2007: The Year of the Giant Display - 24" vs 30" vs 37"

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anonuser

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It’s almost 2007, and like many of you browsing this forum, my new year’s resolution (pun intended) is to buy a new computer display. From what I see we have three high-end options (not including soon to be released 27”ers):

24" LCD - 1920 x 1200

30" LCD - 2560 x 1600

37" LCD HD Monitor - 1920 x 1080

The 24" prices are coming down, and for a dedicated computer monitor it seems like a great option. I just feel like I would enjoy a larger screen.

The 30" lcds are expensive, require powerful systems to run state of the art games, and are almost overkill in windows unless you are doing some kind of design work. Obviously everyone will have a different opinion, but this is just mine. I really like the 30"ers, but you have to be as close to them as any other monitor while they are so large you need to move your eyes/head to take in the whole picture while gaming.

Now, the 37" LCD HD Monitors... this seems perfect for the convergence of all your digital media. You can sit farther back (3ft seems like the sweet spot), watch 16:9 HD source with no bars, enjoy PC gaming at 1920x1080 without spending upwards of $1,000 on video cards, and even hook up 1080p capable game systems.

I know there have been countless threads on this subject ranging from comparisons between models to specific gaming only discussions of displays, but I really would see some discussion comparing all of our options in one thread.

I am leaning more towards a 37” due to the reasons I mentioned, but I have yet to see one (hooked up to a computer) in person. I have questions to the clarity of text/etc and if the larger size of the windows GUI will bother me (currently running a 19” Mitsubishi diamond pro 930sb crt at 1152x864).

Now while I would love to hear everyone’s opinions on what is their ideal display, I also had a question about the two affordable 37” 1080p displays out there.

37" 1080p - Westinghouse LVM-37W3 (review)
89-234-001-11.jpg


Sceptre X37SV-Naga
24-112-174-06.JPG


I will probably hold out until CES just to see what there will be around the corner. But I will definitely be buying a new LCD screen soon.


EDIT:
Some pictures of the Westinghouse 37" to salivate over:
Here are some links of pictures from other threads here and other webpages. Keep in mind that picture quality is totally dependant on the the input, quality of the camera, and that of the cameraman (or woman):

http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7036
http://www.purepwnage.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=40159
http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1030167496&postcount=684
http://www.ben.org/tv2/
http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1028906457&postcount=349
http://www.flickr.com/photos/50598001@N00/
http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1030126639&postcount=589
http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1030394502&postcount=1353
http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1030388011&postcount=1314
http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1030276051&postcount=776
http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1030423666&postcount=987
http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1030377273&postcount=983
http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1030316815&postcount=961
 
I'm an owner of the 37" westy, and I couldn't be happier. As far as blurry fonts, this is not a problem, so long as you set your video card to output 1900X1080 resolution, and use the DVI1 connector on the monitor (no overscan) connected to the DVI output of your video card.
For example, the period between these brackets <.> takes up exactly one pixel on my screen. It is black, while all 8 pixels around it are white (as I'm composing this message). There is no blurriness of any kind.

The four things that cause blurriness on these monitors are:
1.) running them at something other than their native resolution.
2.) overscan done internally in the monitor/tv (expanding the received image to crop out the outer edges). [this is done to eliminate close captioning info on the edge of a cc broadcast videostream]
3.) Using an analog connection (RGB, S-video, component, and in most cases VGA)
4.) Turning on the "truetype" font in IE7.
 
yevaud,

Fixed link, thanks.

I appreciate the information, that is something I haven't read in the hundreds of pages of threads about the westy 37".

My main problem right now is where to buy the Westy 37". I missed out on the Buy.com deal from yesterday.

My local Costco has the Sceptre, but I noticed it only has one shared HDMI/DVI port and that is a huge turn off for me. Too bad, Costco's return policy (even though I heard it's being changed soon) is really good.

I went to my local Best Buy and they had the Westinghouse for... you ready for this? $1500 before taxes. Of course they wouldn't price match any online or membership B&M store.

Also, how far away do you sit from your Westinghouse? Do you find yourself having to move your head to take in the whole view?

Thanks for all the help. :p
 
yevaud said:
OP: you linked the 37" westy in both links.

I'm an owner of the 37" westy, and I couldn't be happier. As far as blurry fonts, this is not a problem, so long as you set your video card to output 1900X1080 resolution, and use the DVI1 connector on the monitor (no overscan) connected to the DVI output of your video card.
For example, the period between these brackets <.> takes up exactly one pixel on my screen. It is black, while all 8 pixels around it are white (as I'm composing this message). There is no blurriness of any kind.

