Computers & Electronics

Anyone use a 4K TV also as a computer monitor?

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  • Oct 28th, 2015 9:11 am
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Deal Expert
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Apr 21, 2004
58648 posts
24637 upvotes

Anyone use a 4K TV also as a computer monitor?

Just realized from reading over some Seiki threads on another forum that for 4K TV to be used as monitor, maybe it would be best to stick with 60 instead of 30 Hz.

This one from costco.ca (might be cheaper in-store) doesn't seem to break the bank account:

Vizio M43-C1 43-in. Smart 4K Ultra HD LED TV $730
http://www.costco.ca/Vizio%C2%AE-M43-C1 ... 23603.html

Is 43" a little too big to be placed on a study desk, two feet away from the user without causing neck and shoulder strain? If this is too close, what would be the ideal distance if used as a 4K computer monitor half of the time?

Seems like the TV above does come with HDMI 2.0's. What kind of adapter does a Early 2015 MacBook Pro need to get 4K at 60 Hz on the big screen?

http://www.apple.com/ca/macbook-pro/specs-retina/
Specs:
Thunderbolt digital video output
Native Mini DisplayPort output
DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI and HDMI output supported using Mini DisplayPort adapters (sold separately)

HDMI video output
Support for 1080p resolution at up to 60Hz
Support for 3840-by-2160 resolution at 30Hz
Support for 4096-by-2160 resolution at 24Hz

Will we be stuck doing 30 Hz at 4K if we use the Thunderbolt digital or mini displayport outputs? For HDMI, it is an obvious limitation.

Thanks in advance.
5 replies
Banned
Oct 16, 2008
1010 posts
629 upvotes
I have a 50" plasma about 5' away.
I just played with the settings until I found the combination that was comfortable.

2' away,it's going to swallow you whole
Deal Guru
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Oct 24, 2012
11641 posts
2620 upvotes
Montreal
The problem with using a HDTV is that because of it's size, you need to sit a few feet away, and then your eyes need to focus on text that is a few feet away..... it can be uncomfortable.
Deal Addict
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Nov 5, 2005
3172 posts
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Mississauga
I currently have a 28" on my desk and it is perfect for viewing and productivity, had a 32" HDTV once - got rid of it within 1/2 hour due to the non practicality of it but a 43" and a 2 feet distance?
Deal Expert
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Apr 21, 2004
58648 posts
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I think I found a decent monitor deal at dell.com for a 43" UHD that is Chroma 4:4:4.
Deal Fanatic
Jun 17, 2013
5120 posts
1501 upvotes
Montreal
I could see a 4k tv as a secondary monitor. Place things that are not text on it. Viewing photos. Slideshows. Videos (Netflix). Use it for games, etc.

But as a main monitor, I cannot ser it being practical. I suppose you wont know until you try it...

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