sat. feed not showing up well on this monitor. Is that something that can be adjusted?

Also looking at Consumer reports review of 32" lcds, rated Toshiba TheaterWide HD 32HL66, as a great purchase. Any one have experience with Toshiba?

Thanks for your help. I am hoping this will be a Santa present for the wife and kids (and me!!)

Thanks Rusty

[Thomas Wischgol]

I use a Westinghouse 37" screen as display for my Sage computer. According to several reviews this display is pretty good when you are using the DVI input (some reviewers were not that happy with the other inputs). Overall, I think it is a very good display the way I am using it (Sage computer connected via DVI running at 1920x1080). The PureVideo decoder does a very good job in deinterlacing and scaling up SDTV. In addition, you can even filter your image to remove noise (which I don't since my signal is quite good already). So all together, the picture quality is pretty good, even if you are only using analog input.

[rtwhbw]

I am looking to upgrade to a 32 or 37" LCD. I would like to use it for both a monitor and view tv. For those that are doing that, please let me know how you have your setup.

My directv sat. feed is SDTV. I do not use HDTV now, but would like to prepare for the future. My greatest concern is buying a LCD and it not working PQ wise. How is using a 32" or 37" as a monitor for computer work. Does the size of the screen effect your ability to switch from TV viewing to desktop work? Would I need to get a Westinghouse LCD monitor or should I look for a LCD Tv?

I am also considering building a Sage only box and moving my computer to another part of hte office/playroom.

As you can tell, I am full of questions, but planning on getting a LCD from Santa and would not like to go into it blindfolded.

Many thanks
Rusty

[rtwhbw]

Thomas,
Are you using yours as a TV and a monitor? If so, can you switch back and forth and the desktop "look" normal and the screen look normal with TV?

Again, I am worried about getting into this and dropping $1,000 on a set that may not be what I want.

The Purevideo decoder is built into Sage, Correct? Regarding the DVI inputs, my computer I use to run Sage only has VGA output to monitor. My video card is built into my Dell, so I am thinking I may have to build a new Sage box.

I am thinking of going the monitor way (32 inch - not much more room), and later on getting a nicer set.

I do notice iwth the Dell 17" monitor that I use now, if the screen shot is dark, it's has a hard time distinquishing the "darks." Do you experience that with the Westinghouse?

Thoughts would be appreciated before I start burning through cash...

Thanks Rusty

[asthepenguinfly]

My roommate had a westinghouse 32 in lcd. My only warning is that you tend to get what you pay for, SDTV on the westinghouse was pretty bad, it was starting to become passable on hdtv, but overall, westinghouse has yet to compete at the same quality as some of the bigger names. I do believe consumer reports placed the westinghouse in the bottom on both 32, and 37 inch models.