| Yes, it can be done. In fact, many gamers and HD | | | | be seated 1ft – 1.5ft away from a monitor screen |
| video enthusiasts use LCD TVs instead of standard | | | | 15” – 22” in size on a regular computer table. |
| PC monitors to views movies from their Home | | | | With a 32” LCD TV, you will need to seat farther |
| Theater PCs or HTPCs. 32” LCD TVS are quite | | | | back at around 2.5ft – 4ft away to have a better |
| common among HTPC users as they are a cross | | | | view of the entire screen. Check to ensure that your |
| between the more preferred 42” plasma TV and | | | | computer furniture can accommodate this. Otherwise, |
| the more modest 22” LCD computer monitors. But | | | | you could be running your face right smack on a large |
| 42” high definition LCDs are getting mainstream and | | | | 32” panel. |
| they can likewise be used as PC monitors. There are | | | | - Connections between the LCD TV and you PC can |
| certain things to consider though. | | | | be problematic for certain LCD models. The problem |
| - First is the fact the LCD TVs are basically derived | | | | starts with HDCP technology which is a security |
| from LCD PC monitors but enhanced and specialized | | | | hand-shaking protocol that all 1080p LCD TVs now |
| to display movies that can rival Plasma TVs. The | | | | have. If your PC video card is not HCDP-compliant and |
| characteristics for a good high definition display on | | | | your LCD TV is, you will not be able to view Blu-ray |
| LCD, like high contrast ratios and response time used | | | | movies which have HDCP compliance built into the |
| to be an issue as they were inferior to that on Plasma. | | | | software when using HDCP-compliant DVI or HDMI |
| But the newer LCD TVs and monitors have evened | | | | connection. In addition, it is possible that the LCD TV will |
| out the Plasma edge in the 42” screen sizes and | | | | not display anything if it cannot verify that the signal it is |
| below. Plasma still reigns supreme above that size | | | | receiving has HDCP. Either you get a blank display or |
| though LCDs are catching up. | | | | the LCD TV automatically downscales its resolution to |
| - Because of higher dot pitches, you need to set the | | | | 720p or lower. To be safe, make sure the LCD TV |
| PC video output to match the LCD TV’s native | | | | you’re getting has at least a VGA terminal so you |
| resolution in order to display readable fine texts. This | | | | can use standard analog VGA connection. |
| ensures exact pixel mapping between the computer | | | | - Alternatively, you can have a dual monitor |
| and your display. Full-HD means 1080p resolution while | | | | configuration set on the PC video card if it's supported |
| HD-ready means either no digital tuner or 720p | | | | this setting. You can have your standard PC monitor |
| resolution. It is strongly recommended that you stick to | | | | you can use for document processing and internet |
| 1080p resolution even for 32 inchers as pixel density is | | | | browsing while your secondary 32” LCD TV can |
| higher and allows a more comfortable reading of | | | | be used for movies watching. This may be a |
| displayed text if you are going to use the LCD TV for | | | | preferred option if you find the text display on a 32” |
| word documents and spreadsheets. Bear in mind that | | | | TV less than ideal. In addition, using a longer VGA |
| for any given resolution, you get looser pixel density | | | | cable, you can situate your LCD TV farther away |
| the bigger the screen size is. | | | | from the computer so it can be shared with other |
| - Consider your viewing distance. Typically, you would | | | | members of your family when watching movies on it. |