Monitor questions

Haly · 18-01-2007, 12:19

I'm considering getting a second TFT soonish. It's mainly depending on if some stuff I'm selling on ebay sells for a decent price, otherwise I can't afford it

Can only be a cheap TFT but two questions sprung to mind that might sound a bit noobish.

What advantages does widescreen have? I'd be using one monitor for the PC and one for the 360, not sure which would have which, but just wondering what potential advantages a widescreen monitor would have for either usage? Besides more space presumably?

Also, does a DVI connection provide a better quality picture? I'm assuming it does. But just wanted to check.

leowyatt · 18-01-2007, 12:28

Personally I'd say get a widescreen one for the 360

Most games are written in widescreen and depending on the screen size you could do proper hi-def res

(i think from what I remember reading on the gears forum)

Not sure about dvi connection I think you can convert VGA to DVI using a small adapter.

kaiowas · 18-01-2007, 12:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leowyatt

Not sure about dvi connection I think you can convert VGA to DVI using a small adapter.

DVI is better than VGA. Also you cannot convert with a simple adapter. True DVI is a digital signal although the connector spec does allow it to carry an analogue signal in parallel. If you use a VGA->DVI adapter you are still getting an analogue VGA signal just via a different cable.

Haly · 18-01-2007, 12:40

If I go with a dvi one I'll probably just use that for the PC as the graphics card's got a dvi connection on it.
All depends on prices really

But can't properly look till the auctions end on Saturday night and I know how much I've got to spend. Still a chance it might not be enough and I'd be better off being sensible and saving it

kaiowas · 18-01-2007, 12:48

I've not looked at many DVI TFTs so don't know if it's normal but mine has DVI and VGA conectors on it and switches between the 2. Theoretically if you got similar you could connect both devices to it as well as using your PC with your current monitor allowing you to easily switch from Dual screen PC usage to PC+360 on different screens.

Haly · 18-01-2007, 12:50

From what I've seen that's for more expensive models, all the ones I'm looking at that are around £100 or less just seem to have one connector.
Don't mind unplugging monitors from time to time though, it's what I'm doing now anyhow

Daz · 18-01-2007, 12:51

^ I've seen that done before, works well so long as you remember that programs on the PC can start off screen

Dont worry so much about lack of DVI if it's not an option for you - on a cheaper screen with a standard resolution you wont really see a great deal of difference in reality. I'd be surprised if you found any widescreen TFT without one though, certainly if the model is within 9 months old or so.

Widescreen TFT for the 360 is a no brainer, it's how the games are made

Haly · 18-01-2007, 13:07

My current options at the moment is this little lot:

http://www.ove*************.uk/showp...odid=MO-022-OK Only real con is where it's from but it's a good price and I could drive up to get it saving on postage.

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/119326 Probably too small for my liking I think, plus refresh rate is a bit :/

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/104838 Good everything but going to be over budget with postage slightly.

http://www.aria.co.uk/productinfocom...pecialStatus=1 No real disadvantages, just not sure probably because of the random brand.

Daz · 18-01-2007, 13:18

I'd say the OcUK one is the best out of that lot. Widescreen and you wont pay postage.

Bog standard resolution (by that I just mean common, for example my laptop screen of the same size runs at 1680x1050), should be ok for the 360 but couldn't tell you for sure.

Might be worth poking Baddass about the actual panel in it, he'll tell you if it's carp for gaming.

Haly · 18-01-2007, 13:21

Yeah that's what I was thinking.
I'd go for the aria one if I just wanted a regular 17" tft, but if widescreen is worth it for a 360 then might as well.

