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CRIMSONxSOLDIER

I was just wondering if I can use my 19inch LCD HDTV as my computer monitor because I am unemployed currently and dont have any money for a new monitor. And the TV has an input for a computer but im not sure if it would be good to use for a long time because I dont know when Ill be getting a job or when ill have the money to buy a new desktop. And I'm assuming that I would have to turn it on and off manually because it will not turn off when i shutdown the computer correct? Also would the sound still play through the TV if it was just hooked up to my PC? Or would i have to hook up speakers, or would I have no sound at all?

I have another desktop but it's one of those big ass ones that weigh like 80 lbs and it distorts the bottom, top, and sides of the screen so thats why I dont want to use it. Plus the fact that it takes up too much space.

And would using my HDTV use too much power/electricity or willl it overheat if im using it for a while? Because i've noticed that when im playing games on it or watching tv for many hours (like maybe 8+ hours) it gets really warm.

Thanks,
Crim

 

iamskfan

my husband has his computer attached to our HDTV in the living room. It doesnt' cause any problems at all. Been hooked up like that for several months now.

Enjoy your great big monitor!

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THC Fiend

Yes, you can do that. You probably have to be a bit more careful to turn everything off when you aren't using it.

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IGemini

A friend of mine routinely use(d) his 26" Maxent as a dual-display. It's an older model...still works fine after two years. Can't play Guitar Hero for crap on it, though.

Heat generation is a hallmark of many LCD TVs. Using too much power? ...I imagine you'd be more likely to know your electric bill. This is a wild guess just on size...but I imagine a 19" TV would draw 40-80W. And yes, you would need to turn it off manually.

You should be able to connect your LCD by your standard 3.5mm plug from your sound card/onboard.

And I've heard of people using LCD TVs as main monitors...I think the guy who codes the Omega Drivers uses a 42". So there's no reason they can't be.

SpiralArchitect

I use my 32 in Samsung HDTV as a 2nd monitor using a HDMI cable. It's really handy for watching movies, using it as visualization, or if I want to do a lot of things at once.

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Xanthious

I use a 26" Toshiba LCD TV for my PC monitor and it works great for pretty much everything from day to day stuff such as surfing the web, checking email etc to high end gaming. As for sound your TV should have an audio in someplace near the "PC" input and you can get a cord at any Radio Shack or Wal Mart for under 5 dollars that will connect them. As far as turning it off/on goes I leave mine on for sometimes days at a time and haven't had any problems to date. Just make sure you set your Energy Saver or sleep mode features on your computer and your TV should just flash a "No Video Input" thingy if its like mine. Overheating shouldnt be a major issue as long as you have it in a fairly open area and not boxed in. LCD TVs put out an ass load of heat naturally its just kinda what they do I really wouldnt worry about overheating your TV unless your completely blocking the vents and leaving it on for days at a time. In my office I have a 46" Sony Bravia LCD and my 26" Toshiba LCD I use as my monitor as well as a cable box, PC tower, surround sound receiver, and the occasional xbox 360 or PS3 and even on days when its super cold out I still need to run the window A/C or risk it turning into a sauna. In short though LCD TVs make really good monitors Ive been using one for a year and love it.

ctwalrus

im on a samsung tv right now 19 inch hdtv screen so youll be fine

Wooderson

I'm reading this on a 47" Phillips LCD right now. But I'm sure by now you've already hooked yours up.

RookieSmoker

I use my TV as a second monitor for watching movies or tv shows that I've downloaded. Has a S-Video cable from my video card to the back of the TV for the video, and a audio plug that is a 3.5mm to RCA for the audio. S-Video was $13 at bestbuy and the audio was $4 from bestbuy.

auri

lot of people are doing that these days ( my gfs dad has a HUUUUUUUGE tv thats hooked up to his computer)
i don't own a big hdtv so i can't really do that
but i do the opposite, hook my console games up to my big wide screen pc monitor that way i can play them in high def
considering my pc's vid card died, it's the only way i can get some use out of this beautiful monitor