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BEST Gaming / Computer TV

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  • Dec 26th, 2010 2:53 am
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Dec 25, 2010
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BEST Gaming / Computer TV

Hai all,

Frequent forum lurker, just signed up to drop a quick recap of what I learned researching TVs to help those going out tomorrow in search of a new HDTV for the **PRIMARY** focus of either playing console games, or using the TV as a computer display. The elements that are most crucial to these activities are 1-> Input Lag and 2-> 1:1 Pixel Mapping from source to Screen.

1) Input lag, NOT related to the refresh rate stated on the manufacturing materials, is a measure of the time it takes between the input of a signal and its subsequent display on the screen. This is DIFFERENT from the refresh rate, as the refresh rate test is performed under idealized circumstances and generally has nothing to do with the actual performance of the screen. Generally, this is tested by feeding a simultaneous feed to both a CRT (which has no input lag as a function of how it creates the picture) and the LCD in question. Taking a high ISO photograph repeatedly generates data to extrapolate a mean lag-time, which will then be converted into a measure for input lag in frames (In a standard NTSC video there are 29.97 frames / sec) These tests, and additional explanation can be found on AVSFORUMS, which I highly recommend to anyone serious in getting the most out of their home theater equipment. SYNOPSIS: ONLY THE LG XXLD450 models are confirmed to have 1-2 frames of input lag, the LOWEST of the year. (350, 400, and 550 series are supposed to also have low input lag)

2) 1:1 Pixel mapping is critical if digital artifacts (aka noise) are to be avoided. Anytime a signal is modified (eg to upscale from 720 to 1080p), there will be a loss of signal integrity. While this is generally not an issue for console games (which are usually rendered at 720 ANYWAYS), the differering methods developed during the nascent years of display tech has lead to different ways of coding for color (more or less) between PCs and TVs. Specifically, most TVs are unable to properly recreate the 4:4:4 color space computer displays use. This will lead to a "bleeding" effect between columns of pixels (due to the interpolation of which pixels are supposed to be active). Of nearly ALL the TVs tested this year, only the XXLD450 screens have been shown to provide accurate 4:4:4 color. (A few other 60hz sets can deliver this as well, practically no 120Hz+ sets can)

Finally, the XXLD450 series of TVs by LG have extensive customization options to allow for correct professional calibration. This is probably the most important thing to do for your set up. The picture quality that a set can produce is almost ALWAYS hindered by the factory settings, because factory settings have no way to compensate for variables introduced by YOUR viewing environment.

The LG sets are also S-IPS panels, which tend to have superior viewing angles and reduced "trailing" than TNVA panels.

Also, only really expensive Local-Array-Dimming really works, so generally speaking a quality CFL backlit screen will provide more consistent illumination.

Again, this guide is ONLY for those who are looking for the BEST gaming and / or the BEST Computer friendly LCD screen of 2010. Others may prefer the 120 Hz interpolation for the "smoothness" it can lend to the sports (which are filmed at 60 Hz), or any other number of subjective qualities from another set. However, of the stats that can be objectively measures, this is the summation of nearly 2 months of research, totalling some 30 hours or more. I hope it can help!!!

(I bought mine at Wal-Mart, they price matched BestBuy, but *actually* had stock!)

-thedjally

Hai all,

Frequent forum lurker, just signed up to drop a quick primer on those going out tomorrow in search of a new HDTV for the **PRIMARY** focus of either playing console games, or using the TV as a computer display. The elements that are most crucial to these activities are 1-> Input Lag and 2-> 1:1 Pixel Mapping from source to Screen.

1) Input lag, NOT related to the refresh rate stated on the manufacturing materials, is a measure of the time it takes between the input of a signal and its subsequent display on the screen. This is DIFFERENT from the refresh rate, as the refresh rate test is performed under idealized circumstances and generally has nothing to do with the actual performance of the screen. Generally, this is tested by feeding a simultaneous feed to both a CRT (which has no input lag as a function of how it creates the picture) and the LCD in question. Taking a high ISO photograph repeatedly generates data to extrapolate a mean lag-time, which will then be converted into a measure for input lag in frames (In a standard NTSC video there are 29.97 frames / sec) These tests, and additional explanation can be found on AVSFORUMS, which I highly recommend to anyone serious in getting the most out of their home theater equipment. SYNOPSIS: ONLY THE LG XXLD450 models are confirmed to have 1-2 frames of input lag, the LOWEST of the year. (350, 400, and 550 series are supposed to also have low input lag)

2) 1:1 Pixel mapping is critical if digital artifacts (aka noise) are to be avoided. Anytime a signal is modified (eg to upscale from 720 to 1080p), there will be a loss of signal integrity. While this is generally not an issue for console games (which are usually rendered at 720 ANYWAYS), the differering methods developed during the nascent years of display tech has lead to different ways of coding for color (more or less) between PCs and TVs. Specifically, most TVs are unable to properly recreate the 4:4:4 color space computer displays use. This will lead to a "bleeding" effect between columns of pixels (due to the interpolation of which pixels are supposed to be active). Of nearly ALL the TVs tested this year, only the XXLD450 screens have been shown to provide accurate 4:4:4 color. (A few other 60hz sets can deliver this as well, practically no 120Hz+ sets can)

Finally, the XXLD450 series of TVs by LG have extensive customization options to allow for correct professional calibration. This is probably the most important thing to do for your set up. The picture quality that a set can produce is almost ALWAYS hindered by the factory settings, because factory settings have no way to compensate for variables introduced by YOUR viewing environment.

The LG sets are also S-IPS panels, which tend to have superior viewing angles and reduced "trailing" than TNVA panels.

Also, only really expensive Local-Array-Dimming really works, so generally speaking a quality CFL backlit screen will provide more consistent illumination.

Again, this guide is ONLY for those who are looking for the BEST gaming and / or the BEST Computer friendly LCD screen of 2010. Others may prefer the 120 Hz interpolation for the "smoothness" it can lend to the sports (which are filmed at 60 Hz), or any other number of subjective qualities from another set. However, of the stats that can be objectively measures, this is the summation of nearly 2 months of research, totalling some 30 hours or more. I hope it can help!!!

(I bought mine at Wal-Mart, they price matched BestBuy, but *actually* had stock!)

-thedjally
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