The four things that cause blurriness on these monitors are:
1.) running them at something other than their native resolution.
2.) overscan done internally in the monitor/tv (expanding the received image to crop out the outer edges). [this is done to eliminate close captioning info on the edge of a cc broadcast videostream]
3.) Using an analog connection (RGB, S-video, component, and in most cases VGA)
4.) Turning on the "truetype" font in IE7.
Click to expand...

So the other dvi has overscan?
 
yevaud said:
The four things that cause blurriness on these monitors are:
1.) running them at something other than their native resolution.
Click to expand...
So basically if you run a PC game at 1366x768 because your video card isn't powerful enough for 1080p, it looks like crap?
 
claudione314 said:
So basically if you run a PC game at 1366x768 because your video card isn't powerful enough for 1080p, it looks like crap?
Click to expand...

Well, that is the case with any LCD. You usually have to run at native res. Correct me if I'm wrong.
 
anonuser said:
Well, that is the case with any LCD. You usually have to run at native res. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
It is the case on the Windows desktop, where icons may look a little blurred, but not quite so with games. Oblivion runs crisp and sharp at both 800 and 1024 on my 1280 Samsung 17", as it does on my Sager 17" notebook. I'm curious about the quality loss on the Westy.
 
Hey this is a great thread, it has inspired me to look into using a Westinghouse 37" at my main monitor for everything instead of buying one for TV and a seperate monitor for computer.

Do you guys think that it is possible to have the monitor connected to the cable box via HDMI and then have the computer connected via DVI, xbox360 connected via component and then all you have to do is switch modes? Like "Video1, Video2, Video3" etc?

I think that would be a great idea for quick switching between sources. I am also a little scared of how this will look as a computer monitor.., I love high res but I have never seen one of these being used as a computer monitor...
 
InCogneato said:
Hey this is a great thread, it has inspired me to look into using a Westinghouse 37" at my main monitor for everything instead of buying one for TV and a seperate monitor for computer.

Do you guys think that it is possible to have the monitor connected to the cable box via HDMI and then have the computer connected via DVI, xbox360 connected via component and then all you have to do is switch modes? Like "Video1, Video2, Video3" etc?

I think that would be a great idea for quick switching between sources. I am also a little scared of how this will look as a computer monitor.., I love high res but I have never seen one of these being used as a computer monitor...
Click to expand...


Thanks, makes me feel good for posting my first thread.

As for the switching modes to all your entertainment... yep. In fact, not only does that work, but you can do things with Picture in Picture like display your xbox360 fullscreen w/your PC in a window etc etc

Here are some links of pictures from other threads here and other webpages. Keep in mind that picture quality is totally dependant on the quality of the camera and cameraman (or woman):

http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7036
http://www.purepwnage.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=40159
http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1030167496&postcount=684
http://www.ben.org/tv2/
http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1028906457&postcount=349
http://www.flickr.com/photos/50598001@N00/
http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1030126639&postcount=589
http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1030394502&postcount=1353
http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1030388011&postcount=1314
http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1030276051&postcount=776

From what I have read, the optimal veiwing distance is ~3ft. From this distance you can *supposedly* see the whole screen without moving your head and see no pixelation whatsoever.

Please anyone with a Westinghouse or Sceptre 37", feel free to correct me. While I have seen them in person, they were not hooked up via DVI to a computer.
 
Wow, awesome threads. I'm definitely gona use those as references. They have great info. Also, picture-in-picture! Forgot about that, thanks a lot. I'm leaning towards this now more than before.
 
Thank you for all those links! Many pictures I had not seen before. Even more sold on this now. If only I could find a good deal... :D
 
2007....the year of multiple hugenormous displays? I want to meet the man 1337 enough to run multiple 37in westy's.
 
Well I was under the same dilema and finally came down to the HP -LP3065 which I will recieve in about a month - then I will share my opinion.

Yet I plan to buy an even bigger screen later sicne in 2007 HD-TV prices will come down quite a bit


So for desktop I will have 2560x1600 and for games I will use a a 37" 1920x1080. Till then my 2x8800GTX will serve me with my 30" high ress.

Then (lol) the cost of upgrading to 2x Newer VGA cards could be the same as getting a 37" display too.
 
does any1 know if there will be any 32" full hd lcd tv's next year ?
 
Why cant they make these 37" westys for the UK as well. Im in love with it but not one i have found in the UK :(

Oh well, im hoping to get the dell 2407wfp next year but if the 27" is out by end of january and the reviews of it is good and hoping they get the banding, bleeding issues etc right the first time, i may get that, hoping its a decent price in the UK.
 
