Pros and cons of using an HDTV for computing

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	View online  | Share on Facebook	January 14, 2011

	Pros and cons of using an HDTV for computing Dear CNET members, Happy Friday! If you're in the process of shopping for a larger flat-panel monitor or are getting ready to replace that clunky old CRT computer monitor of yours, you may want to take a few minutes to read through this week's discussion topic on pros and cons using an HDTV for computing. After reading, you can weigh your options before pulling the trigger on a dedicated computer monitor. Over the years, as HDTVs have come down quite a bit in price and the main source of home media entertainment comes from computers, it isn't surprising that more and more people have opted to get an HDTV rather than a dedicated computer monitor. As you read through the discussion, you'll realize that many people are hooking up their computers to their HDTVs, either as their primary or secondary display. And if you are like John, who is on the fence about doing just that, read up on our members' advice and take some notes. As veteran member waytron mentions, pay particular attention to the ability of your computer's current video card to ensure that it has the resolution capabilities to make sure it can even drive the TV. If your computer is already hooked up to your HDTV, come and join us in the discussion and share how your current system is set up. We look forward to your participation. Thanks and have a great weekend! Cheers! - Lee Got suggestions? Send me an e-mail: messageboards@cnet.com Lee Koo CNET Community manager Last week's question Pros and cons of using an HDTV for computing I'm thinking about getting a new larger monitor for my desktop computer, and wonder about the difference between getting a dedicated monitor and a high-def TV. I'd plan to drive it with a VGA cable, and perhaps have a HDMI cable from the satellite box, too. I'd like to be able to use PIP and have TV in the small inset picture. Getting a TV would also have the benefit of being able to use it standalone. Is this a good idea? How much computer monitor performance do I give up if I get a 32-inch 1080p TV? Please let me know what the pros and cons are so I can make a sound decision. Thanks. -- Submitted by: John P. Featured member solutions for last week's question:  "1080p TV vs. computer monitor" -- Submitted by: waytron  "Simplest path to the appropriate monitor " -- Submitted by: trancegroup  "It's pretty much similar to a monitor" -- Submitted by: Alain Martel1  "Pro and cons of HDTV for computing" -- Submitted by: hauschja  Read all member contributions  Thanks to all who contributed! Previous questions and answers 1. What are your tech predictions for 2011? 2. I like the portability of Netbooks, but is it for me? 3. Confusion over megapixels vs. megabytes 4. Windows 7 computer, what do you mean you're "dumping memory"? 5. Help! This Web site discloses almost everything about me!  All previous Community newsletters Community buzz 1. 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I am looking for some good and relatively simple software I can use to detect a memory leak. I'm running Windows 7 and I have to reboot every other day or my physical memory gets too high and significantly slows down the PC. I have used Process Explorer but can't find programs with exceptionally high usage. Everything looks normal. In fact, it almost seems like Windows is using up memory somehow, but doesn't know it, because it doesn't seem like all the running processes add up to the total amount of physical memory in use. Do I have a memory leak somewhere? How can I tell? Any advice or tips to help me solve this mystery would be appreciated. -- Submitted by: Trey A.   If you have an answer to this question, click here and click the "reply" to submit your advice, suggestions/opinions, or tips. Have a tech-related question? Click here to e-mail us on one of these topics: · PC troubleshooting · PC upgrading · Digital music · Consumer electronics · Multimedia · Internet security · Digital cameras · Home audio & video Need help tech right away? Don't wait for us, post your questions in the CNET forums for all the tech help and how-tos. Community quick poll Weigh in on this week poll topic! Do you currently use an HDTV as a computer monitor? (Please click on button to vote)  No. (Have you thought about it?)  Yes. (How's it working out? What size is your HDTV?)  Not yet, but thinking about it. (Tell us more.) Vote and discuss it here! Simple question, simple answer 1. How to save my Windows desktop photo? 2. Mac: Anti-virus necessary? 3. Does the Pandigital e-reader give a list of free e-books through B&N? 4. How do I install an operating system when there is none? Help your fellow members 1. MS Word and iPad for 2011? 2. Looking for a tablet for taking class notes 3. 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