Main > Main Forum
Display: TV Vs. Monitor
CMIVXX:
If you had a choice between a 21" computer monitor and a 25" TV, which would you choose?
I have a 21" Viewsonic monitor at my disposal, but I'm curious as to if anyone thinks a 25" TV would be better.
DougHillman:
This isn't a black and white question. The choice depends on alot of factors.
What sort of cabinet are you building? A normal sized cocktail cab will look fine with a 21" in it. A larger 4-player cab is gonna dwarf a 21" monitor and look sorta foolish, either having HUGE bezel space around the monitor or having the CP extend WAY past the edges of the cabinet. Either option is aesthetically unappealing.
What are your favorite games? If you're a huge fan of vector games, even a component video input TV isn't really gonna do them justice. OTOH, raster games look a little more authentic (in most people's opinions) on a quality TV. A monitor (even tweaked with scanlines and such) is just too sharp.
Along those lines, are your favorite games horizontal or vertical? A 21" monitor will display one type of game or the other at a slightly smaller-than-original size, depending on how you mount it. A 25" TV will be able to display both orientations at essentially their original size.
Personally, I'd just build a coupla cabinets to house each. :) Dedicate the monitor one to vector games, and the TV to everything else. Though, since at least one of the absolute classic vector games is vertical, while the rest are horizontal you may need to build 2 vector cabs. It never ends! ;)
OK, ok. For general all-around use, I'd choose a high quality 25" TV. Looks better in the cab and gives more size for the $$$.
D
Minwah:
Also, do you already have a cabinet or are you planning to buy/build one? Many classic and classic-ish style cabs just wouldn't fit a 25" screen in.
Personally I don't like screens >21" (showcase cabs excluded) - they do my head in. I'm probably in the minority there tho ::)
simplygriff:
Also think about the ease of connection. A monitor is going to just connect right up to the computer. Unless you have the proper video card interfacing to a TV could be difficult or at least require more money for a new card. :)
-G
mahuti:
If I had something sitting around, I'd use it.
I didn't and so chose a 21" tv, and would do so again in a heartbeat.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version