TV / Monitor question

[Kazilan]

Given the hardware questions here and all the educated responses, I figure I'd see if anyone here can help me out with my next purchase. I want to buy a TV or monitor, whichever makes more sense, in order to hook it up to a Xbox 360 or a desktop, depending on my mood. I haven't owned a TV in a year and don't really miss it, but I'm planning to buy a 360 soon and a desktop in the not too distant future (using a laptop right now) and don't know which way to go with TV or monitor, or if there is even a clear line between the two or what manufacturers to go for. I want something in the 20 inch screen range, and don't want to spend more than $250 (US). Any suggestions? Are there significant differences between flat screen TVs and monitors (for the 360 vs a desktop)?

[Firestormalpha]

I did some digging around bestbuy's site and based on your criteria, this is what I turned up.

Flat-panel tv:
Dynex� - 19" 720p Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD HDTV

CRT type TV's:
-Dynex® - 20" Class 480i Standard-Definition Digital TV
-Dynex® - 24" Class 480i Standard-Definition Digital TV
-Dynex® - 27" 480i Standard-Definition Digital TV

Monitors:
-Hannspree - 22" Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD HD Monitor

What's best from a technical standpoint you'll have to see with someone who knows more than I do (almost anyone). Though I'd say a decent HD flat panel wouldn't be a terrible choice.

Apparently bestbuy is really trying to push the Dynex brand.

[Variol (Farseer) Elmwood]

There are some really good prices on monitors this week at Staples. Some are $100 off, plus free next-day delivery!

http://www.staples.com/office/suppli...6mcmode%3Dtest

[Beaumanoir]

Originally Posted by Kazilan Given the hardware questions here and all the educated responses, I figure I'd see if anyone here can help me out with my next purchase. I want to buy a TV or monitor, whichever makes more sense, in order to hook it up to a Xbox 360 or a desktop, depending on my mood. I haven't owned a TV in a year and don't really miss it, but I'm planning to buy a 360 soon and a desktop in the not too distant future (using a laptop right now) and don't know which way to go with TV or monitor, or if there is even a clear line between the two or what manufacturers to go for. I want something in the 20 inch screen range, and don't want to spend more than $250 (US). Any suggestions? Are there significant differences between flat screen TVs and monitors (for the 360 vs a desktop)?

To be honest, if you're going to be using a PC through it, you need a monitor. Through a TV it can often look awful and they don't really make use of the resolution. You can pick up a 19" widescreen flat monitor for about £120 in England.

A monitor will give you much better picture than a TV. As for hooking up to an Xbox I'm not sure. I have a friend who linked his Playstation 3 up to a monitor, but he needed to spend about £40 on the proper converter, as monitors don't really use scart. It's possible though, I know that. I'd recommend buying a monitor with an S-Video input. That seems to be the best option.