First of all let me talk about which one is better by going through the major differences. Then I'll talk about it in details.
Major monitor vs TV differences
A monitor is usually better at:
- Resolution
- Refresh rate
- Response time
So monitors are usually recommended for PC gaming, work and video editing.
TVs, on the other hand, are usually:
- Larger
- Cheaper
So TVs are usually recommend for TV shows, movies and console gaming.
The questions I get all the time are:
- Can a monitor be used as a TV?
- Can a TV be used as a monitor?
A monitor can be used as TV (And vice versa)
In the past, computer monitors were used for graphical processing while TVs were used for entertainment. Today, most monitors can be used like a conventional TV with some adjustments. And TVs can be used as monitors.
Not all monitors have connections that can receive audio. In addition to that, most monitors do not have built-in speakers.
Want to learn how to use your old monitor as a TV? Follow my guide:
Alright, time to talk about each difference.
Image quality
Image quality is usually compared in terms of resolution. And computer monitors usually have better resolutions than TVs.
But there are exceptions.
High end TVs can go up to 8k resolution while some monitors can only go as high as 4k.
Some technologies, like "HDR", also play a role in image quality.
What most people miss about this topic is pixel density.
PPI
Pixel density is the number of pixels per square inch (ppi). And the closer the screen is to your eyes, the more pixel density you will want to have.
A Full HD resolution has different pixel density depending on the size of the monitor (or TV):
- 24″: 92 PPI.
- 27″: 82 PPI.
Fatigue and eye strain
A large TV can wear you out if you use it too close to yourself, which is what happens when you are working on a computer.
- Increased lag
- Fuzzier image
- Less pixel density
When you use a large TV, you have to constantly turn your head to see things at the screen’s edge. This can cause eye strain and muscle aches in the long run.
If you are too close, choose a monitor.
Refresh rate
Lag or input lag is usually tied to the refresh rate.
Faster is better. Example: 120Hz is faster (better) than 60Hz.
Note: Most TVs have their refresh rate capped at 60Hz.
If you play competitive online games you should prefer monitors over TVs. Even if you are on a gaming console.
Response time
It is the time it takes to change the color of a pixel.
Shorter is better. Example: 5 ms is faster (better) than 8 ms.
Note: TVs usually have a slower response time (They can get as high as 20ms). Most monitors have a response time between 1ms to 5ms.
Gamers should prefer monitors over TVs.
Power consumption
You shouldn't really care if a TV or a monitor has the most electricity consumption, unless you will have it on all day long.
What really influences energy efficiency is the technology (LCD, LED etc...).
If a monitor and a TV have the same technology than size is the most important factor in energy consumption. Bigger TVs or monitors will likely be more power hungry than smaller TVs and monitors.
Lifespan
TVs and monitors have an approximate similar lifetime. What makes the lifespan different is the technology they are made (CRT, LCD, LED, etc...).
If you are interested in learning more, check this article:
Conclusion
Summing it up, if you are going to use it:
- For work
- PC gaming
- For graphic design
- For laptop
- For macbook
- For video editing
- For photo editing
- For coding
If you are a going to use it:
- For console gaming
- For movies
- For TV shows
- For PS5 or PS4
- For Xbox
Pick up a TV.
In cases such as:
- Security
- For conference room
- Dual display
Looking for a new Monitor?
Choosing a Monitor can be very difficult if you know nothing about technology.
Some will pay for features they do not need while others may not consider what they really want.
So I created this quick, newbie guide to help you focus on what is really important to you:
How to choose a computer monitor that best suits you…
Citation
When you need to include a fact or piece of information in an assignment or essay you should also include where and how you found that piece of information (Monitor vs TV).
That gives credibility to your paper and it is sometimes required in higher education.
To make your life (and citation) easier just copy and paste the information below into your assignment or essay:
Luz, Gelson. Monitor vs TV (Gaming, Work or security). Technology Blog. Gelsonluz.com. dd mmmm. yyyy. URL.
Now replace dd, mmmm and yyyy with the day, month, and year you browsed this page. Also replace URL for the actual url of this page. This citation format is based on MLA.
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