Not that I see that Westy 37" I feel almost like I did a mistake purchasing a Dell 2407WFP westerday :(

Para
 
BPini said:
So the other dvi has overscan?
Click to expand...

I hooked the other DVI2 up, and didn't see any evidence of overscan. You can select the "fill" aspect ratio in the menu for either DVI input, and it will do a fairly large overscan (looks like 10% but not measured.)

Here's a closeup of the text (without overscan). As I'm typing this post:

sharptext1ak0.jpg


Notice that either a pixel is on or off, there are no half lit pixels. This was a revelation to me a few months ago. Main reason I held off from buying an LCD for as long as I did was every one I'd ever seen used as a computer monitor blurred text horribly. That's not the case with this monitor. (BTW, ignore the color of the pic. White balance is off on the digital camera I used. It's harder than I thought it would be to take a pic of an LCD monitor.)
 
I too am dreaming of a big display. Having both seen games on LCD's and CRT's, I've always gone with the "CRT's are better for gaming than LCD's" bandwagon. However, after seeing screeny's of the Westy 37", my opinion is dramatically shifting.

I'm currently saving up for a new gaming rig based on the Shuttle SN27P2, and have a question bout cards. Since my planned mod is for both functionality and aesthetics, I'm leaning towards the X1950XTX. Sexiest looking card ever. Sorry, but the 8800's are ugly. Plus we still dont know what R600 will look like.

What card(s) do you guys recommend at a minimum to run the Westy 37" at native res with quality images? I currently run a 6600GT and wonder if it would be good enough.
 
blackacidevil said:
What card(s) do you guys recommend at a minimum to run the Westy 37" at native res with quality images? I currently run a 6600GT and wonder if it would be good enough.
Click to expand...

6600GT would be good enough only for older games and without all the bells and whistles. You will be running at 1920x1080 and while this isn't as demanding as a 30" LCD's huge resolution, it is still a fairly high resolution.

Total Pixels:
1920 x 1080 = 2073600
2560 x 1600 = 4096000

I'm not going to knock you for wanting a "pretty" card over a good card... but come on man. A SINGLE 8800 GTX is as fast or faster than TWO X1950 XTX in Crossfire. Buying ati right now is a huge mistake imo. Not to mention the 8800GTX is a dx10 card.
 
I am swooping on a 37" Westy soon.. I want Oblivion in total immersion! :D
 
Great thread :)

I too am looking at an LCD TV that can also be used as my primary PC display, while 20" is great playing rFactor its still not as immersing as I think it could be using a 32"
 
alpha0ne said:
Great thread :)

I too am looking at an LCD TV that can also be used as my primary PC display, while 20" is great playing rFactor its still not as immersing as I think it could be using a 32"
Click to expand...

You aren't going to find a 32" LCD TV w/1080p. I remember reading about one of the high end companies coming out with one (maybe at CES?), but it will be fairly expensive.

37" is where it's at currently
 
Just got my 37" westinghouse yesterday, using component for pc & 360 right now. PC is only 1080i (will need dvi I take it to get 1080p?) while 360 is actually at 1080p with component. I was under the impression that ya need the vga adapter to get 1080p on the 360.

Anyway, will a dvi cable make a big difference for pc use?
 
you can get 1080p with component but there are only a couple of TVs that support 1080P through component.. the westy is one of them =] ive got the same one you do and its awesome
 
anonuser said:
You aren't going to find a 32" LCD TV w/1080p. I remember reading about one of the high end companies coming out with one (maybe at CES?), but it will be fairly expensive.

37" is where it's at currently
Click to expand...

Arr thanks for that, I had no idea :)
 
Focker said:
Just got my 37" westinghouse yesterday, using component for pc & 360 right now. PC is only 1080i (will need dvi I take it to get 1080p?) while 360 is actually at 1080p with component. I was under the impression that ya need the vga adapter to get 1080p on the 360.

Anyway, will a dvi cable make a big difference for pc use?
Click to expand...

the advantage of moving the 360 to a vga adapter is dvd upscaling, the 360 will output 1080p in games on component and vga. as far as putting the PC on a DVI connector I would recommend it. either way you need to add the 1080p setting to your available resolutions in your display driver to get away from the 1080i thing.
 
anonuser said:
You aren't going to find a 32" LCD TV w/1080p. I remember reading about one of the high end companies coming out with one (maybe at CES?), but it will be fairly expensive.

37" is where it's at currently
Click to expand...

