just got a 24 inch led tv to use as a monitor and im not liking it. first i cant get it all to fit on the screen and second the quality is not very good. will i not receive the same quality that the imac gets? please help haha thanks
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LED TV as Ext. Monitor
- Thread starter thebadgator87
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Not even close. The vast majority of TVs don't have nearly the resolution that Mac computers have. They're not designed to be computer displays.
If you want the quality of the iMac, why not buy an iMac?
The 21.5" has native resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels
The 27" has native resolution of 2560 by 1440 pixels
your tv probably has settings called "just scan" or something like it to fit all the pixels properly. take a peek around.
as for how it looks, there's so many colour modes now, you have to find one you like. presets like 'cinema', 'sports' etc might be all wrong for your tastes.
as for how it looks, there's so many colour modes now, you have to find one you like. presets like 'cinema', 'sports' etc might be all wrong for your tastes.
I like having the portability of the macbook pro but would also enjoy having more real estate to work with when im not on the go
Rather than use a TV, you'll get better resolution by buying a display that's designed for use with a computer.
Just look for a computer monitor or display, rather than a television. There are thousands of models available, in different sizes and resolutions. Pick one that fits your budget and preferences.
Almost all HDTVs have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 no matter how large they are. But they are designed for viewing in a much bigger distance than your computer monitor. So most people won't find it bad. But it's not the case for a computer monitor. You are much closer to it. So you need higher resolution to achieve the "retina" effect.
For instance, the iMac 27" has a resolution of 2560 x 1440, which has 77% more pixels than an HDTV. The 15-inch retina MacBook Pro has a resolution of 2880 x 1800, which has 150% more pixels than an HDTV, not to mention in a much smaller size, i.e. the density or PPI of the screen is much higher therefore the image is more crisp.
Dell Ultrasharp models with an IPS panel are quite good for their price (1080p 23" models can be had for 200 USD, 1920 x 1200 24" displays can be had for around 300 USD, as far as I remember).
Or do you mean something else?
PS: Be vary of 27" computer displays, as many still use 1920 x 1080 pixel as resolution, and that looks abysmal on such a screen size. 2560 x 1440 would be the better resolution on such 27" displays.
PPS: You can get any available external computer display you want, if it fits your requirements.
Like sim said, an ips monitor with 2xxx X 1xxx should suffice. Full HD panels are only good in the 24" and below range.
I have a dell U2711 and a U2410. Both are great and got hem on sale. The 27" (2560x1440) was around 800 and the 24" (1920x1200) was i think 349. Both very good monitors.
I have a dell U2711 and a U2410. Both are great and got hem on sale. The 27" (2560x1440) was around 800 and the 24" (1920x1200) was i think 349. Both very good monitors.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+23%26%2334%3B+Flat-Panel+LED+Monitor/3176041.p?id=1218382963652&skuId=3176041
Will this provide what Im looking for?
Will this provide what Im looking for?
Dell's Ultrasharp line of monitors would be better quality than the one you linked to.
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/sna.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~topic=ultrasharp_monitor&~ck=mn
How good do you need? Just as good as an iMac or really good for photoediting.
That 170$ panel is a TN it is not going to win a price.
Basically it goes like this
TN cheap good for gaming -> cMBP
cPVA, eIPS cheap good viewing angels.
IPS, PVA, PLS -> iMac, rMBP, Ultrasharp, ... the expensive stuff great panels
cPVA is great contrast but rather slow reaction times. eIPS is TN like in quality and can have color flimmer from the side. It is faster though.
TN has no viewing angles.
The really good panels look for Dell ultrasharp U2412, U2312, U2713.
Good stuff costs.
I wouldn't buy it for anything but professional photoediting and stuff.
Movies eIPS does fine. cPVA is great for office and general stuff.
Gaming is still TN domain.
That 170$ panel is a TN it is not going to win a price.
Basically it goes like this
TN cheap good for gaming -> cMBP
cPVA, eIPS cheap good viewing angels.
IPS, PVA, PLS -> iMac, rMBP, Ultrasharp, ... the expensive stuff great panels
cPVA is great contrast but rather slow reaction times. eIPS is TN like in quality and can have color flimmer from the side. It is faster though.
TN has no viewing angles.
The really good panels look for Dell ultrasharp U2412, U2312, U2713.
Good stuff costs.
I wouldn't buy it for anything but professional photoediting and stuff.
Movies eIPS does fine. cPVA is great for office and general stuff.
Gaming is still TN domain.
I had my MacMini on a Sony 40" KDL NX720 and was quite frustrated with the result. Then I locked more close on the screen and it looked like over sharpened JPG files after post processing of images.
I looked into the setup and found setting where the TV was trying to be nice and added some sharpening.
After switched that off for the HDMI channel where the Mini was connected the picture got much better.
Look for that; might help too.
I looked into the setup and found setting where the TV was trying to be nice and added some sharpening.
After switched that off for the HDMI channel where the Mini was connected the picture got much better.
Look for that; might help too.
if you must use a TV, check the inputs and setup to select for 'PC' ( if available)..and/or RGB colorspace .. the grayscale is wider on RGB than on broadcast signals (256 gradations from pure black to pure white) ...confusing this can really degrade the colors .. if you cannot select this , or the TV isn't made for double duty .. the output will alwaysbe challenged
Best to get a dedicated monitor ...
Best to get a dedicated monitor ...
The 24" model has an HDMI input which should be the easiest if your Xbox has HDMI. Otherwise you can get a DVI or VGA adapter cable for your Xbox. You can also get HDMI to DVI adapter cables.
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