Can't find any info on whether it's DVI or VGA though which would be handy. Can source an adaptor then if need be.
Edit: Ignore me, I'm being stupid and didn't see it

VGA

18-01-2007, 12:19	#1
Haly Do you want to hide in my box? Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 14,941	Monitor questions I'm considering getting a second TFT soonish. It's mainly depending on if some stuff I'm selling on ebay sells for a decent price, otherwise I can't afford it Can only be a cheap TFT but two questions sprung to mind that might sound a bit noobish. What advantages does widescreen have? I'd be using one monitor for the PC and one for the 360, not sure which would have which, but just wondering what potential advantages a widescreen monitor would have for either usage? Besides more space presumably? Also, does a DVI connection provide a better quality picture? I'm assuming it does. But just wanted to check. __________________ Halycopter

18-01-2007, 12:28	#2
leowyatt Chef extraordinaire Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Infinite Loop Posts: 11,143	Personally I'd say get a widescreen one for the 360 Most games are written in widescreen and depending on the screen size you could do proper hi-def res (i think from what I remember reading on the gears forum) Not sure about dvi connection I think you can convert VGA to DVI using a small adapter. __________________ "Dr Sheldon Cooper FTW!"

18-01-2007, 12:40	#4
Haly Do you want to hide in my box? Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 14,941	If I go with a dvi one I'll probably just use that for the PC as the graphics card's got a dvi connection on it. All depends on prices really But can't properly look till the auctions end on Saturday night and I know how much I've got to spend. Still a chance it might not be enough and I'd be better off being sensible and saving it __________________ Halycopter

18-01-2007, 12:48	#5
kaiowas The Stig Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fightertown USA Posts: 1,458	I've not looked at many DVI TFTs so don't know if it's normal but mine has DVI and VGA conectors on it and switches between the 2. Theoretically if you got similar you could connect both devices to it as well as using your PC with your current monitor allowing you to easily switch from Dual screen PC usage to PC+360 on different screens. __________________ Anal Fish Porn

18-01-2007, 12:50	#6
Haly Do you want to hide in my box? Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 14,941	From what I've seen that's for more expensive models, all the ones I'm looking at that are around £100 or less just seem to have one connector. Don't mind unplugging monitors from time to time though, it's what I'm doing now anyhow __________________ Halycopter

18-01-2007, 12:51	#7
Daz The Stig Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Swad! Posts: 10,713	^ I've seen that done before, works well so long as you remember that programs on the PC can start off screen Dont worry so much about lack of DVI if it's not an option for you - on a cheaper screen with a standard resolution you wont really see a great deal of difference in reality. I'd be surprised if you found any widescreen TFT without one though, certainly if the model is within 9 months old or so. Widescreen TFT for the 360 is a no brainer, it's how the games are made __________________ apt-get moo

18-01-2007, 13:07	#8
Haly Do you want to hide in my box? Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 14,941	My current options at the moment is this little lot: http://www.ove*************.uk/showp...odid=MO-022-OK Only real con is where it's from but it's a good price and I could drive up to get it saving on postage. http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/119326 Probably too small for my liking I think, plus refresh rate is a bit :/ http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/104838 Good everything but going to be over budget with postage slightly. http://www.aria.co.uk/productinfocom...pecialStatus=1 No real disadvantages, just not sure probably because of the random brand. __________________ Halycopter

18-01-2007, 13:18	#9
Daz The Stig Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Swad! Posts: 10,713	I'd say the OcUK one is the best out of that lot. Widescreen and you wont pay postage. Bog standard resolution (by that I just mean common, for example my laptop screen of the same size runs at 1680x1050), should be ok for the 360 but couldn't tell you for sure. Might be worth poking Baddass about the actual panel in it, he'll tell you if it's carp for gaming. __________________ apt-get moo

18-01-2007, 13:21	#10
Haly Do you want to hide in my box? Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 14,941	Yeah that's what I was thinking. I'd go for the aria one if I just wanted a regular 17" tft, but if widescreen is worth it for a 360 then might as well. Can't find any info on whether it's DVI or VGA though which would be handy. Can source an adaptor then if need be. Edit: Ignore me, I'm being stupid and didn't see it VGA __________________ Halycopter Last edited by Haly; 18-01-2007 at 13:35.