Widescreen Computer Monitor

[Guest TanMan]

Yeah, got one of these for the bedroom PC. Was sick of switching the PC on to watch telly and wanted to combine the two.

 

Check the max resolution and refresh rate as your VGA card needs to support widescreen etc

[JonShar]

That's a nice looking one.

 

The resolution of the one I'm looking at is 1680x1050, refresh rate is 8ms. How do I know if my current card will support that?

[Shadow Moon]

8ms is the pixel response time of the LCD monitor, not the maximum vertical horizontal scanning frequency of the video card. If the latter is too low, you will see lines moving up and down your screen ("interlacing"). Now a 8ms response time for the LCD means you won't see fast moving visuals, like during gaming or even the tail of your mouse pointer, leaving a "ghosting" trail behind as you move it.

 

For compatibility between video card and monitor, you need to check up to what resolutions, and preferably also at what frequency the card supports.

 

For example, an ATI Radeon X800 XT-based card should be able to support up to 2048x1536, which would be more than enough for your specified 1680x1050.

 

Ta.

Edited January 2, 2006 by Shadow Moon

[Guest roger]

are these widescreen things a bit of a compromise? not really clued up but just what I heard.

[Shadow Moon]

How do I know if my current card will support that?

1134738[/snapback]

 

Do you know what card and/or video chipset is currently installed? Or are you able to access Display Properties -> Settings, then see what Windows tells you. E.g., mine says Viewsonic VG800 (monitor) on Radeon 9200 (video chipset).

 

Then search for the cards specs, say, via the manufacturer's website. If you need more info try going into Control Panel -> Hardware -> Device Manager -> Display Adaptor.

[JonShar]

Cheers mate.

 

It's an Intel 82845G. It claims to have graphic modes up to 1600x1200 - would I be able to manually calibrate it to change to widescreen format instead? IE something more like 1600x1000?

[Awrence]

Got a 17" 1920x1200 monitor on my laptop.

 

Games are great eg. Half Life 2 etc. Really adds a little something too the experience...

 

Watched Revenge of the Sith last night with some cheap but decent speakers, and it was good! Kinda half way between the cinema and your normal tv! Even made a terrible film worth watching... Only problem is that it seemed to make the digital effects a lot easier to spot.

[Shadow Moon]

It's an Intel 82845G.  It claims to have graphic modes up to 1600x1200 - would I be able to manually calibrate it to change to widescreen format instead?  IE something more like 1600x1000?

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So your motherboard is based on Intel's 845G chipset, and you have integrated graphics in the 82845G chip.

 

Sure you can manually change the display resolution via Display Properties, the requirement being the installation of the correct drivers for the graphics chip and the correct device information file for the monitor, so that Windows knows what maximum resolutions and vertical refresh frequency rates to allow.

 

I searched Gateway's support section and the latest Plug and Play monitor driver file is dated April 2004, which leaves a lot to be desired.

[JonShar]

So your motherboard is based on Intel's 845G chipset, and you have integrated graphics in the 82845G chip.

 

Sure you can manually change the display resolution via Display Properties, the requirement being the installation of the correct drivers for the graphics chip and the correct device information file for the monitor, so that Windows knows what maximum resolutions and vertical refresh frequency rates to allow.

 

I searched Gateway's support section and the latest Plug and Play monitor driver file is dated April 2004, which leaves a lot to be desired.

1135529[/snapback]

 

You, my friend, are a massive help.

 

I think I'll have to get a new graphics card to get the most out of the monitor - this card would probably do OK, but doesn't have a DVI output, which kinda defeats the purpose of getting an HD monitor anyway.

 

I was looking at the Dell 2005FPW also, it's a 20.1" widescreen...looks pretty sharp.

[Shadow Moon]

I think I'll have to get a new graphics card to get the most out of the monitor - this card would probably do OK, but doesn't have a DVI output, which kinda defeats the purpose of getting an HD monitor anyway.

 

I was looking at the Dell 2005FPW also, it's a 20.1" widescreen...looks pretty sharp.

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Yes, if you prefer DVI connections then get a new video card. If you are not an avid gamer, then there's no need to spend upwards of US$250 on a video card. A current release, midrange $100-$200 card will do just fine. At that price range you should be able to find cards based on chips that draw less power, and thus require only heatsinks instead of noisier heatsink + fan combos, if a quieter system is a plus for you.

 

I'd get the Dell ahead of the Gateway, because Dell has received better reviews for its LCD monitors. Again, if you are not an avid gamer, a 8ms pixel refresh rate is a bonus.

Edited January 3, 2006 by Shadow Moon

[fyds]

I'm contemplating a 21" widescreen computer monitor - looks pretty sharp, swivels to portrait orientation, and is HD-ready.

 

Here it is

 

Anyone got a widescreen computer monitor?

1134468[/snapback]

Yes - got one on my new laptop - mutt's nutts! Got a second gereartion one (not so HD friendly as the laptop on one of my Desktop's - still good, but the new generation are much better.

[boohog]

Have a look at the Dell ultrasharp 24". Its the best value widescreen available at the moment. You can get them for under £600.

[Bailo]

Slightly off topic, but what is "HD-Ready"? I've suspected it's a con but is it?

[JonShar]

I think 24" will be just slightly too big for the area I'm using it in - have seen them though, and they're very nice.

 

HD-Ready: As far as I know, HD-Ready sets don't have a HD receiver inside them already, they need an external source - HD sets do. I think, anyhow.

[boohog]

I think you mean HD-Compatible.

 

HD-ready is a good thing and means they will show HD programming in HD format. HD-Compatible I think means you need some sort of additional gizmo to make it show HD tv and is a big con.

[Scally the Wag]

In response to the openning question...

 

I am using a Mac G5 which has the 20" wide screen and, obviously, is all properly set up. Very good for watching films but my heart is set on something bigger cos I don't like being too close to a screen. Apple do separate screens up to about 32 inches and I've been given very good recommendations. They ain't cheap though...

 

Still working on the missus to let me buy the new Sharp Aquos 65" screen. Effing amazing picture. I've seen many big screens before, but this is the first lcd of that size and is something else... You wouldn't get many arguments about hand ball with one of those... (Current price here is just over £11,500...).

 

Dream on...

[vish]

John,

 

Just got a 20" Widescreen myself a couple of weeks ago. Was going to get the Dell, but then this one caught my eye. Its supposedly better than the Dell - faster response time, and has USB + speakers.

 

1680 x 1050 resolution is awesome. Means you can have 2 windows side by side. I guess its similar to having 2 monitors without the crack in the middle

 

I'd recommend getting the Belinea 20" - I'm well happy with mine, and its a few bob cheaper than the dell too

 

Apparently the forecast for TFT production this year is 60% widescreen!

Edited January 3, 2006 by Vish