Monitor vs TV

[Olli96]

I need a new 2nd display and was wondering whats the difference when using a tv instead of a monitor? My primary display is from dell and 27" large, so i wanted to buy at least another 27" display. i could spend another 700€ for a 2nd dell monitor or i could spend the same amount for the panasonic TX-L32DT30E tv. With the tv i could also watch movies and play games in 3d and look regular tv while when buying a monitor, well i get a monitor. Since both the tv and the monitor have the same resolution i dont get why i should buy a monitor if i could have much more for the same amount of money. So what is the disadvantage when using a tv instead of a monitor?

[plastic_]

Most LCD TVs I know are huge, low res (full hd only) and crap panel with very low color range, like laptops. I guess TVs also don't come precalibrated to sRGB and AdobeRGB which is crucial fpr any color work, IMO.

[Olli96]

The TV is 32" which is not too huge for me, Full HD is also good for me. So the only thing is the color range? Then i could live with that, since its going to be a secondary display and i do my post work on my primary monitor...

[plastic_]

I'm seeing this a lot in sound studios. They got a lot of gear on the table, so they put huge tv screens behind the desk, or on a wall.
32" at full hd are pretty large pixels, I guess a distance of about 1,5m would be OK.

[Olli96]

Thanks for your input, its really appreciated. I will try the tv.

[add101]

Let us know how it goes. An issue with older CRT TVs was text bluriness/legibility (and overall 'resolution'/detail)., but I'm interested to see how new HD TV compares to monitors.
I've also been considering getting an LCD TV as a second monitor. In theory it might be better for previewing material that is being output to video. I've seen specialised CRT 'TVs' at video editing studios alongside the mac monitors for colour checks.
DVD encoding seems to change the colours a bit, so I'll probably still do test DVDs to check final output.

[Morne]

Thanks for your input, its really appreciated. I will try the tv.

When have it done and setup, please let us know what u think. Others may also consider this option

[Olli96]

Yup, i will do that. I am going to buy that tv on saturday so next week i can tell you more.
About the bluriness, thats was my concern too but since its a FullHD TV it shouldnt be a problem right?

[jujubee]

I think colors might be alright but mostly within the sRGB range.
Resolution would be the main issue. I think most TVs would top out at around 1280 Max. As long as you're comfortable with monster window sizes, then I suppose it's worth a try. Frankly, I'm not. I was running 1900+ on a 24". Over 2400+ on a 30" now, and I still feel like I could always use more in order to be more productive.

The only time I might consider it a real option is if I had to test 3D 3D content out with some frequency.

In theory it might be better for previewing material that is being output to video.

A lot of graphics cards have HDMI capabilities now that you could potentially run a cable over to a TV if necessary. I would say most of my content is never seen on a television, so that wouldn't be a primary concern.

However, if you're looking for an excuse to have an extra TV and trying to convince the wifey, then all of this is valid reasoning.

[Olli96]

However, if you're looking for an excuse to have an extra TV and trying to convince the wifey, then all of this is valid reasoning.

You got me there There is now way she would let me buy a 2nd TV but if i tell her i need it for work then its another thing...
This is for my workspace at home, right now i have 27" with 1920 x1080 resolution and its enough for me. At work i am running 2 27" each with 2560x1440 res. and i wouldnt miss it anymore but for home use i guess i could live with a 1920 res.
And since i try not to do much work from home anymore i guess it will be mostly used for playing games