Which LCD TV for computer ?

[rkhoo]

I want to setup a LCD TV my aging father to access the Internet and watch regular cable TV. I think I am okay on he computer part of the equation, but the LCD TV is really confusing for me.

The bigest LCD we can go is 27". Currently we are using Rogers cable to watch TV. There's no plan to go HD at this moemnt.

First off, I need to buy a computer for him. Mac mini and the new Asus EasyPC comes to mind. Is there better options? My father likes small, fast and easy to use for internet. Wireless keyboard and mice, of cause.

Now comes my difficulties. There are so many LCD out there, HDMI DVI, 720/1080P holy, I am confused. Could you suggest a good 27" LCD TV for the purpose of watching cable TV and able to connect to a computer?

Many thanks.

[ppl4golf]

Good boy rkhoo!

Anything relatively new 27" LCD should do. Make sure the unit has DVI/HDMI AND VGA inputs. VGA input is a good safety net because sometimes the HDMI doesn't play nice. ATSC tuner should also be standard (see below).

136#x768 (720p) LCD is sufficient for casual computer chores and is a lot cheaper and is not as demanding on the computer. If he is in GTA and facing southeast, set up an antenna to get free OTA HD channels and go WOW.

[fidoguydo]

Just go for a TV that is 720P. Never seen a 27" tv that is 1080P..... Most 720P displays will be 1355x768 resolution. That really should be enough for your dad. Make sure the TV has, at the least, a VGA port, which should let you have 1355x768 res.

If you want a higher res like 1920x1080 (1080P), then you'll need at least HDMI/DVI input.

[rkhoo]

Thanks for pointing me to the right direction. Is there any brand I should stick with?

In order for my dad to continue watching his Rogers cable , do I need to buy a converter box to convert existing Rogers coxial cable to HD signal?

What is the "ATSC" tuner anywayz?

Regards,

Ronald

[ah802]

Without a lot of research.. just using off the cuff advice, I would say a ViewSonic 27" should be fine (although a 32" might be more available). Unfortunately you'll find the cheap LCD's make poor SD Televisions.

An ATSC tuner is a digital tuner for OTA signals (probably as useful to you) but thankfully most (if not all) tuners on sale here in Canada are still hybrid tuners handling both NTSC and ATSC and so you can just plug in the cable and start surfing.

Don't spend a lot, from my experience this is 5 year technology... and the PQ is not going to be a lot different between $500-1500 range at that size. Use the HDMI or DVI connection if at all possible.

[ppl4golf]

Without a lot of research.. just using off the cuff advice, I would say a ViewSonic 27" should be fine (although a 32" might be more available). Unfortunately you'll find the cheap LCD's make poor SD Televisions.

An ATSC tuner is a digital tuner for OTA signals (probably as useful to you) but thankfully most (if not all) tuners on sale here in Canada are still hybrid tuners handling both NTSC and ATSC and so you can just plug in the cable and start surfing.

Don't spend a lot, from my experience this is 5 year technology... and the PQ is not going to be a lot different between $500-1500 range at that size. Use the HDMI or DVI connection if at all possible.

That's good warning for the OP and his dad - compared to your old tube, the SD quality on LCD is going to be fairly crappy (though acceptable by virtue of getting used to it) regardless of what LCD you're getting...so you might as well buy a cheap Viewsonic from Costco which provides 2 year conceige warranty. I'd personally buy a 32" which is roughly equivalent to an 27" square tube. (27" LCD ~ 24" tube).

ATSC is cool as it picks up unscrambled QAM channels. I don't subscribe to cable but I know Rogers scrambles everything except VOD (like porn) you neighbors ordered :)