The BenQ VB3232 32" LCD offers 1080p through component and PC.
http://www.benq.com/products/LCDTV/?product=1015

BenQ also has a 24" monitor that supports 1080p as well, but you might have to sell a kidney to afford one.
http://www.benq.com/products/LCD/?product=839
 
blackacidevil said:
The BenQ VB3232 32" LCD offers 1080p through component and PC.
http://www.benq.com/products/LCDTV/?product=1015
Click to expand...

According to the specs on that screen:

Resolution 1366 x 768



And as for 1080p 32" screens... the only one you can find (and it's not available) is:

http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/12/sharps-aquos-lc-32gs-is-worlds-first-1080p-32-inch-lcd-wh/

"Ships December 22nd in Japan with either a pair of side mounted, or single under-bezel speaker for -- get this -- a 32-inch premium price of ¥280,000 (about $2,395). Expect to hear rest-of-world dates and prices any day now"
 
blackacidevil said:
The BenQ VB3232 32" LCD offers 1080p through component and PC.
http://www.benq.com/products/LCDTV/?product=1015

BenQ also has a 24" monitor that supports 1080p as well, but you might have to sell a kidney to afford one.
http://www.benq.com/products/LCD/?product=839
Click to expand...

Newegg has the 24" monitor (previous generation without AMA-Z tech) for $799 shipped. Not a bad price.

The 32" you reference is only capable of "accepting 1080i/p signals". This is a good example of how these panel manufacturers (and HDTV manufacturers in general) use deceptive language to sell their products. There are quite a few people with 1366X768 res panels who don't understand that it is physically impossible for it to display all the pixel information of a 1080p stream.
 
I got my 24" 2407 because I knew the 30" 3007 was complete overkill, even my 7900GT is trucking along on the newly released games at 1920x1200 with graphics on high, and I certainly do not want to spend $1300 on two 8800GTX's, the other complaint was the 30"ers you either need to place the monitor further back or sit further back to ensure your not moving your head to look at the monitor, the 2407 is just big enough to make you feel like you are in the game but it isn't uncomfortable for your neck... and best of all most major LANs have a monitor requirement, my major lan www.pdxlan.com has a LCD limit of 24"
 
I seriously doubt anyone who buys a 37" westy is really hoping or even wanting to carry it around with them to a LAN party. People get it for a fixed position monitor not a LAN. :eek:
 
tornadotsunamilife said:
What about the 27" market?: http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5518
Click to expand...

I was debating putting the 27" in the topic title... but since there aren't any available right now it's not really an option. If they get released and this thread is still going ill just add it. And no one knows the price or performance yet really. Also it lacks some inputs that the Westy has.


KompressorV12 said:
I got my 24" 2407 because I knew the 30" 3007 was complete overkill, even my 7900GT is trucking along on the newly released games at 1920x1200 with graphics on high, and I certainly do not want to spend $1300 on two 8800GTX's, the other complaint was the 30"ers you either need to place the monitor further back or sit further back to ensure your not moving your head to look at the monitor, the 2407 is just big enough to make you feel like you are in the game but it isn't uncomfortable for your neck... and best of all most major LANs have a monitor requirement, my major lan www.pdxlan.com has a LCD limit of 24"
Click to expand...

I agree with above poster, the 37" is going to stay put. If I was going to LAN parties all the time I would definitely get a 22" or 24" widescreen over anything else.
 
So what are the specs for a true HD screen ??

Is a Resolution of 1366 x 768 true HD ??

sorry for the nub questions, its all new (LCD TV) to me :eek:
 
Hello,

Does anybody know how to get any Westy 37" in Europe?
Or any US store that would send it to EU?

Thanks and Happy 2007
 
I know a few people have gotten one from costupdate, an ebay seller that ships worldwide. I think it ships via DHL do a search for costupdate and you should find their info. Just remember you have to pay any taxes added on to whatever the cost of the item and shipping are. I think he paid 231 Euros in Germany.

There are a few others out there that will ship international, is one of them B&H , MWAVE although I am not sure of their shipping rates just give them a call or email.
 
Does anyone know of a good deal on the Westinghouse 37"? I was waiting to see if Buy.com got more in stock before their $100 rebate ends (today) but it doesn't seem to be happening.

Next best from a good seller seems to be newegg at $1200 shipped :(


I was also looking for a good deep desk (at least 3ft deep) since my current desk is only about 2ft deep. Obviously the Ikea Jerker is the *cheap* desk to get, but there are no Ikeas anywhere near me (read: at least 8 hours away is the closest) and they want to charge me over $120 for shipping on a $130 desk.
 
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