pc monitor as a 1080p tv screen

[mike4scuba]

hi i have a satellite lead in my room. is it possible just to buy a pc monitor and connect it to a satellite receiver using either hdmi to hdmi or hdmi to dvi

the monitors are about $150 cheaper than a comparable tv

many thanks

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by mike4scuba

hi i have a satellite lead in my room. is it possible just to buy a pc monitor and connect it to a satellite receiver using either hdmi to hdmi or hdmi to dvi

the monitors are about $150 cheaper than a comparable tv

many thanks

Check the specs on the monitor...for satellite or cable, the resolution is 1080i (the 1366x768 spec on monitors), but many monitors are capable of much higher resolution.

Monitors are optimized for computer output, but I've done it before.

Don't forget audio - some monitors have speakers, some don't, you'll need to hear the programs, too.

[jerwin]

The big $64,000 question is
Does it support HDCP? Otherwise, you'll get naught but static.

[jerwin]

Originally Posted by Blu-Dog

Check the specs on the monitor...for satellite or cable, the resolution is 1080i (the 1366x768 spec on monitors), but many monitors are capable of much higher resolution.

1366*768 is 768p. It's rarely directly supported-- most such TVs have an upscaler of varying quality. Some monitors can support 1080i, but many cannot.

[prerich]

Most moderen PC flatscreen (16:9) aspect ratio monitors that have HDMI support HDCP (isn't that part of the HDCP spec )? I've been doing it for over 4 or 5 years now (but I use a 42 inch flatscreen tv as a pc monitor - smaller pc monitors with hdmi work as well - I've done this before to watch the news at my desk - I warn the center of dangerous weather as a safety guru so I can do that ).

[jerwin]

Originally Posted by prerich

Most modern PC flatscreen (16:9) aspect ratio monitors that have HDMI support HDCP (isn't that part of the HDCP spec )?

Most is not all.

I think it's part of the HDMI spec. But seriously, check the monitor specs for hdcp. You don't want to be unlucky. Display port exclusive monitors are right out, but for different reasons.

[Toptube]

make sure you get a monitor with a decent PVA or IPS panel in it. A TN panel is going to crush blacks and have terrible viewing angles. Also make sure to get a 16:9 monitor to save the pain of aspect raition scaling issues. Otherwise, do a TON of research if you absolutely must have a 16:10 monitor...