07-11-2010, 12:09 PM

Hello All,

I recently purchased a 8-core Mac Pro. I didn't purchase the Cinema HD Display along with it, because of the price tag...$1800! So I am considering purchasing a LCD TV to be used as my primary monitor. From what I understand DVI/HDMI v. Component connection both have their pros and cons, and the real difference comes down to the devices your connecting and not the connection itself.

So the question is...does anyone have a recommendation for what LCD TV will work best with my ATI Radeon HD 4870 DVI output? Or does anyone have any other recommendation for how to save a few dollars and have my 1920x1080 too?

Thanks.

07-11-2010, 12:12 PM

Why not just buy a different brand of LCD monitor that's cheaper?

07-11-2010, 12:30 PM

Im looking for my cheapest alternative. From what I found, I can pick up a 37" LCD TV for between $600-800, when comparable LCD Monitors range from $1200-2000. It just seems to me to be the cheaper alternative, so long as there aren't any technical issues like refresh rate or color issues.

07-11-2010, 12:32 PM

Personally, I would recommend a monitor unless you just require a new screen being able to perform the multiple duty of being your TV. Practically every monitor from about 22" or 24" and up is going to have 1920x1080 (16:9), 1920x1200 (16:10) or better resolution and will have a DVI port.

It's not a matter of working with 'your' ATI Radeon HD 4870 DVI. It's a matter of connecting any computer to a TV, particularly a non-Windows machine.

With an HDTV, the best suggestion I can make, is to look for 2-3 different brands in the screen size and price range you want. Then head to the manufacturers web site, download the owners manual and read through the connections section, paying attention to their particular info related to connecting a DVI device via HDMI. Any mention about it possibly not working with a computer, then you throw that one out of the mix. If you can find a TV in your price range where the manual mentions being able to turn off overscan, you will be a step ahead of the game.

07-11-2010, 01:57 PM

"bobtomay" practically took all of the words out of my mouth!

Like Bob said...most 24" LCD display's available today have a 1920 x 1080, or 1920 x 1200 resolution. I saw one for $150 dollars the other day. Sure a 37" monitor will look a lot more impressive due to it's size...but you won't get any additional resolution...everything on the 37" display will just be larger.

A 37" display is going to take up a heck of a lot of room, cost you a heck of a lot more money...and probably use 2-4 times the electricity!

Here's a really quick example of what you can get for $179:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009179

Keep your eyes "peeled" for some monitors on sale/special...and I'm sure you can do even better on the price.

Get yourself a decent 23"-24" display...and you're good to go!

- Nick

07-11-2010, 06:59 PM

BenQ have released an LED monitrr that is cheap and brilliant!

07-12-2010, 03:08 PM

Thanks for the responses everyone.