Monitors versus TVs

[Eclipse2025]

So I’m having a little bit of a indecisive thought process.
I have a pretty beefy PC from build redux, with a GTX 3080 in it, I also have access to all of the current General hardware in consoles.

I don’t need a massive screen and I’m pretty sure the curved displays probably won’t work very well with the consoles.

I’m also not trying to spend over a grand on a screen.

However, I also don’t need a smart TV and was trying to look at a monitor that would basically do both.

i’m also trying to stay away from smart TVs because of all of the bad press I’ve been seeing in the regards of ads taking up Real estate.
And really the only requirements I guess I should say that I want on it are, 4K. 120 Hz. or at least bare minimum make fairly decent use of the PlayStation 5, and the series X hardware.
It doesn’t have to look perfect like linus standards close in person but good enough for basically the average user that isn’t going to cost me an arm and a leg.

It also doesn’t have to be something that was released within the last year, it can be a couple years old. 
Would anyone have any solid recommendations that you would recommend in this regard.

also, if monitors are not recommended to be used on gaming consoles due to one factor compared to televisions, since I’m not really all that educated in that sector, any television recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance

[GuiltySpark_]

2 minutes ago, Eclipse2025 said:

And really the only requirements I guess I should say that I want on it are, 4K. 120 Hz.

There are quite a few of us using the current crop of 42-42" 4K 120Hz TV's as monitors, especially the OLED models. Now, many of us did this as 32" 4K OLED actual monitors weren't available yet, but they are now. Trouble is, you'll be paying quite a bit more for them. I paid $799 for my LG C2 a year ago and the current model C3's often go on sale. I can't say I'm too familiar with the best non-OLED options in this space, however. 

[Agall]

10 minutes ago, Eclipse2025 said:

So I’m having a little bit of a indecisive thought process.
I have a pretty beefy PC from build redux, with a GTX 3080 in it, I also have access to all of the current General hardware in consoles.

I don’t need a massive screen and I’m pretty sure the curved displays probably won’t work very well with the consoles.

I’m also not trying to spend over a grand on a screen.

However, I also don’t need a smart TV and was trying to look at a monitor that would basically do both.

i’m also trying to stay away from smart TVs because of all of the bad press I’ve been seeing in the regards of ads taking up Real estate.
And really the only requirements I guess I should say that I want on it are, 4K. 120 Hz. or at least bare minimum make fairly decent use of the PlayStation 5, and the series X hardware.
It doesn’t have to look perfect like linus standards close in person but good enough for basically the average user that isn’t going to cost me an arm and a leg.

It also doesn’t have to be something that was released within the last year, it can be a couple years old. 
Would anyone have any solid recommendations that you would recommend in this regard.

also, if monitors are not recommended to be used on gaming consoles due to one factor compared to televisions, since I’m not really all that educated in that sector, any television recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance

4K 144Hz displays are pretty inexpensive now a days. I'd look specifically at 32" 4K 144Hz to find what you're looking for.

 

GIGABYTE 32" 144Hz 4K Curved Gaming Monitor 1ms FreeSync Premium Pro, SS VA, UHD 3840x2160, Built-in Speakers, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Downstream M32UC (160Hz OC) - Newegg.com

 

Something like this. Not a crazy high quality monitor and the 'HDR400' support is really only in name, but you might find it looks better than SDR on a console or Windows PC.

 

4 minutes ago, GuiltySpark_ said:

There are quite a few of us using the current crop of 42-42" 4K 120Hz TV's as monitors, especially the OLED models. Now, many of us did this as 32" 4K OLED actual monitors weren't available yet, but they are now. Trouble is, you'll be paying quite a bit more for them. I paid $799 for my LG C2 a year ago and the current model C3's often go on sale. I can't say I'm too familiar with the best non-OLED options in this space, however. 

Samsung's QLED VA displays are on par with mid range OLEDs in my opinion. In terms of OP's request, that would be the Neo G8. Amazon.com: SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey Neo G8 4K UHD 240Hz 1ms G-Sync 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor, Quantum HDR2000, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Matte Display, Ultrawide Game View, DisplayPort, Black & White, 2022 : Electronics

 

Whether or not that's still worth it in 2024 is another question. This display is almost 2 years old at this point.

[adm0n]

If you aren't that interested in image quality, I'd just get a decent 27" or 32" IPS or VA monitor. The actual image quality difference between an OLED and a IPS/VA with ~1000:1 or ~3000:1 contrast ratio isn't that big, if you don't use them in light controlled rooms.

 

But if you really like the newest tech and like to optimize how things look, you could always go with the newest and shiniest thing. But usually, if you are just enjoying the content, you kinda forget about how good your screen actually is after a while. That is unless you perceive it as being noticeably bad.

 

So my recommendation, if you want something with the best image quality, get a LG C3 (or C2) OLED and never connect it to the internet. But be warned, that you might never like anything that looks worse afterward. As soon as you do notice things like IPS backlight glow, it is hard not to notice them anymore, even if you didn't mind them at all before.

 

Otherwise go to rtings.com and check their table tool (->https://www.rtings.com/monitor/tools/table) for what you need. The most important parts for image quality are contrast ratio. If you can, get something with a 3000:1 contrast ration (so a VA panel). Next, the color gamut and accuracy is important. And lastly how bright the screen gets. I would accept no lower than 300 nits for use in a darker room and 400 to 500 if your room is brighter.

[Stahlmann]

I'd recommend the LG C2 if you can find one since it's a last generation model, or the newer C3 if it's on sale. 42" 4K 120Hz is a great form factor for browsing, gaming and pretty much everything else. LG's WebOS smart interface is also pretty good, responsive and I personally haven't noticed any ads, even though it's connected to the internet and running on the latest firmware. And the built-in apps from YouTube, Netflix, etc. are a great bonus if you want to use it as a TV as well. Not to mention the great console support, since it's a TV and all. These 42" OLED TV's are in my opinion the best type of display you can get under $1000 for both TV and PC use.

 

Here is an in-depth review from a monitor perspective:

LG 42 C2 OLED Review - RTINGS.com

 

And in video form:

 

[Blue4130]

On 3/12/2024 at 10:13 PM, Eclipse2025 said:

i’m also trying to stay away from smart TVs because of all of the bad press I’ve been seeing in the regards of ads taking up Real estate.

Ads taking up realestate? Not when you are actually using it. I use a TV as a monitor and there are no ads.

[Andrewtst]

On 3/12/2024 at 10:13 PM, Eclipse2025 said:

ads taking up Real estate.

You no need to worried this, the smart TV is dumb if you not connected to internet.

 

Also most branded smart TV is not bloat with advertisement. This included from Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Sony and etc well known brand. Also all TV can set and default to open your last open connected device.

[jre84]

I have a X85J and a B2, I got my B2 for 899 CAD so it was a no brainer. If you can get a c2 on sale it will be untoppable for the price, and yes the difference is huge. I have a great triluminos tv and the oled looks better in every regard and on top of that it supports true 10bit 4.4.4 120 4k. Overall the pros are too great to recommend anything else